Anatomy of a Scandal: Netflix release date, cast with Sienna Miller and Rupert Friend - is it a true story?

Crime has been a big hit for Netflix during the past few years.

Its documentaries have hit the headlines, but its adaptations of popular novels from the genre have also gone down a treat with viewers.

The latest is a take on Sarah Vaughan’s international bestseller, adapted and executive produced by David E Kelley and Melissa James Gibson, whose previous credits include Big Little Lies and House of Cards.

Anatomy Of A Scandal focuses on MP James Whitehouse, who seems to live the perfect life with his wife before a barrister turns their world upside down as a dangerous secret comes to light.

Here is everything you need to know about it.

What is Anatomy Of A Scandal about?

The original book, which was published in the UK in 2018, follows a Westminster politician whose marriage begins to unravel after he is accused of sexual misconduct, while his wife fights to prove his innocence.

Netflix describes Anatomy Of A Scandal as “a psychological thriller and gripping courtroom drama.”

The series “infiltrates Britain's elite through personal and political scandal, where the truth lies between justice and privilege.”

James and Sophie Whitehouse live in a blissful and rarefied world; a Minister in Parliament, a loving family at home, James' trajectory appears without limits.

Until a scandalous secret suddenly comes to light - barrister Kate Woodcroft has a trajectory of her own, and her prosecution threatens to tear into Westminster, the Whitehouse marriage, and her own personal esteem.

Netflix has also described the tale as “about a sexual consent scandal amongst British privileged elite and the women caught up in its wake”.

Who stars in it?

Sienna Miller plays Oxford University graduate Sophie Whitehouse, the wife and mother-of-two who finds herself at the centre of the scandal.

Speaking about her character to Elle magazine, Miller said: “It was familiar terrain, because I’ve experienced some of the things that she experienced. And the feelings were familiar.”

For a time, Miller’s acting achievements were somewhat overshadowed by her personal life after she experienced a very public break-up from ex-fiance Jude Law after he admitted to cheating on her with his children’s nanny.

Miller was also later revealed as one of the celebrity victims of the 2011 News of the World phone hacking scandal.

She also gave evidence in court as part of the ensuing Leveson Inquiry, during which she spoke openly about her experience as a woman in the public eye.

She added: “There is something cathartic, I suppose, about spending time in an ugly space that’s familiar. And maybe reclaiming it? I don’t know what the psychology of it is. But there is something where maybe you can substitute a memory with something else.”

Michelle Dockery, best known for playing Lady Mary Crawley in period drama Downton Abbey, will play criminal barrister Kate Woodcroft, who specialises in prosecuting sex crimes.

Actor Rupert Friend will play junior minister James Whitehouse, who is married to Sophie.

When can I watch it?

Anatomy of a Scandal will be released on Netflix on 15 April 2022 at 8am GMT.