Good American Family is a drama series about a Ukrainian-born American with dwarfism Natalia Grace’s adoption. Kristine (Ellen Pompeo) and Michael Barnett (Mark Duplass) think they are adopting a young girl with dwarfism. But over a period of time, they begin to wonder if she is really who she says she is. The series is of 8 episodes and two episodes premiered on Hulu and JioHotstar on March 19, 2025.
Storyline:
The series Good American Family follows the true story of Natalia Grace, a girl with dwarfism adopted by Kristine and Michael Barnett. At first, they believe she is a 7-year-old child in need of a loving home. However, as time passes, the Barnetts begin to question Natalia’s age and identity. Their growing suspicions lead to shocking discoveries, turning their once-happy adoption into a dark and tense mystery. Told from multiple perspectives, Good American Family explores the conflicting narratives surrounding Natalia’s case, leaving audiences to wonder: Is she an innocent child, or is there more to her story?
Review:
Episode 1 of Good American Family is titled “Almost Like a Prayer.” It is directed by Liz Garbus and written by Katie Robbins. Episode 2, “Jump the Jitters Out,” continues the suspense as tensions rise between Natalia and her adoptive family, revealing more problematic behavior.
Positive Aspects:
The first episode of Good American Family starts as a heartwarming adoption story but quickly turns into a thrilling and suspenseful drama.
Kristine and Michael Barnett adopt Natalia, hoping she will be a loving sister to their three sons. However, things take a dark turn when Natalia begins questioning everything Kristine does for her.
The episode does a great job of building tension. Some of the most gripping moments include:
- Natalia running on the beach despite being stopped by her new parents.
- Natalia insisting on using a sharp knife in the kitchen meant for adults.
- A chilling moment when Kristine feels uneasy while giving Natalia a bath.
A touching and realistic moment in episode 1 is when Kristine confesses to her son Jacob that she often feels tired and busy, making her feel like she isn’t always there for him. Many mothers can relate to this but few openly admit it, which makes this scene stand out.
The episode 1 ends with an intense cliffhanger as Natalia enters the bedroom holding a knife as Kristine desperately tries to wake her sleeping husband. This leaves viewers eager to find out what happens next.
Negative Aspects:
While episode 1 is exciting, some parts might feel predictable for people who watch a lot of thrillers. For example, when Natalia interrupts Kristine’s speech in front of guests, it might seem like she did it on purpose to embarrass her.
The pacing is also a bit uneven as some scenes last longer than needed, while other important moments feel rushed. The show also hints at serious topics like adoption fraud and trauma, but it is unclear if these will be explored in detail or just used to create suspense.
Performances:
The acting in episodes 1 and 2 is strong and believable:
- Ellen Pompeo (Kristine Barnett) gives a realistic performance, showing both love and growing fear as she starts to suspect something is wrong.
- Mark Duplass (Michael Barnett) plays his role well, though his character doesn’t have much focus yet.
- Imogen Faith Reid (Natalia) is excellent, making viewers both sympathize with and feel uneasy about her. She plays the role so well that it’s hard to tell if she’s innocent or hiding something.
Series Quality:
The episode is well-directed by balancing family drama and thriller elements. The camera work helps show both the warmth of family moments and the creeping fear that something isn’t right. The way the story is told from different perspectives is interesting, making the audience question what the truth really is and wanting to watch episode 2 as well, as soon as episode 1 ends. However, the constant shifts in perspective can sometimes be confusing.
Verdict:
Episodes 1 and 2 of Good American Family delivers a strong start with solid performances, a tense atmosphere, and a shocking ending that keeps viewers hooked. However, the mix of family drama and psychological thriller elements may leave some unsure of the show’s true direction in the upcoming episodes.
Cast & Crew:
Main Cast
- Ellen Pompeo as Kristine Barnett – Natalia’s adoptive mother
- Mark Duplass as Michael Barnett – Natalia’s adoptive father
- Imogen Faith Reid as Natalia Grace – A 7-year-old girl with dwarfism
Recurring Cast
- Dulé Hill as Brandon Drysdale – A detective investigating the Barnetts
- Sarayu Blue as Valika – A parent at Kristine’s daycare
- Christina Hendricks as Cynthia Mans
- Kim Shaw as Jennifer – Michael’s new wife after his separation
Crew
- Creator: Katie Robbins
- Executive Producers: Ellen Pompeo, Laura Holstein, Sarah Sutherland, Mike Epps, Dan Spilo, Niles Kirchner, Andrew Stearn
- Production Company: 20th Television (formerly ABC Signature)
- Director & Executive Producer (Pilot): Liz Garbus
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