The critically acclaimed series The Alienist, starring Dakota Fanning, has garnered an impressive 80% audience score and is now considered a hidden gem worth binge-watching. This two-season thriller, which aired on TNT from 2018 to 2020, takes viewers on a gripping journey through the darker aspects of 1890s New York City, blending historical elements with an intricate narrative.
Set against the moody backdrop of a city grappling with stark social divides, The Alienist is adapted from Caleb Carr’s best-selling novel. The series follows Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, portrayed by Daniel Brühl, a criminal psychologist enlisted by Police Commissioner Theodore Roosevelt to investigate a string of horrifying murders targeting street children. This narrative offers a profound exploration of criminal psychology, forensic science, and early advocacy for women’s rights.
Exploring the Depths of Crime and Morality
The story paints a haunting picture of Manhattan, where opulent mansions sit in stark contrast to the impoverished tenements. Kreizler teams up with journalist John Moore, played by Luke Evans, and Sara Howard, the first woman in the NYPD and portrayed by Fanning. Together, they employ emerging forensic techniques such as fingerprinting and behavioral profiling to pursue a killer that the city’s elite would prefer to ignore.
The strength of The Alienist lies not just in its plot twists but in its profound exploration of trauma, morality, and the alienation of individuals within society. Brühl’s Kreizler embodies a complex character, grappling with his fascination and revulsion towards human depravity.
“The murders serve as a vessel to explore trauma, morality, and the psychology of alienation,”
a review noted, capturing the essence of the show’s deeper themes.
Fanning shines as Sara Howard, whose determination to be taken seriously in a male-dominated world creates compelling dramatic tension. Her character evolves significantly in the second season, titled The Alienist: Angel of Darkness, where she leads her own detective agency. The narrative escalates as she investigates the abduction of a Spanish diplomat’s infant daughter, diving deeper into the city’s underbelly of corruption and class struggle.
A Captivating Production with Lasting Impact
While the first season is marked by its noir aesthetics and gothic atmosphere, the second season shifts focus to more psychological themes, examining the implications of political conspiracies and the treatment of women in early 20th-century America. Critics have remarked that the pacing, while deliberate, enhances the storytelling, allowing viewers to fully engage with the intricate character arcs and moral dilemmas.
The production quality of The Alienist is noteworthy, with a cinematographic style that rivals series like Peaky Blinders and Boardwalk Empire. Filmed in Budapest, the series successfully recreates the gritty beauty of Gilded Age New York, immersing viewers in its dark and complex world.
As the series is now available for free streaming on Spectrum, it is poised to reach a wider audience. With its rich production, powerful performances, and Fanning’s compelling portrayal of Sara Howard, The Alienist stands out as a significant exploration of the early days of criminal investigation and the societal issues of its time.
While a third season has yet to be confirmed, the existing two seasons offer a complete and thoughtfully crafted narrative that merits full attention. The Alienist and its sequel promise an engaging viewing experience, blending suspense with a critical examination of morality and societal change.
