Ryan Murphy’s New FX Series Stuns Audiences
Ryan Murphy’s latest FX series, “The Beauty,” captivates audiences while examining the high cost of perfection in contemporary society. Co-created with Matt Hodgson, this horror thriller adapts the comic by Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley. It explores how greed and obsession with aesthetics drive societal instability.
Plot Overview
The series kicks off at a fashion show in Paris where model Ruby, portrayed by Bella Hadid, experiences a shocking breakdown. Sweaty and disoriented, her violent outburst is just one of many disturbing incidents involving supermodels around the world. FBI Agents Cooper Madsen (Evan Peters) and Jordan Bennett (Rebecca Hall) investigate these bizarre occurrences from a Hyatt hotel in Paris, uncovering a horrifying sexually transmitted virus.
Introducing the Virus
This virus starts as an injectable drug that alters individuals to attain physical perfection. It bears a striking resemblance to the black market drug featured in Coralie Fargeat’s upcoming movie, “The Substance.” However, the primary difference lies in the transformation process.
The Dark Forces Behind “The Beauty”
- The Corporation: A tyrannical figure, likened to Elon Musk, portrayed by Ashton Kutcher. He profits from the drug’s commercialization and hires a hitman called The Assassin (Anthony Ramos) to eliminate opposition.
- Jeremy’s Journey: In Indianapolis, a character named Jeremy (played by Jeremy Pope) struggles with incel culture until he discovers a lifeline that changes his path.
Series Themes and Visuals
“The Beauty” masterfully blends horror with satire, exposing capitalism’s role in societal decay. The show features striking body horror with grotesque scenes of transformation that some viewers may find unsettling. The first season consists of 11 episodes, each ranging from 24 to 50 minutes, featuring intense visuals of surgery gone awry and bizarre beauty births.
Narrative Challenges
Despite delivering gripping content, the series’s narrative strays into chaotic territories by Episode 8, titled “Beautiful Brothers.” The plot diversifies to a point where viewers may experience confusion due to its complexity. This episode also introduces a controversial moment where a character transforms into a Black man, leading to a discussion about racial identity, although the topic is inadequately explored.
Audience Reception
Though it faces criticism for its sometimes incoherent storytelling, “The Beauty” offers an engaging experience. It addresses the themes of pretty privilege and the commodification of beauty, emphasizing issues like social media addiction and inadequate sexual education in America. Viewers are encouraged to buckle up for this imperfect yet intriguing narrative journey.
Streaming Information
The first three episodes of “The Beauty” are available for streaming on Hulu and FX, with subsequent episodes released weekly on Wednesdays.
