Dakota Fanning’s Two-Season Sci-Fi Thriller: A Hidden Gem
Fans of dark, stylish mysteries will enjoy The Alienist, a Dakota Fanning-led series that blends crime and psychology in a unique way. At first glance, it appears as another gloomy period mystery with cobblestone streets, gas lamps, and corseted intrigue.
However, a closer look reveals one of the most thoughtful, slow-burning thrillers of recent years. The series stars Dakota Fanning, Daniel Brühl, and Luke Evans, and unfolds over two seasons on TNT.
A Thoughtful Exploration of Crime and Society
The Alienist delves into the origins of criminal psychology, forensic science, and early women's rights advocacy. Set in 1890s New York, it presents a meticulously crafted, atmospheric portrayal of the city’s stark social contrasts.
"The Alienist chronicles Dr. Laszlo Kreizler (Brühl), a criminal psychologist (or 'alienist' as it was termed then), assigned by Police Commissioner Theodore Roosevelt (Brian Geraghty) to investigate a series of gruesome homicides involving street children."
The Investigative Team
Kreizler forms an unlikely trio with illustrator John Moore (Luke Evans) and Sara Howard (Dakota Fanning), Roosevelt’s determined secretary and the first woman employed by the NYPD.
Social Backdrop
The series paints a nightmarish picture of a divided Manhattan in 1896, where wealthy mansions stand just blocks away from brothels and tenements housing street children, highlighting stark social inequalities.
Author's summary: This atmospheric series skillfully combines crime, psychology, and social critique, making it a compelling and intelligent thriller worth watching.