Netflix recently released a plethora of attention-grabbing programmes. These range in style, from focusing on real-life victims to re-enactments of mind-bending manipulation stories. I have to say, out of all the ones worth watching, choose Inventing Anna.
This show explores the story of Anna Delvey (played by Julia Garner), all told through the eyes of journalist Vivian Kent (played by Anna Chlumsky). The story follows an alleged Russian-born German heiress who conned many rich individuals into giving her millions of dollars.
When Vivian Kent discovers a girl who has been recently indicted with grand larceny and jail without bail, something doesn’t add up. Kent is perplexed by the situation and defies her editor to seek out the twisting tale further. The audience only begins to uncover snippets of the story alongside Kent as she illustrates her different capabilities and techniques as an independent journalist.
Kent sculpts the story of Inventing Anna and is a credit to showing us the possibilities of investigative journalism. There are points where Kent may seem intrusive and persistent - despite this, by the end, everyone she ever wanted to speak to has contributed to her piece and uncovered the world of Anna Delvey.
As we meet Delvey herself in prison following her recent arrest for stealing an excess of money, we remain unaware of her games. However, as we delve deeper, Kent reveals a web of elite individuals who fell subject to Delvey’s manipulation.
The rise and fall of Anna Delvey, better known as ‘Sorokin’, was told by journalist Jessica Pressler in New York Magazine, and this is a true story. The article Maybe She Had So Much Money She Just Lost Track of It was published in 2018 and explored Sorokins’ risk to high society. The similarities between characters are unmatched which makes this whole story seem worth watching.
This show is the perfect escapism from everyday life. If you have time for a binge watch, treat yourself to this one. The elements of true-crime, the 'American Dream', luxury, friendship and journalism all come together to tell a really harrowing story.
It may seem a bit cliche, but for me, the way the series illustrated investigative journalism made me feel inspired as it gave another example of how you can put your mind to anything, if you want it enough.
Inventing Anna has managed to show viewers a perspective of journalism that didn’t put me off but endeared me. Even if you don’t have an interest in the journalism industry, the show supports itself through a multitude of intriguing themes and I highly recommend watching it. However, don't let the fake Russian accent put you off.
Edited by Hannah Youds