Netflix and the CBC give us sneak peeks at Alias Grace

Another powerful story from Margaret Atwood will make its debut later this year, via Netflix (and the CBC in Canada).

Everyone’s been talking about Hulu’s adaptation of The Handmaid’s Tale, and rightfully so. It’s a blistering look at a future that now seems dangerously within our grasp. It’s all thanks to author Margaret Atwood, who first published the novel in 1985.

But Atwood hasn’t produced only one masterwork. After all, the respected Canadian author has written seventeen novels. She’s also produced many other works of poetry, short fiction, opera libretti, and more. To say the least, Atwood is a towering presence in the world of modern literature.

Now, Netflix and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation will soon premiere an adaptation of one of her other acclaimed works, the 1996 novel, Alias Grace.  Netflix has just released a stunning set of photos from the production. The CBC has likewise put out a beautiful sneak peek.

The book and miniseries tells the story of Grace Marks, a real-life Canadian woman who was accused of killing her employer and his housekeeper in 1843. Grace was eventually convicted of killing said employer, Thomas Kinnear.

The trial and conviction of Marks created substantial controversy in Canada. Many people were unsure of her exact role in the murder. Was she the mastermind? Could she have been an accessory to the true killer, who was perhaps the stable hand James McDermott? Was she a dull, unintelligent Irish immigrant? Or was she a canny and highly observant criminal?

McDermott was eventually hanged. Marks, meanwhile, eventually went to Kingston Penitentiary in Kingston, Ontario. Nearly thirty years after her conviction, Marks was finally pardoned. She moved to New York state and soon disappeared from the historic record.

The fictional Grace Marks

This all comes together in a dramatic, introspective story in the hands of Margaret Atwood. Alias Grace explores the difficult conditions for 19th century immigrants, servants, and prisoners in Canada. Likewise, the rigid expectations of Victorian society in the novel presented a harsh rebuke to a young, often lonely woman.

Though Atwood followed the general outline of events, the uncertainties of Marks’ story leave plenty of room for interpretation. Atwood also introduced fictional characters, such as a young doctor, Simon Jordan, who interviews Marks. Perhaps most importantly, she finally gave Grace a voice, via a sharp internal monologue.

Now, Netflix and the CBC are bringing this drama to the small screen with an Alias Grace miniseries, set to hit screens on September 25.

The six-part features a serious roster of Canadian talent. Sarah Gadon stars as Marks, along with Ker Logan as James McDermott.

Anna Paquin (X-Men, True Blood) will take on the role of housekeeper Nancy Montgomery and, looking at one of the photos, a plaid dress that borders on both the awesome and the unfortunate. Gadon, meanwhile, appears to be consigned to the kind of severe clothing available mostly to maids and inmates of Victorian prisons.

Next: 10 times The Handmaid’s Tale got way too real

Sarah Polley (Away From Her) adapted and produced the series, while Mary Harron (American Psycho) directs. Kudos to the CBC for employing talented female creatives behind the camera, as well.

Canadian viewers will get to watch Alias Grace as it airs on CBC Television. Other viewers worldwide will catch the series on Netflix September 25.