“Unbelievable,” the powerful Netflix limited series, delves into the heart-rending and true story of a young woman’s journey through trauma, doubt, and the pursuit of justice. Inspired by real-life events documented in the article “An Unbelievable Story of Rape” by ProPublica and The Marshall Project, and the book “A False Report” by T. Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong, the show captures the stark reality of sexual assault survivors while shedding light on the tenacity of law enforcement in their pursuit of truth and justice.
Plot and Background
In the series, we meet Marie Adler, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever, a teenager living in Washington. Her life takes a tragic turn when she becomes a victim of sexual assault in her own home. The traumatic experience leaves her reeling, but with immense courage, she reports the crime to the local police, seeking justice and support. However, her expectations are shattered as she faces relentless questioning, skepticism, and a lack of empathy from the authorities. The pressure becomes unbearable, leading Marie to recant her statement, and her case is subsequently dismissed. Abandoned and disbelieved, Marie’s life spirals into despair, leaving her deeply scarred and isolated.
Amidst Marie’s heartbreaking journey, “Unbelievable” introduces us to two unwavering detectives, Detective Grace Rasmussen (Toni Collette) and Detective Karen Duvall (Merritt Wever), who are assigned to investigate a series of sexual assault cases in Colorado. The detectives find themselves grappling with cases that bear eerie similarities to Marie’s experience. Determined to bring the perpetrators to justice, Grace and Karen embark on an arduous and emotionally charged journey that leads them down a path they could never have imagined.
Comparisons to Real Events
While “Unbelievable” draws from true events, certain elements have been adapted for dramatic purposes and to maintain the privacy of the real-life individuals involved.
Names and Locations
To protect the identity of the survivors and investigators, the show uses pseudonyms and changes the names of the cities and jurisdictions in which the events occurred. In reality, the survivor’s name was not Marie Adler but Marie, and the incidents took place in Washington and Colorado, with specific locations withheld.
Investigative Approach
In the series, the investigative process is streamlined for narrative flow. In reality, the case resolution was a more gradual and collaborative effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies. The series condenses the timeline for dramatic effect and focuses on the critical breakthroughs made by the detectives.
Marie’s Story
The show captures the essence of Marie’s emotional turmoil and the traumatic aftermath of reporting the assault. However, to intensify the impact and provide a nuanced portrayal, the series combines certain events and alters certain dialogues. The core of Marie’s suffering and the skepticism she faced remain true to real-life events.
Composite Characters
To create a more focused narrative, the show introduces composite characters in the form of Detective Grace Rasmussen and Detective Karen Duvall. These characters embody the spirit and dedication of the real-life investigators involved in the case, combining their experiences and actions into a compelling duo.
“Unbelievable” stands as a poignant and thought-provoking series that exposes the harsh realities of sexual assault survivors and the challenges they face in seeking justice. The show effectively emphasizes the importance of empathy, support, and a more victim-centric approach in handling such cases.
While certain aspects have been fictionalized or condensed, the heart of the story remains true to the real events that inspired it. “Unbelievable” not only captivates audiences with its powerful storytelling but also serves as a call to action, urging us to create a society that believes survivors and works tirelessly to dismantle the barriers that impede justice. As viewers are left contemplating the profound impact of the series, the quest for a more compassionate and just world continues, inspired by the resilience of those who have suffered and survived.