Dakota Fanning’s Sci-Fi Thriller: A Hidden Gem
Fans of dark, stylish mysteries will appreciate The Alienist, a Dakota Fanning-led series that skillfully combines crime and psychology. At first glance, it appears as a typical gloomy period mystery with cobblestone streets, gas lamps, and corseted intrigue. However, a closer look reveals one of the most intelligent, slow-burning thrillers of the past decade.
Plot and Setting
This two-season TNT series stars Dakota Fanning, Daniel Brühl, and Luke Evans, exploring the early development of criminal psychology, forensic science, and women's fight for equality. Set in 1890s New York, the show creates a moody, meticulous backdrop reflecting a city divided by wealth and poverty.
Story and Characters
Adapted from Caleb Carr’s 1994 best-selling novel, The Alienist follows Dr. Laszlo Kreizler (Daniel Brühl), a criminal psychologist known as an “alienist” at the time. Tasked by Police Commissioner Theodore Roosevelt (Brian Geraghty) to solve brutal murders of street children, Kreizler teams up with illustrator John Moore (Luke Evans) and Sara Howard (Dakota Fanning), Roosevelt’s determined secretary and the first woman hired by the NYPD.
"The series depicts a nightmarish picture of the duality of a wealthy, divided Manhattan in 1896, where gilded mansions are mere blocks from brothels and the tenements where street children live."
Series Highlights
- Explores early criminal psychology and forensic science
- Highlights women's early roles in law enforcement
- Reflects social contrasts in 1890s Manhattan
- Strong performances by Dakota Fanning and co-stars
- Maintains an 80% audience approval rating
With its blend of psychological depth and historical detail, The Alienist is an underappreciated thriller perfect for binge-watching.
Author’s summary: The Alienist is a compelling period thriller that blends crime, psychology, and social history into a smart, atmospheric series well worth watching.