Inventing Anna

Seen ‘Inventing Anna’? Here’s What It Gets Right (and Wrong)

Inventing Anna: The Rise and Fall of a Fake Heiress

Netflix’s Inventing Anna is a riveting limited series that explores the true story of Anna Sorokin, a Russian-born con artist who infiltrated New York’s elite social scene by posing as a wealthy German heiress under the name Anna Delvey. Created by Shonda Rhimes and inspired by Jessica Pressler’s investigative article, How Anna Delvey Tricked New York’s Party People, the show became a cultural phenomenon upon its release in February 2022.

Through a blend of real-life events and dramatic storytelling, Inventing Anna offers a gripping look at ambition, deception, and the power of perception in high society. This article delves into the series’ origins, plot, characters, themes, and cultural impact.

Origins and Adaptation

Anna Sorokin’s story first came to light in 2018 when journalist Jessica Pressler published an article in New York Magazine detailing how Sorokin scammed banks, luxury hotels, and some of Manhattan’s wealthiest individuals. Posing as an heiress with a $60 million trust fund, Sorokin convinced people to lend her money, stay at five-star hotels, and invest in her proposed arts-focused social club, the “Anna Delvey Foundation.”

Netflix acquired the rights to Pressler’s article, and Shonda Rhimes, known for hits like Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, developed the series. Inventing Anna presents a fictionalized version of events while remaining largely faithful to the essence of Sorokin’s deception and trial.

Plot Overview

The series follows Vivian Kent (Anna Chlumsky), a determined journalist based on Jessica Pressler, as she investigates Anna Delvey’s rise and fall. Vivian, desperate to restore her reputation after a career misstep, becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about Anna. As she digs deeper, she interviews Anna’s former friends, business acquaintances, and victims, unraveling the extent of the con artist’s manipulations.

Anna Delvey (Julia Garner), the enigmatic protagonist, is portrayed as a charismatic yet ruthless social climber. The show chronicles how she gains access to New York’s elite, convinces powerful individuals to finance her lavish lifestyle, and ultimately faces arrest and trial for fraud.

The narrative is non-linear, switching between Anna’s past exploits and her present-day legal battle. Each episode focuses on a different key player in Anna’s life, offering multiple perspectives on her schemes. The series ultimately raises the question: was Anna a brilliant hustler making the most of a flawed system, or was she a dangerous fraud with no regard for the people she hurt?

Characters and Performances

• Anna Delvey (Julia Garner) – Julia Garner delivers a mesmerizing performance as the cunning and unpredictable Anna. She masterfully adopts a unique accent, blending elements of Russian, German, and American English, which became one of the show’s most talked-about aspects. Garner’s portrayal captures Anna’s mix of charm, arrogance, and vulnerability.
• Vivian Kent (Anna Chlumsky) – As the journalist investigating Anna’s story, Vivian is determined, ambitious, and often overwhelmed by the complexity of her subject. Chlumsky brings depth to the role, portraying a woman trying to redeem her career while being drawn into Anna’s manipulations.
• Neff Davis (Alexis Floyd) – Neff, a hotel concierge who befriends Anna, represents the allure Anna had over people. She remains one of Anna’s most loyal defenders, highlighting the gray areas of their relationship.
• Rachel Williams (Katie Lowes) – Rachel, a former friend of Anna’s, is depicted as both a victim and an opportunist. She loses thousands of dollars when Anna abandons her with a hefty bill in Morocco, yet her decision to write a book about her experience complicates how viewers perceive her.
• Todd Spodek (Arian Moayed) – Anna’s defense attorney, Todd, serves as an intriguing character who, despite recognizing her crimes, seems to admire her audacity. His courtroom scenes provide some of the series’ most compelling moments.

Themes and Social Commentary

Inventing Anna is more than just a scandalous true-crime drama; it explores deeper themes about class, power, and the influence of image in today’s society.

• The Illusion of Wealth – Anna’s ability to manipulate New York’s elite highlights how easily people equate confidence with credibility. She gains access to exclusive circles simply by presenting herself as someone important.
• Social Climbing and Ambition – The series examines the lengths people will go to in order to achieve success. Anna’s story is, in some ways, a dark reflection of the American Dream, where ambition and boldness can open doors, even without real wealth.
• Journalistic Integrity and Redemption – Vivian Kent’s quest for the truth parallels Anna’s own journey. While Vivian seeks professional redemption, Anna seeks social validation, making them unlikely mirrors of each other.
• Victimhood vs. Accountability – The show leaves room for interpretation regarding who is truly to blame. Some of Anna’s “victims” were wealthy individuals eager to associate with her, making it difficult to determine who was exploiting whom.

Cultural Impact and Reception

Upon its release, Inventing Anna became one of Netflix’s most-watched shows. Julia Garner’s performance was particularly praised, earning her an Emmy nomination. The series also sparked widespread discussions about wealth, privilege, and the blurred lines between ambition and fraud.

The real Anna Sorokin, who was convicted of multiple fraud charges in 2019, continued to make headlines. She was released from prison in 2021 and later detained by ICE for overstaying her visa. Unlike many criminals who disappear into obscurity, Anna leveraged her notoriety to maintain relevance, even launching social media projects while under house arrest.

Criticism and Controversy

While the series was widely popular, it also received criticism:

• Pacing and Length – At nine episodes, some viewers felt the series stretched the story unnecessarily, leading to pacing issues.
• Sympathetic Portrayal of Anna – Some critics argued that the show glorified Anna’s actions, portraying her as a misunderstood antihero rather than a criminal.
• Inaccuracies – Though based on true events, the series took creative liberties, leading to debates about how much of the story was fictionalized.

The Legacy of Inventing Anna

Beyond its entertainment value, Inventing Anna highlighted the real-world consequences of fraud and deception. It also underscored the power of media in shaping public perception. The show’s success cemented Julia Garner’s status as one of Hollywood’s rising stars and reinforced Shonda Rhimes’ ability to craft compelling narratives based on real-life events.

Anna Sorokin’s story remains a fascinating case study in manipulation, social dynamics, and the modern obsession with wealth and status. Whether viewed as a cautionary tale or a reflection of society’s superficiality, Inventing Anna leaves a lasting impact on audiences.

Conclusion

Inventing Anna is a captivating exploration of one of the most audacious scams in recent history. With strong performances, sharp social commentary, and an engaging narrative, the series offers both entertainment and insight into the world of high-stakes deception. Whether you admire Anna Delvey’s audacity or condemn her actions, one thing is certain: her story is impossible to ignore.