Hulu's "Good American Family" weaves a tale centered around Natalia Grace and her intricate life intertwined with the Barnetts. Rather than portraying a black-and-white divide between villains and heroes, the series meticulously uncovers every facet of its narrative. Across the initial four episodes, viewers are privy to the perspectives of Kristine and Michael Barnett, who welcomed Natalia into their home as a child, only to ultimately realize she was, in fact, an adult in disguise. As the fifth episode unfolds, the narrative shifts, offering a gentler portrayal of Natalia by chronicling events through her eyes. The sixth episode builds upon this, unraveling the mystery that appears to have sparked the discord between Natalia and her adoptive parents.
By the series' climax, Natalia finds herself utterly deserted by the Barnetts. Their final encounter descends into chaos as Kristine douses Natalia with pepper spray, warning her to steer clear of causing any further disturbances. This helpless young woman, hampered by a disability that renders walking arduous, is compelled to navigate the stairs to her ground-floor apartment alone. She is sent to a school for obtaining her GED rather than an institution suited for her age, further isolating her. Days turn into a bleak routine as Natalia succumbs to depression, abandoning her studies to spend her days at a desolate spot, scavenging for meager remnants of food left for her.
One fateful day, Cynthia Mans encounters Natalia sitting in solitary confinement, her feet bleeding profusely. Motivated by compassion, Cynthia attempts to lend a helping hand, but Natalia's fear of Kristine discovering her interactions with others hinders her acceptance of help. Initially, Natalia tries to brush off Cynthia's gestures, yet Cynthia persists, eventually convincing Natalia to accompany her to her apartment. Despite Natalia's insistence that she is an adult, Cynthia, sensing the marks of an abandoned child, assists her up the stairs and cleverly requests entry into the apartment under the pretext of needing to use the restroom. Natalia hesitates, fearing Cynthia might report the squalid living conditions to her mother, but ultimately relents as Cynthia's persistence remains unyielding. Upon entering, Cynthia's eyes are opened to the harrowing reality of Natalia's existence.
Cynthia, armed with a freshly arrived card, kindly offers to purchase groceries for Natalia. As their time together elongates, Natalia's heart swells with safety and joy. However, at checkout, Cynthia surprisingly requests Natalia to settle the bill with her brand-new card. In gratitude, Cynthia invites Natalia for dinner at her place, urging her to take leftovers to ensure she has nourishing meals. But once Cynthia uses her card, a cloud of suspicion hovers over Natalia.
Upon entering Cynthia's abode, filled with laughter and children, Natalia's defenses crumble. She feels enveloped by warmth and acceptance, leading her to stay for a post-dinner movie. That night, eavesdropping on a conversation about Cynthia's financial woes and her husband's struggles, Natalia also catches fragments of worry directed at her.
On another occasion, concerned about Natalia's chronic pain, Cynthia escorts her to the doctor. When quizzed about Natalia's age and medical history, Cynthia abruptly asserts herself as Natalia's mother. The doctor mandates tests before prescribing medication and suggests a walker in the meantime. To fund the walker, Natalia needs to apply for disability, but reveals the money has already been dispatched to her parents. Cynthia instructs her to change the beneficiary to herself.
During the subsequent visit, the doctor unveils that Natalia's pain can be alleviated through surgeries reserved for children. Noticing Natalia's undeveloped teeth, the doctor concludes she's a child, not even a teenager. Suspecting Cynthia, the doctor alerts the authorities.
Enter Officer Brandon Drysdale, who promptly interrogates the Manses and Natalia about their true relationship and Natalia's circumstances. Drysdale's presence terrifies Natalia, causing her to repeat what Kristine coached her to say. Though she eventually leaves with the Manses, Drysdale hands her his card before departure.
Later, Cynthia receives a call from Kristine, detailing Natalia's alleged misdemeanors. Cynthia reassures Natalia of her disbelief in Kristine's accusations and vows to care for her. At home, Natalia finally indulges in a bath, an activity she detested under the Barnetts.
Natalia embarks on a healing journey, evident in her church attendance beside Cynthia, where she vows to testify. Her decision is reinforced by scenes at the police station, where she discusses her abuse at Kristine's hands with Drysdale. Specifically, she recounts the bloodied socks Kristine claimed were from hidden periods, but which were actually from forced marches as punishment.
