The critically acclaimed seasonal anthology series The Act, which tells startling, stranger-than-fiction true crime stories, debuts on Fox Showcase on Tuesday
Season one, The Act: Dee Dee and Gypsy Rose, follows the extraordinary real-life story of Gypsy Blanchard (Joey King), a girl trying to escape the toxic relationship she has with her overprotective mother, Dee Dee (Patricia Arquette).
But Gypsy’s quest for independence goes on to open a Pandora’s box of secrets about her mother, one that ultimately leads to a prison sentence – and murder.
Confined to a wheelchair but cheerful and gracious, Gypsy is everyone’s idea of the perfect sick child. Her mother, Dee Dee, has always been by her side. But as Gypsy’s sexuality comes into full bloom, she finds herself forced to rebel against her mother’s protectiveness.
To everyone around her, Dee Dee appears to be the perfect mum. She has guided and protected her daughter through a staggering number of hardships: severe illnesses, homelessness, and hurricane Katrina. To the people in her new neighbourhood in Springfield, Missouri, she’s an admirable figure. But behind closed doors, her insecurities and need for control often get the better of her.
The series also stars Oscar nominee Chlöe Sevigny as Mel. Caustic and colourful, Mel is a natural leader of all the women in her small neighbourhood. She’s had a hard life, and she sympathizes with the troubles Dee Dee’s been through. But when she catches a glimpse of another side of Dee Dee, she doesn’t know what to think.
The Act: Dee Dee and Gypsy Rose is an original Hulu drama and exclusive in Australia to Foxtel.
Tuesday, June 18 at 9.30pm, with new episodes streaming weekly on Foxtel Now and screening on FOX SHOWCASE.
