Critic Reviews

The show lands on the more successful end of the spectrum [of shows like Pam & Tommy, Good American Family and Impeachment: American Crime Story] in part by leveraging the same true-crime framing that damned her.

Fortunately, the main parts are held together by an unreservedly brilliant performance by Grace Van Patten as Knox.

Nothing thus far in Twisted Tale feels stale or rehashed. Rather, its all-encompassing embrace of Knox’s subjectivity allows viewers personal access to a story whose initial wrong-telling hypnotised the world. This version shows every sign of being even more scintillating than that erroneous original.

Van Patten’s interpretation of Amanda’s transformation from a carefree young woman into a determined survivor is poignant and provocative in equal measure. .... Knox comprehends how knotty the process of reconciling with an ending that differs from what we want can be. Maybe others can find that understanding by viewing the version written by her own hand.

Steinberg runs with the “Amelie” homage in the first and last episodes, especially, from applauding stuffed animals to a camera that rotates 360 degrees. However, in between, “Twisted Tale” becomes more serious as it explores the injustices that befall all the primary characters, not just Knox, but also the prosecutor, Mignini (Francesco Acquaroli), who sends Knox to prison.

To push the story past mere reenactment, the show adds fantasy interludes inspired by "Amélie." .... These bits never stop feeling abrupt or out of place, even if their purpose — to dramatize Knox’s naivete and alleviate the grimness of the verdict we all know is coming — is clear enough. More effective in this regard is Van Patten, who took over the role from Margaret Qualley and delivers work that’s both technically impressive (she speaks a lot of Italian!) and dynamic.

It's occasionally overstuffed, and only offers a little extra insight that keeps it from being a complete rehash of what we already know. But, thanks to some excellent performances, appropriately atmospheric direction and a mostly balanced take on the subject, it's still a gripping watch.

Steinberg’s heightened, almost operatic storytelling approach of unusual camera angles, dramatic music, and lawyers assassinating the characters of innocent young defendants in passionate Italian, suits the proceedings’ weird mix of absurdity and frightening stakes.

The big problem with The Twisted Tale, which can indeed feel impactful with its depictions of media harassment and police misconduct, is that it wants it both ways: The miniseries aims to point a finger at a global audience that was drawn to the salaciousness of the case—and, at the same time, leans into the true-crime fascinations that likely got it made in the first place.

While there are aspects of The Twisted Tale Of Amanda Knox that we found annoying and unnecessary, we appreciated how Grace Van Patten portrays Knox, showing the aspects of her personality that annoyed Italian authorities so much they sent her to prison for murder.