With TV being an increasing presence at films festivals these days, it can only makes sense that “Alias Grace,” a show based on a book by arguably Canada’s greatest living novelist, based on a famous true Canadian murder case, co-produced by national broadcaster CBC, and directed and written by two of their top film talents, would be the prize of the TIFF TV selection.
The second major small-screen adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s work this year after the hit “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Alias Grace” adapts her 1996 novel about the famous 1843 murders in Upper Canada of a wealthy man and his housekeeper at the hands of two of their servants, with “American Psycho” helmer Mary Harron directing, and Sarah Polley writing the screenplay.
Sarah Gadon plays the title role, with “London Spy” actor Edward Holcroft, Zachary Levi, Anna Paquin and, inevitably for a Canadian TV show, Paul Gross also on board, and Netflix partnered with CBC to bring it to the rest of the world. And ahead of its premiere at TIFF next Tuesday, the streaming service just debuted the full trailer for the show, which is still looking terrific.
READ MORE: ‘Suburra’ Trailer: Corruption Is Everywhere In Netflix’s First Italian Original Series
Some might find the period piece a bit niche, but given how well true crime stuff does on Netflix, it could well end up catching fire. It hits CBC beginning September 25th, before the whole thing comes on Netflix on November 3rd. Read the full synopsis below, and watch that trailer.
Based on the award-winning novel by Margaret Atwood and inspired by true events, Alias Grace tells the story of Grace Marks (Sarah Gadon), a young, poor Irish immigrant and domestic servant in Upper Canada who – along with stable hand James McDermott (Kerr Logan) – finds herself accused and convicted of the infamous 1843 double murder of her employer Thomas Kinnear (Paul Gross), and his housekeeper Nancy Montgomery (Anna Paquin). Alias Grace is written and produced by Sarah Polley (Looking for Alaska, Take this Waltz, Away from Her) and directed by Mary Harron (American Psycho, I Shot Andy Warhol). The series will also star Zachary Levi. (Chuck, Tangled, Heroes Reborn).