Caught in “The Act”

Are you ready for a new true crime series to binge watch instead of homework or chores? Well, the true crime series “The Act,” premieres on Hulu on March 20.

The show will feature the true story of Gypsy Blanchard, a 24-year-old woman who brutally murdered her mother on June 14, 2015.

According to Hulu, the motives behind the murder was a toxic relationship stemming from the abuse and control of Gypsy Blanchard, played by Joey King, by her mother Dee Dee Blanchard played by Patricia Arquette.

Dee Dee suffered from Munchausen syndrome which causes a parent to create fictitious illnesses and ailments for their child.

“To think that a mental condition like that exists is scary and eye opening that some people are basically slaves to the mental condition of a figurehead in their lives,” said junior Thomas Dooner.

“The Act,” has been marketing the star power of Arquette and King in this true crime series.

In the 42 second teaser posted on YouTube, that has gotten over 4 million views on Hulu’s official channel, Arquette is seen tying King to the bed as well as grinding up medicines to pump into King to help aid with her fictitious ailments.

“After watching the trailer, the show did appeal to me because I love true crime shows, especially based on true stories,” said sophomore Jessica Teixeira. “I actually prefer it on Hulu better, but I have all of the video streaming services.”

For those who are unfamiliar with the two stars, Arquette, who made her film debut as Kristen Parker in “A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors,” in 1987 will star as Dee Dee Blanchard.

Along with her role in “A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors,” Arquette also starred in movies such as “Stigmata,” and “Boyhood.”

King is best known for her lead role in the 2010 film “Ramona and Beezus,” along with her features in movies such as “Quarantine,” and “Reign Over Me,” with Adam Sandler.

King has also done voice-over work for “Horton Hears a Who!” “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs,” along with her guest appearance in the series “Ghost Whisperer.”

Netflix original series “The Ted Bundy Tapes,” was released on Jan. 24. Hulu releases “The Act” as a Hulu original which draws speculation of competition between the two releases.

“I saw all the marketing for “The Ted Bundy Tapes,” and it excited me for the show, I had never been informed of “The Act,” until today,” said Dooner. “I immediately felt like Hulu was trying to fire back and keep up with Netflix.”

With the release of the “The Act” slowly approaching, the questions that may be asked are, will this series cause a rise in subscriptions for Hulu and build its popularity, will this truly rival Netflix original “The Ted Bundy Tapes,” or will it be of no comparison?

“True crime series are my favorite I have yet to watch the Netflix original, but I will surely watch both in order to form a fair opinion on the both of them,” said junior Aliyah Muhammad.

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