The true-crime drama “The Act” has received widespread attention for its thought-provoking portrayal of the toxic and delusional relationship between Dee Dee Blanchard and her daughter Gypsy Rose. The Hulu series takes creative liberties, but generally stays true to the core details of the story. Dee Dee, played by Patricia Arquette, is a master manipulator who fabricates lies about Gypsy Rose’s health, age, and abilities, keeping her trapped in a make-believe world. Gypsy Rose, played on the show by Joey King, grows increasingly aware of her mother’s dishonesty and eventually seeks to escape the toxic relationship.
One of the most striking aspects of the show is its depiction of Dee Dee’s overbearing tendencies and malicious lies. Her claims of Gypsy Rose’s various ailments, including a supposed sugar allergy and muscular dystrophy, are exposed as falsehoods, revealing Dee Dee’s obsession with control and manipulation. The show also explores Gypsy Rose’s growing sense of self and her increasing awareness of her mother’s dishonesty. As Gypsy Rose begins to question her mother’s fabrications, she starts to reject the identity her mother has created for her.
A Still From The Act TV Show (Photo: The Act TV)
The show accurately depicts the relationship between Gypsy Rose and her boyfriend Nicholas Godejohn, showcasing their online interactions and deep, dark fantasies. However, Godejohn’s statements after the murder suggest their relationship took a different turn while they were behind bars, with Gypsy Rose being portrayed as the mastermind behind the crime. The show also accurately portrays Gypsy Rose’s father Rod Blanchard, who was manipulated by Dee Dee into staying silent about certain matters.
While some minor inaccuracies may be present, “The Act” does an outstanding job of conveying the complex and toxic relationship between Dee Dee and Gypsy Rose. The show’s portrayal of Gypsy Rose’s manipulation by her mother and her eventual desire for escape is palpable, and the attention to detail in the lies and deceptions is impressive. “The Act” is a thought-provoking and engaging watch that provides a digestible and easy-to-follow timeline of what happened to Gypsy Rose and Dee Dee Blanchard, ultimately leading to a tragic conclusion.
