"A masterwork in true crime storytelling." Bound to be your next addiction.

In terms of the true crime genre, while every new documentary and TV show does offer a different subject and story to tell, it's arguable that the narrative approach doesn't change that much. You know what we mean. Certain scenes are recreated, the relevant people are interviewed, archive footage is used etc. It's a tried and tested formula that has proven to be massively successful but if you're looking for something very different, The Act could be for you. What's it about? The Act is a seasonal anthology series that tells startling, stranger-than-fiction, true crime stories. Season One is based on the news article 'Dee Dee Wanted Her Daughter To Be Sick, Gypsy Wanted Her Mom To Be Murdered' by Michelle Dean. Essentially, the article and TV show tells the true story of Gypsy Blanchard (played by Joey King), a girl trying to escape the toxic relationship she has with her overprotective mother, Dee Dee (Patricia Arquette). Gypsy's quest for independence opens a Pandora's box of secrets, one that ultimately leads to murder. What makes The Act different is that it's focused on exploring the dynamics between these two people as their close bond turns toxic. Without giving too much away, Dee Dee was accused of abusing her daughter by fabricating illness and disabilities. All throughout her life, Gypsy has been confined to her wheelchair due to an illness that she believes to be real. Growing up, Gypsy's relationship with her overprotective mother begins to sour as she increasingly insists on her independence. She rebels against her mother and in doing so, Dee Dee grows more protective, controlling and abusive. The relationship turns even more sinister as Gypsy discovers secrets about her health, her mother, and her own psyche. In terms of tone, imagine the foreboding atmosphere of Misery but filmed through the pastel colour palette of Edward Scissorhands. A nightmare in suburban America. Since debuting in the United States, the show has been earning some very impressive reviews. At present, it currently holds a rating of 91% on Rotten Tomatoes and 74% on the more reliable Metacritic. In their review, Variety said: "The Act nails what it's going for - a grotty, nasty, poisonous fable whose punch comes from the fact that some version of it really happened but that would be compelling regardless." The Atlantic, meanwhile, described it as "body horror by way of Walt Disney, a ghoulish fantasia of princess gowns, stuffed animals, prescription drugs, and physical harm". Bloody Disgusting hailed it as "a masterwork in true crime storytelling", while The Hollywood Reporter said that "even with some lags in pacing, each time I thought the story was running out of juice, it found a different gear and a different genre, all anchored by King and Arquette". The Act will be available for Irish viewers to watch on STARZPLAY on Apple from 14 June. Take a look at what's in store. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_5fqDZCjQo Clip via Hulu