Mommy Dead and Dearest

About Mommy Dead and Dearest

Mommy Dead and Dearest is a gripping 2017 documentary TV series, directed by Erin Lee Carr. The story is a real-life horror tale of abuse, betrayal, and the deteriorating mental health of a young girl under the care of her mother. The plot revolves around Gypsy Rose Blanchard and her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard. Gypsy's life was filled with surgeries, emergency trips, and starvation due to the multitude of illnesses her mother claimed she had. However, the truth is revealed when Dee Dee is found murdered and Gypsy is missing. The revelations that follow turn the otherwise perceived innocent Gypsy into a possible suspect as it unveils the rubble of lies and manipulations.

Making / Production

Produced by HBO Documentary Films, the series extensively uses interviews, home videos, and medical records to demonstrate the life and saga of Gypsy and Dee Dee. The series also discusses the controversial concept of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a syndrom when caregivers fabricate or induce illness in those under their care for attention.

Actors

• Gypsy Rose Blanchard - Herself. She managed to convincingly portray her mother's victim and also a villainous character with equal dexterity. The revelation of her transformation from victim to assailant shocked viewers.
• Dee Dee Blanchard - Herself. She masterfully manipulated the entire situation to make it appear that Gypsy was severely ill, gaining sympathy from the community.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The documentary delves deeply into Gypsy's life and reveals that she was not as sick as her mother made her out to be. This is one of the significant instances of Munchausen syndrome by proxy.
• The title of the show, 'Mommy Dead and Dearest' is a dark irony to the relationship Gypsy and DeeDee shared. It simultaneously indicates the end of Dee Dee's controlling behavior, and the deep-rooted love and resentment Gypsy held for her mother.

The TV Series, unfortunately, did not win any awards.

Quotes

• "Unfortunately, I was the girl in the wheelchair held captive by my mother,"- Gypsy Rose Blanchard.
• "There's a big difference between a person saying they are not capable of killing someone and planning to do it,"- Prosecutor.

Music, Soundtrack

• The series does not have its own soundtrack as it uses real-life clips and interviews. However, it effectively uses subtle background music to keep the viewers engrossed in the horrifying narrative.