The Netflix series, Inventing Anna might look like just another show about a con artist. With so many series about con artists like Tinder Swindlers, Dirty John, and plenty of other titles about pathological criminals, Inventing Anna at least sets herself apart. Anna Delvey is kind of likable even when she’s not. The TV series is based on the true story of Anna Sorokin. The real-life Anna did pretend to be a German Heiress. So is Inventing Anna just another show about a prolific hustler? Well, yes. But unlike most of the other shows I mentioned, you kind of want her to succeed.
The story is set around real-life journalist Jessica Pressler. Her part is played by Anna Chlumsky (Hannibal Series) as a reporter called Vivian. The series floats back and forth between Vivian investigating the story of who Anna is. In addition, Vivian has plenty of her own drama that is played out for the 9-episode miniseries. According to an in-depth article showcasing which parts of the series were fact, there are almost no liberations given to the Inventing Anna series that didn’t happen. The show is absolutely riveting. It’s also poised in a way that gives the inside scoop on trying to make it while you literally fake it.
“Have no fear of perfection, you’ll never reach it.” – Salvador Dali
Quote from Salvador Dali on why faking it until you make it
What makes the whole story binge-worthy is that we live in an age where anyone who uses social media can relate. In Inventing Anna, the series highlights how enticing it is to be “it.” Whether you are rich or not, the perception people see of the type of person you are on social media never really reflects reality. And this false facade isn’t just reserved for socialites either.
The truth is, no one on social media is putting up photos or selfies of the fight they just had with their significant other. People don’t post a status about losing their job because they suck at it. People want to put their best personalities and life experiences in the spotlight. Subsequently, it’s only those in your inner circle that know the real you. Similarly, those who knew Anna intimately knew the reality of the situation. However, they liked her warts and all.
Another key component of this TV series is that it draws parallels to personality traits that are often admired by others. Statements about Delveys behavior as being outrageous because she was a woman abound. In comparison, ruthless politicians, Wolves of Wall Street, and, journalists compete in often amoralistic and aggressive ways to get what they want to succeed. The men are revered for their tenacity and grit. Anna Sorokin also wanted that. Anna was convinced she would succeed too. She vigorously figured out ways to climb further and further toward her goal. Her fire was contagious. Everyone wanted to be around her.
Ready for another movie about lies and manipulation? Starring Nicolas Cage, watch Inconceivable next.
The Inventing Anna Series is a True Story
A theme in this Netflix series bounces around is the idea of people wanting to be around any rising star. The cliques of trust fund babies, those with fortunes, and anyone who ascends to a well-known or reputable status. Anyone who’s “made it” still needs to keep up appearances. Consequently, for these people, appearance is everything. Anecdotal scenes show Anna splashing her nonexistent cash around. The money she didn’t have paid for a lifestyle she couldn’t afford. The famous are known to be generous. Delvey used this to maintain the facade. We are shown what “credit card” roulette is. However, seeing other ways Anna uses her status to keep requests to pay at bay, is an astonishing tale.
Creator Shonda Rhimes handles the myriad of complexities that play into each relationship with razor-sharp dexterity. Rhimes has worked on Bridgerton, Grey’s Anatomy, and the Scandal series as well as a tonne more notable titles. The Inventing Anna series is good. Really good.
Anna Delvey seamlessly blended into the socialite lifestyle in New York. The Inventing Anna series is led by the amazing Julia Garner (Ozark) as Anna. If you thought Anna Delvey’s accent was odd you’re not alone. The weird splayed accent was all on purpose. Garner explained exactly why it sounded like that. In the real courtroom video below, it’s easy to see her portrayal of the young adult was particularly on point.
Where is Anna Sorokin Now?
According to an article on Insider, Anna Sorokin was released from Rikers in 2021. She served just 4 years. At the end of the “Inventing Anna” series, Todd (Arian Moayed) and Viviann talk about the con woman’s final sentencing. Together they state she was sentenced to 12 years at trial. In real life, Anna Sorokin got out on good behavior. She served a minimal amount of time in jail. After her release and subsequent consulting work on the series any money she would have made from the Netflix series was paid as restitution. So where is she now? Social media.
Fans of the series will be surprised to learn the fake German heiress is back on social media. Those wanting an inside glimpse of the woman behind the Inventing Anna series can check her out on Instagram or even Twitter. Like most social media accounts, scrolling through Anna Delveys’ and Twitter accounts and looking at the pictures is only half the fun. Everyone knows it’s the comment section where things get interesting.
Anna Delvey’s Real-Life Court Appearance Video (Inventing Anna Series)
Anna Sorokin, Fake German Heiress jailed for scamming New York’s richest. Watch the video below from ABD World News where some of the real-life stories for Inventing Anna were gleaned.
“This whole story is completely true. Except for the parts that are completely made up,”
Quote from the Inventing Anna TV series
The Inventing Anna Series is rated
4 fake German accents out of 5
Ready for a movie about social media? Watch Influencer next.