Viewers are increasingly discovering the two-season thriller, The Alienist, featuring a compelling performance by Dakota Fanning that has garnered an impressive audience score of 80%. Originally airing on TNT from 2018 to 2020, this series delves into the early days of criminal psychology and forensic science, all set against the gothic backdrop of 1890s New York.
Exploring Crime and Morality in a Divided City
Adapted from Caleb Carr’s best-selling novel, The Alienist follows Dr. Laszlo Kreizler, played by Daniel Brühl, a criminal psychologist tasked by Police Commissioner Theodore Roosevelt to investigate a series of brutal murders targeting street children. The series paints a haunting picture of a wealthy, yet deeply divided Manhattan, where opulent mansions coexist with brothels and tenements.
Kreizler teams up with illustrator John Moore, portrayed by Luke Evans, and Sara Howard, the ambitious first female secretary of the NYPD, played by Fanning. Together, they utilize early forensic techniques like fingerprint analysis and behavioral profiling to confront a killer that the city’s elite would prefer remain unseen. Shot in Budapest, the production beautifully reconstructs the era’s grit and grandeur, rivaling acclaimed series such as Peaky Blinders and Boardwalk Empire.
Character Depth and Narrative Complexity
What sets The Alienist apart is its exploration of trauma and morality rather than merely solving a crime. Brühl’s Kreizler embodies a complex character, grappling with both fascination and revulsion towards human depravity. Evans brings a layered performance as Moore, a reporter whose idealism is reignited, while Fanning’s Sara Howard emerges as the series’ emotional core. Her struggle for recognition in a male-dominated society provides a significant source of conflict and depth.
The narrative continues to evolve in the second season, titled The Alienist: Angel of Darkness. Sara, now leading her own detective agency, is called back into action when a Spanish diplomat’s infant daughter is kidnapped. This season dives deeper into issues like political conspiracy and the treatment of women in early 20th-century America. Fanning’s performance shifts from rigid to confident, exhibiting a multi-faceted character who confronts both external and internal challenges.
The supporting cast remains strong, with returning actors such as Douglas Smith and Matthew Shear, alongside newcomers like Alice Krige, who adds an element of gothic tension.
While some critics have noted the series’ deliberate pacing, this aspect enhances its appeal. Rather than rushing through plot twists, The Alienist meticulously excavates the psychological landscape of 19th-century minds and morals.
Now streaming for free on Spectrum, the series is finally receiving the recognition it deserves. With its rich production values, strong performances, and Fanning’s notable portrayal, The Alienist stands out as a significant exploration of modern criminal investigation and the complexities of social progress.
Though a third season has yet to be announced, the existing material and the series’ devoted following leave the possibility open for further exploration. For now, both The Alienist and Angel of Darkness present a chilling yet captivating story worth binge-watching.
