The Netflix nine-episode drama series Inventing Anna is garnering more views recently. The drama is based on the real-life misdeeds of con artist Anna Sorokin (also known as Anna Delvey), who scammed New York’s elite. As a result of the real Anna Delvey’s recent release from prison and potential deportation, the show is currently attracting a lot of interest from its viewers. 

Featuring Julia Garner, this show is currently the 8th most popular English-language TV show with 512 million hours watched. 

Anna Delvey is the daughter of a working-class family originating from the south of Moscow. The show features her moving towards Eschweiler, Germany where she suffered bullying at school because of her family’s background. 

This aspect of the show shines light on how dedicated Anna was to being perceived as superior to those around her. Taking every opportunity she gets to make a name for herself even if it means destroying the reputation of others. 

Anna Delvey came to New York and proclaimed herself as a German heiress, claiming she had over 60€ million in a trust fund she could only obtain once she turned 25. She used her ability of deception to establish herself as part of New York’s socialite group and used them to commit fraud against several financial institutions. 

Anna Delvey soon realized she couldn’t live off of people forever, she had to make a name for herself. Delvey reached the conclusion that the only way she could achieve this was by making ADF (Anna Delvey Foundation). The show illustrates the journey Anna Delvey had to go through to make this foundation a reality. 

For the first time, Delvey’s ideas were challenged by advisors, architects, catering companies, and gallerists putting her one step farther from reaching her goal. Her persistent side led her to meet people connected to her potential partners, never thinking twice about using those close to her to get her way. 

The major obstacle Delvey now faced was how to guarantee loans from financial institutions. Delvey decided to provide fake documentation, counterfeit documents, and commit identity theft in order to obtain the loan needed to create ADF. These crimes were what landed her in jail. 

The writers carefully made the audience take a position for every character in the show. For instance, those that love Delvey enjoyed her character because she was trying to beat the system and serve as a modern robin hood for the people of New York. On the other hand, viewers hate her because she was a selfish, ruthless, cold, and deceiving manipulator that used her friends in order to get what she wants. 

Inventing Anna makes it clear that Delvey had no problem with using and disposing of people when they are no longer useful to her. However, the show tends to lean more towards defending Delvey and excusing her narcissistic and manipulative behavior by focusing on the ‘iconic’ and luxurious side of her. This makes the show hard to sit through for audiences who dislike Delvey. 

Inventing Anna challenges your way of thinking making you re-evaluate how you may feel about a certain character. The show uses the power of time to reveal pieces of information and later ties it all together and does not disappoint.