Inventing Anna – What Is Real And What Is Fictional

Netflix’ newest hit, Inventing Anna, follows the events that led to Anna Sorokin’s conviction for numerous counts of larceny while taking artistic liberties in order to present the narrative in the best possible way. The streaming platform has changed a few things for the sake of the show’s narrative. “This whole narrative is completely factual, except for all the parts that are totally made up,” a clever disclaimer begins each episode of the limited series, which could be a reference to both the show’s portrayal of historical events and the lies spoken by Sorokin in real life.

Fictional Characters

Despite its absurdity at times, many of Inventing Anna’s storyline twists and details resemble what actually transpired and what was revealed in the article, with some real-life incidents sounding even stranger than what the show showcases.

However, some of the characters included in the Netflix series are either completely fictional; Val (played by James Cusati-Moyer) and Nora Radford (Grey’s Anatomy star Kate Burton). Others aren’t as important in the original plot as the TV show portrays them to be (like Anna’s boyfriend Chase played by Saamer Usmani). Every alteration in the plot has an intention as planned by the writers.

Introducing Vivian Kent

We first meet Vivian Kent in episode 1, refusing the story provided to her by her editor and goes rogue researching Anna Delvey’s story. One of the first challenges Vivian encounters is the possibility that Anna will accept the deal offered by the District Attorney’s office, rendering an investigation into her pointless.

Vivian also feels compelled to write about Delvey, not just because she sees a lot of potential in the story, but also because she needs to repair her reputation as a journalist after publishing an article that contained lies. Vivian also happens to be pregnant at the time.

No One persuaded Anna To Go To Trial

The plot of the first episode heavily indicates that Vivian persuades Anna to go to trial, however if a journalist did so in real life, it would be highly unethical and it could cost her her job. Also, it could never have happened due to the show’s timeline being different from the one in real life.

Pressler found out about Anna after the phony heiress had already agreed to go to trial. Furthermore, despite the fact that Pressler did write an article including a piece of news that turned out to be false, her journalistic reputation had already bounced back.

The Real Anna Expressed Remorse For Her Crimes

Inventing Anna’s protagonist, Anna Sorokin, remarked in an interview shortly after her sentencing that she was not sorry, but that she regretted “the way she went about certain things.” Although Sorokin and her character, played by Julie Garner in Inventing Anna, had the same remorseless attitude, the real Sorokin had a change of heart in October 2019.

Sorokin clarified that the comment she made after her punishment was taken out of context and that she was “very ashamed and really sorry” for what she’d done. Netflix’ Anna is portrayed as a cold, distant and superficial person who doesn’t feel remorse.