“All Her Fault” Deconstructs True Crime Tropes, Exposing Darker Family Secrets
The SkyShowtime thriller series, “All Her Fault,” begins with a parent’s worst fear: the potential kidnapping of a child. But beyond the suspenseful plot, the series distinguishes itself by dissecting societal pressures and the complexities of modern family dynamics.
The series opens with Marissa (Sarah Snook) discovering her five-year-old son, Milo, may have been abducted. A flashback reveals Marissa arriving at a playdate location, only to be greeted by a stranger who has no knowledge of Milo or Marissa’s acquaintance, Jenny (Dakota Fanning). As the truth unfolds, the initial assumption of a ransom plot gives way to a far more unsettling reality.
“All Her Fault” doesn’t solely focus on the crime itself, but rather uses the abduction as a catalyst to explore the hidden lives of its characters. The family’s wealth immediately raises suspicions of a financially motivated crime, but the narrative quickly pivots, revealing a web of dysfunctional relationships and long-held secrets. Milo’s father, Peter (Jake Lacy), struggles with his siblings, while Marissa’s business partner battles a gambling addiction, creating a landscape of distrust.
Based on Andrea Mara’s novel, the series adaptation is praised for its masterful tension and character development. However, its strength lies not in the thrilling crime story, but in its ability to blend popular television trends. Like “White Lotus” and “Big Little Lies,” “All Her Fault” examines the lives of the American middle and upper classes, highlighting social inequalities and the challenges of motherhood. The series subtly critiques the societal expectation that women bear the brunt of childcare and household responsibilities, even while maintaining demanding careers.
The narrative skillfully portrays the difficulties of raising children and the unequal distribution of labor within marriages. The dynamic between Marissa and Jenny is particularly revealing, with Peter depicted as controlling and Jenny’s husband, Richie, as immature and dismissive of her professional life. While the male characters border on caricature, the series suggests this reflects a common reality. As one observer noted, “many women can likely identify with the dynamics portrayed in the series.”
The series doesn’t shy away from examining the judgment working mothers face. The implication is subtly woven throughout the narrative: had Marissa not been so focused on her career, she wouldn’t have needed childcare; had Jenny not worked so hard, she wouldn’t have needed a babysitter. These unspoken accusations underscore the societal pressures placed on women.
The plot unfolds on two timelines: the present-day investigation and flashbacks that reveal the characters’ histories. Almost every character is flawed and becomes a suspect at some point, with layers of family drama, addiction, and personal failings gradually exposed. Peter’s seemingly selfless care for his disabled brother, Brian (Daniel Monks), is later revealed to be motivated by self-interest. Marissa’s friend, Colin (Jay Ellis), initially appears supportive, but his gambling addiction threatens their company. Even Detective McConville (Michael Pena), a seemingly decent man raising a child with disabilities, has a personal stake in the case.
As the investigation progresses, the plot becomes increasingly convoluted, with seemingly unconnected events and murders adding to the confusion. A crucial piece of information is withheld until the penultimate episode, delaying the audience’s understanding of the full picture. This deliberate pacing builds to a dramatic reveal in the final episode, exposing a dark secret about one of the main characters and ultimately resolving the narrative.
“All Her Fault” is currently streaming on SkyShowtime.
