New True Crime Documentary Series Chronicles Real-Life ‘Orphan’ Case
In 2009, Jaume Collet-Serra unleashed Orphan onto the world, fundamentally changing the lives of young horror fans like me. In the film, a woman poses as a young girl due to a hormonal disorder that makes her appear nine years old. She’s adopted by a family and infiltrates their lives, causing irreparable harm along the way. Its premise seems far-fetched, yes, but it’s certainly not impossible, as seen in the new documentary series The Curious Case of Natalia Grace.
Read the full synopsis below:
Initially assumed to be a 6-year-old Ukrainian orphan with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, a rare bone growth disorder that can result in skeletal abnormalities as well as issues with hearing and vision, Natalia was adopted by Kristine and Michael Barnett in 2010. However, the happy family dynamic soured when allegations against Natalia were brought by the Barnetts who alleged Natalia was an adult masquerading as a child with intent to harm their family. In 2013, Natalia was discovered living on her own which ignited an investigation that led to Michael and Kristine’s arrest and a firestorm of questions.
This case went viral when the Barnetts were tried for neglect of their adopted child Natalia when they moved her into her own apartment. They did so because they claimed she was trying to kill them and their other three children. Then, when the courts realized her actual age (22, not eight), the case became much more complicated. This new documentary series features exclusive interviews with the family about the case, Natalia, and what exactly happened.
The Curious Case of Natalia Grace premieres across three consecutive nights on ID beginning Monday, May 29, airing nightly from 9-11pm ET/PT.
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