The Haunting True Story Behind This Gripping Documentary Series Will Leave You Speechless

The 2009 horror film Orphan gained popularity due to its unsettling concept and unexpected plot twist. Now, the 2023 documentary series titled The Curious Case of Natalia Grace, available on Investigation Discovery, presents a strikingly similar story. Kristine and Michael Barnett recount their experience of adopting a girl from Ukraine only to discover that she may actually be an adult. The series has generated much buzz and while some may be drawn in by the resemblance to Isabelle Fuhrman's character in Orphan, the six episodes stand on their own as a gripping tale. Viewers can stream The Curious Case of Natalia Grace on Max and Discovery*. How does the series compare to Orphan and its 2022 prequel, Orphan: First Kill?

What Is Orphan About?

The heart-wrenching movie Orphan portrays the struggles of John and Kate, a grieving couple who decide to adopt Esther. However, as time passes, they begin to notice that Esther's behavior is far from that of a typical child. Soon, they become terrified of her and suspect that she is attempting to harm them. While the plot may seem predictable, the shocking revelation of a woman disguising herself as a young girl is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

What Is The Curious Case Of Natalia Grace About?

The film Orphan: First Kill provides an insight into Esther's past and the initial family she deceived. The similarities between this movie and the documentary series, The Curious Case of Natalia Grace, are undeniable. In both instances, the parents are left in shock by their circumstances, desperately hoping for a positive resolution while simultaneously pondering how to escape the situation.

The documentary, The Curious Case of Natalia Grace, revolves around an intriguing tale of an orphan. While Natalia claims to be a young girl, her adoptive parents insist that she is a grown woman and a fraudster. The premise of the movie Orphan, also based on a similar storyline, has been critiqued for its unrealistic plot twist, as it is evident that Esther is not a child but an adult.

Kristine and Michael Barnett adopted a six-year-old girl named Natalia from Ukraine in 2010. However, as the documentary progresses, it becomes clear that Natalia was much older than six and was exhibiting violent behavior, going through puberty, and experiencing menstruation. The Barnetts claimed to be afraid of her and did not want to live with her. The story of Natalia Grace is both wild and intense, making it difficult to believe at times. While the ending of the movie Orphan is fictional, the real-life story of Natalia did not have a happy ending. Michael and Kristine Barnett, who are now divorced, were accused of neglect and faced a legal case. However, they were both acquitted in the end.

Natalia Grace's story has left many people in shock and disbelief, following her appearance on Dr. Phil three years ago. During the interview, she denied the violent accusations made against her by her adoptive parents. Despite her claims, The Curious Case of Natalia Grace has become a highly talked-about true crime story. Today, Natalia lives with another couple in Indiana, however, she continues to deny the allegations made against her. While her legal age is 33, she claims to be 19. Cynthia and Anthony Mans, who began taking care of Natalia in 2014, have stated that they have not witnessed any of the behavior that her previous family had reported. Prior to this, Natalia had been living on her own in Indiana and was having difficulty.

The intrigue of The Curious Case of Natalia Grace is undeniable, making it a truly captivating documentary series. Despite not being a horror movie based on real events, the series evokes strong similarities to the character of Esther Coleman/Leena Klammer from the film Orphan. It's impossible not to draw connections between the two.