'Anatomy of a Scandal': Is Netflix psychological thriller based on true story?
If you are a fan of scandalous shows based on the lives of the ultra-rich, then Netflix has something special coming out for you. Titled ‘Anatomy of a Scandal’, the show revolves around a sexual scandal that takes place in Britain’s corridors of power. The anthology thriller drama series sees the home minister James Whitehouse (Rupert Friend), who has been one of the close friends of Prime Minister Tom Southern.
James and his wife Sophie (Sienna Miller) belong to the affluent class and their transition to the political sphere has been extraordinary. However, their perfect world turns upside down when James is accused of rape by his former political aide, Olivia Lytton (Naomi Scott). As soon as the matter comes to light, James confesses that he did have an affair with Olivia, but vehemently denies the allegations of rape.
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The scandal gathers steam and James will face trial for it. Standing against James is barrister QC Kate Woodcraft (Michelle Dockery), who believes that James is “guilty” of sexually assaulting his former political aide. Intense courtroom sequences and a narrative that feels realistic make the Netflix show a must-watch. But a lot of people have been about its origin and if it’s based on a true story. Let’s dig a little deeper and know the reality behind the series.
Is ‘Anatomy of a Scandal’ based on a true story?
The premise of the show looks like something that we have seen in the news. However, the show is “not” based on a true story. Powerful people getting accused of sexual misconduct have become quite common after the Me Too movement and making sure that they are held accountable for their heinous crimes is what the judiciary is there for.
As far as the show is concerned, the show is based on the novel by Sarah Vaughan. It is a pseudonym that journalist and author Sarah Hall use. As a journalist, she has covered and talked to many powerful people who have been at the center of various scandals. Her interactions with such people and institutions played an important part in writing the book.
The author also drew from the experience of covering the courtroom as a reporter and political correspondent.
One of the striking things about the series happens when we get to know that James Whitehouse is a member of The Libertine Club, which is actually inspired by the real Bullingdon Club. For the uninitiated, the Bullingdon Club is an all-male dining club for Oxford University students. The club is known for having wealthy students as its members and is also for disgraceful behavior.
Notable personalities such as Boris Johnson, David Cameron, Rupert Soames, and Peter Fleming have been members of the renowned club.
'Anatomy of a Scandal' will be streaming exclusively on Netflix on Friday, April 15.
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