The Girl from Plainville

I have always been a bigger fan of documentaries rather than reenactments. For those of you who agree with that statement, just watch the HBO documentary "I Love You, Now Die." I started this and then realized how pointless it is to watch people re-enacting a story and there being "events that are dramatized" (as per the statement in the opening first episode) when you can just watch the real deal. Similar to The Dropout, where you can just watch The Inventor documentary about Theranos and Elizabeth Holmes.

The whole point of this review is: if you're more into that way of filmmaking, I want to make sure you know that exists as well. This isn't the only way to get this story.

The premise and storyline is good, but the horrible editing makes it seem like there is no continuity between the scenes. I don't know if it's the director's vision or scene editors were lazy or what.. transition between scenes seem very abrupt.

I was unfamiliar with the story on which this limited series is based, and have never seen the documentary that was referenced in some of the other reviews.

Chloe Sevigney gives an excellent performance as the bereaved mother. The actors playing the lead teen characters are doing a solid job portraying how teens with serious mental health issues actually behave.

Recommend.

First I had my feelings about this actual story years ago but I adore Elle Fanning so am watching it. She is perfectly cast in the leading role. Some have criticized her detached affect but I feel she nailed the part. It's a sad story but it's interesting seeing it from all sides especially hers. This is worth a watch.

The show seems to jump from the past to present with no real indication. It can be jarring and annoying. This had potential to being an incredibly addictive series but it's just too dragged out and occasionally confusing. Elle Fanning is sensational though. Let's be honest - she is the reason I'll finish this series.