Unveiling the Real-Life Inspiration Behind the Saint X Hulu Show

Summary

Saint X on Hulu is a gripping crime series set in the idyllic Caribbean, with a dark and twisted plot that keeps viewers hooked.

The show garnered a diverse range of reviews from critics, but it managed to amass a dedicated fanbase and achieved an impressive 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Despite bearing resemblances to the Natalee Holloway case, the series is actually a work of fiction inspired by Alexis Schaitkin's highly acclaimed novel published in 2020. As there is a scarcity of source material, the chances of a second season are slim.

Saint X on Hulu is a thrilling crime drama filled with unexpected twists and turns. Many viewers have questioned whether the show is based on a true story due to its believable portrayal. Developed by Leila Gerstein, the series revolves around Emily's journey to uncover the truth behind her sister's brutal murder in the Caribbean twenty years ago. Against the backdrop of the picturesque Caribbean, the series effectively contrasts its visuals with the dark and twisted narrative that unfolds with each episode.

While the series received criticism from critics on Rotten Tomatoes for its slow pace, unsatisfying ending, and lengthy runtime, it garnered a much more positive response from the audience, earning an impressive 84% score on the platform. Despite the mixed reception, Saint X has cemented its position as one of the top shows available on Hulu, showcasing the streaming platform's commitment to delivering engaging original content across various genres. As viewers became engrossed in Emily's quest for the truth, questions surrounding the authenticity of the story persisted throughout the limited series' lone season.

Saint X Is Not Based On A True Story (But Shares Similarities With The Natalee Holloway Case)

Saint X on Hulu may give off a gritty true crime vibe, but it is important to note that it is purely a work of fiction and not based on any real events. The story is a product of the writer's vivid imagination, with no ties to reality. The show is an adaptation of Alexis Schaitkin's debut novel, published in 2020, which received widespread acclaim upon its release. The New York Times described the book as "hypnotic" and praised it for its thoughtful social commentary on various topics including class, race, and family dynamics. While some elements from the book did not make it to the screen adaptation, it is clear why Schaitkin's work was selected for adaptation.

Despite being a work of fiction, Saint X bears an uncanny resemblance to the infamous Natalee Holloway case, which captivated the world in 2005. Holloway, a young woman from Alabama, mysteriously disappeared during her vacation in Aruba shortly after graduating from high school. Despite the arrest of multiple suspects, the case remains unsolved, and numerous similarities can be drawn between the Holloway case and the storyline of Saint X. Although Schaitkin has never explicitly stated that she drew inspiration from the Holloway case, the similarities between the two cannot be ignored.

Saint X Season 2 Is Not Confirmed

Despite its underwhelming critical reception, Saint X on Hulu is unlikely to be renewed for a second season mainly because it has exhausted all the content available from its literary source. While Schaitkin's book was perfect for a limited series, it didn't leave much room for further development, although TV executives have previously extended shows based on single novels to meet audience demand, as seen with successful series like Handmaid's Tale and Big Little Lies. Only time will tell if Hulu decides to revive the show, but it will require a significant storyline shift given how the first season concluded.