Scammers have always fascinated us, perhaps because their deception is both audacious and captivating. From documentaries like Scamanda to dramatisations such as The Dropout and WeCrashed, viewers can’t seem to get enough of these wild stories of manipulation and betrayal. One standout entry in this genre is Inventing Anna, a 2022 Netflix miniseries that tells the real-life tale of Anna Delvey, an imposter who infiltrated New York City’s elite social scene by pretending to be a wealthy Russian heiress.
Created by the legendary Shonda Rhimes, Inventing Anna boasts an unforgettable performance by Julia Garner as Delvey, who managed to con some of the city’s most influential people into believing she was a billionaire socialite. This nine-episode series is a must-watch for anyone fascinated by true-crime drama and the dark side of high society. If you haven’t yet watched this twisty tale of deception and excess, now’s the time to dive in. Inventing Anna has proven to be one of Netflix’s most-watched series, with millions of hours streamed.
In this article, we’ll explore the complex character of Anna Delvey, Julia Garner’s Emmy-nominated performance, the compelling storytelling of the series, and why Inventing Anna deserves to be your next binge-watch.
Overview of Inventing Anna
Inventing Anna offers more than just a captivating story about deception; it’s a deep dive into the complexities of wealth, power, and the lengths people will go to in order to create an illusion of success. The series is set in the glamorous, high-stakes world of New York’s social elite, with Anna Delvey at the centre of it all. Below are the main features that make Inventing Anna so compelling:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Premiere Date | 2022 |
| Episodes | 9 |
| Genres | True Crime, Drama, Crime Drama |
| Cast | Julia Garner (Anna Delvey), Anna Chlumsky (Vivian Kent), Arian Moayed (Todd Spodek), Katie Lowes (Rachel), and more |
| Plot | Based on the true story of Anna Sorokin, who posed as a wealthy socialite and scammed New York’s elite, gaining trust before everything unraveled. |
| Creator | Shonda Rhimes, known for Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder, and Bridgerton |
| Themes | Power, deception, identity, the cost of living a lie, and the corrupt world of high society. |
Each episode builds tension as you watch Anna’s world fall apart, and you’ll be on the edge of your seat as you follow the story of one of the most daring scammers in modern history.
What Inventing Anna Is About?
At its core, Inventing Anna is about how far people will go to maintain an illusion, even at the cost of their personal relationships, finances, and freedom. Anna Delvey, played by Julia Garner, convinced some of the wealthiest and most powerful people in New York that she was a Russian heiress with a multi-million-dollar fortune. What made her scam so shocking wasn’t just the scale of the deception, but how convincing she was able to secure luxury accommodations, attend lavish parties, and even pitch the idea of a private arts club to some of the city’s top financiers.
The show does a masterful job of peeling back the layers of Anna’s story, showing how she manipulated people, exploited their desires, and became a symbol of the ultra-wealthy’s vulnerability to fraud. But Inventing Anna isn’t just about the scam itself. It also delves into the fractured relationships that Anna had with the people closest to her, including her estranged friend Rachel (played by Katie Lowes), who ultimately becomes one of the key figures in her downfall.
In an official quote, Shonda Rhimes, the show’s creator, explained,
“The story of Anna Delvey was so much more than a con artist story. It’s about the way people construct their identities, and the fascinating ways those identities are accepted by others. The level of manipulation was mind-boggling, but what made it truly interesting was how it mirrored a lot of the excesses and illusions of the world she inhabited.”
Julia Garner’s Emmy-Nominated Performance
Julia Garner’s portrayal of Anna Delvey is the heart of Inventing Anna. Garner’s performance is layered and complex; she makes Anna both charming and repellent, a combination that is necessary for the character to come to life. Her accent work is impeccable, and she perfectly captures the strange, charismatic quality that allowed Anna to manipulate everyone around her. Garner’s ability to portray Anna’s vulnerability beneath her cold, calculated exterior is what sets this performance apart from other portrayals of real-life scammers.
It’s no surprise that Julia Garner was nominated for an Emmy for her role as Anna Delvey. In a recent interview, Garner shared her approach to the character:
“I tried to make Anna someone who wasn’t just a villain. I wanted to show the brokenness underneath, the parts of her that were desperate for acceptance. She wasn’t just out to destroy people she was out to create something for herself, no matter the cost.”
Garner’s nuanced performance elevates Inventing Anna, and her ability to walk the line between empathy and disdain makes Anna a character you can’t stop watching.
The Fascinating World of Inventing Anna
Inventing Anna isn’t just a show about deception; it’s also about how power and wealth create a world where scams can flourish. The New York backdrop becomes another character in the story, illustrating the excess and pretensions of the world Anna managed to infiltrate. From exclusive parties to luxury hotels, Inventing Anna immerses viewers in a world of excess, showing just how fragile the facade of wealth can be.
One of the standout episodes of the series is set in Morocco, where Delvey’s attempt to secure funding for her arts foundation takes a disastrous turn. The lavish location contrasts sharply with the unraveling of Anna’s lies, and the episode shows how the cracks in her persona begin to show. It’s this combination of glamorous settings and mounting tension that makes Inventing Anna so compelling.
As Rhimes commented on the show’s visual style,
“We wanted the setting to be a character in itself, to show just how much Anna was playing a game. Every party, every dinner, every conversation in a luxury setting it all was part of the illusion.”
Key Character Dynamics
One of the strongest elements of Inventing Anna is its focus on character relationships, especially the way the dynamics between family members and strangers evolve under the pressure of wealth, power, and deception. Here’s a quick look at the main character relationships that drive the show:
| Character | Relationship | Impact on Plot |
|---|---|---|
| Devon and Simone | Estranged sisters with a complex history | Devon’s attempt to rescue Simone from Michaela’s world forms the emotional core of the series. |
| Michaela and Peter | Husband and wife, but emotionally distant | Peter’s growing regret over his choices creates friction, adding depth to Michaela’s character. |
| Ethan and Simone | Rich neighbor with infatuation for Simone | Ethan’s obliviousness to the manipulation at play highlights the emotional stakes of the story. |
Supporting Cast and Dynamic Performances
While Julia Garner’s performance as Anna Delvey is the star of the show, the supporting cast also delivers outstanding performances. Anna Chlumsky shines as Vivian Kent, a reporter who becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind Anna’s story. Kent’s dogged determination contrasts with Anna’s charm, and the interactions between the two characters are some of the most compelling moments in the series.
Arian Moayed as Anna’s lawyer, Todd Spodek, is another standout, bringing a mix of humour and pathos to his role. The portrayal of the lawyer who is both fascinated and disgusted by his client’s actions adds depth to the story.
Why Inventing Anna Is a Must-Watch?
Inventing Anna is more than just a true-crime drama; it’s an exploration of the lengths people will go to create their identities, and the vulnerability of those around them when they buy into those illusions. The series offers a rich tapestry of characters, each one struggling with their own desires, failures, and moral compromises.
Even though Anna Delvey’s actions are criminal and unethical, the series invites viewers to explore her story with empathy and curiosity. Inventing Anna captivates from start to finish, and its shocking twists and compelling performances make it a perfect choice for a weekend binge.
As Shonda Rhimes put it,
“The story is about more than just Anna’s crimes, it’s about the people who let her into their world. What makes it fascinating is how easy it is for all of us to be seduced by someone who is selling us a dream.”
FAQs
Inventing Anna is based on the true story of Anna Sorokin, who posed as a wealthy socialite in New York and scammed the city’s elite. The series explores her rise and fall through deception.
Julia Garner plays the lead role of Anna Delvey, delivering an Emmy-nominated performance.
Inventing Anna premiered in 2022 on Netflix.
The series consists of nine episodes.
Yes, the series is based on the real-life story of Anna Sorokin, who posed as a wealthy Russian heiress and scammed New York’s elite.
