Netflix has announced that Caroline Kepnes, the bestselling author of the You series, will write and direct the upcoming psychological thriller The Attentionist. Based on her 2022 short story, the eight-episode series is set in 1990s Cape Cod and follows a 14-year-old girl named Maeve.

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A tarnsition from the You novels to the Netflix director's chair

Caroline Kepnes is expanding her creative footprint beyond the written word. The author of the You book series is set to make her directorial debut with a new Netflix project titled The Attentionist.

This move follows her significant literary success, where she established a global reputation for intense psychological tension. As the report indicates, this project is an eight-episode series based on her own 2022 short story, marking a major milestone in her career as she moves into behind-the-scenes production.

The 1990s Cape Cod setting of Maeve's dark discovery

Set in 1990s Cape Cod, Massachusetts, the series centers on a 14-year-old girl named Maeve. The plot invoves Maeve and her older sister becoming privy to a secret romance that unfolds primarily over the telephone.

The narrative takes a dark turn when a boy involved in the romance reveals a truth that causes Maeve's family to spiral. This specific 1990s setting provides a unique, nostalgic backdrop for a thriller centered on the vulnerabilities of phone-based secrets.

Joining the ranks of Mindhunter and Behind Her Eyes on Netflix

Netflix has a proven track record of hosting successful psychological thrillers that captivate global audiences. The platform has previously released hits like the supernatural horror The Haunting of Hill House and the crime-focused Mindhunter.

Other successful titles on the platform,such as the miniseries Behind Her Eyes, suggest that The Attentionist will fit into a well-established content niche for Netflix subscribers. By leveraging Kepnes's existing fanbase, Netflix aims to bolster its library of high-concept psychological drama.

Who will star as Maeve and her sister?

While the premise of the series is clear, several key details remain unconfirmed. According to the source, no casting announcements have been made regarding which actors will play the roles of Maeve or her older sister.

Additionally, the exact release date for this eight-episode series on Netflix has not been provided. Fans of Caroline Kepnes are also waiting to see how her specific writing style will translate into a visual medium under her own direction.