A new drama series titled Good American Family, premiering on Disney+ in Canada on March 19, features Ellen Pompeo in a challenging role as Kristine Barnett. The show is based on the controversial real-life story of an American family who adopted a young girl named Natalia Grace, believed to have dwarfism, only to later suspect she might be an adult impersonating a child. Pompeo not only stars but also serves as an executive producer alongside Mark Duplass, Imogen Faith Reid, Dulé Hill, Christina Hendricks, and Sarayu Blue. Sarah Sutherland, one of the executive producers, praised Pompeo for her versatility and leadership both on and off-screen.
The narrative unfolds through dual timelines, beginning with Kristine's public persona as a devoted mother celebrated for raising her autistic son, Jacob, into a prodigy. However, this image is shattered when police arrest her for child neglect. Flashbacks reveal tensions within the Barnett household after their previous adoption fell through. When an opportunity arises to adopt Natalia, a seven-year-old Ukrainian girl with dwarfism, Kristine convinces her husband Michael (played by Mark Duplass) despite financial difficulties. Concerns arise almost immediately upon bringing Natalia home, leading Kristine to question whether Natalia is truly a child or possibly an adult sociopath.
Imogen Faith Reid, a relatively unknown actress at 27 years old, takes on the demanding role of Natalia. Her performance captures the ambiguity central to the story—whether Natalia is genuinely a child or an adult pretending to be one. Reid was chosen after an extensive international search, earning unanimous approval from the production team. According to Sarah Sutherland, working with Reid has been transformative, highlighting her potential as a rising star.
Katie Robbins, creator and co-showrunner, emphasizes the complexity of adapting such a polarizing real-life event. Conflicting accounts from both sides complicate any definitive resolution, making the series more about exploring perspectives than delivering clear answers. This approach encourages viewers to confront their own biases while grappling with nuanced portrayals of truth and deception.
Good American Family delves deep into themes of trust, perception, and morality. By balancing moments of tension with glimpses of humor and humanity, the show aims to keep audiences engaged without overwhelming them. Through Pompeo’s portrayal of Kristine Barnett and Reid’s compelling performance as Natalia, the series invites viewers to explore the gray areas between reality and illusion, ultimately leaving them questioning what they believe—and why.