‘The Beauty’ Challenges Beauty Standards Through Intense Body Horror
FX and Hulu have released a provocative new series titled “The Beauty,” a body-horror procedural adventure that challenges contemporary beauty standards. Created by Ryan Murphy and Matthew Hodgson, the show spotlights the impact of a cosmetic drug. This innovative series explores the darker side of the pursuit of beauty through an intense narrative filled with horror.
Plot Overview
The first season consists of 11 episodes, introducing viewers to a supermodel played by the real-life model Bella Hadid. The story begins dramatically on a Paris runway, where the supermodel showcases erratic behavior attributed to a body-altering drug called “The Beauty.” This drug promises transformative effects, but leads to disastrous consequences.
The Fateful Drug
- Drug Name: The Beauty
- Log Line: “One shot and you’re hot.”
- Effects: Initially enhances beauty but eventually leads to gruesome side effects.
- Transmission: The drug can be transmitted sexually, creating public health concerns.
This transformation quickly spirals out of control, prompting the wealthy character known only as “The Corporation” (portrayed by Ashton Kutcher) to intervene. His imminent threat to the public is not the death of consumers but the drug’s unintended viral spread.
Main Characters
- The Corporation: Ashton Kutcher as the wealthy antagonist.
- The Assassin: Anthony Ramos, who carries out sinister tasks to maintain control.
- FBI Agents: Cooper Madsen (Evan Peters) and Jordan Bennett (Rebecca Hall) investigate the chaos caused by the drug.
- Franny Forst: Isabella Rossellini, offering an alternate perspective on aging and beauty.
Key Themes and Messages
The show critiques societal obsessions with beauty and eternal youth. It draws comparisons to real-world issues stemming from cosmetic procedures and pharmaceuticals. The narrative highlights how far individuals will go to achieve accepted beauty standards, often with disastrous outcomes.
Setting and Aesthetic
The series predominantly unfolds in notable locations such as Paris, Venice, Rome, and New York. These settings enhance the opulence surrounding the characters and the industry, while also serving as a backdrop for the horror elements presented throughout the season.
Critical Reception
While the series offers moments of dark humor and satire, it has received mixed reviews regarding its execution. Critics have noted the potential absurdity and exploitation present in the portrayal of beauty standards. Body horror is prevalent, illustrated through the grotesque consequences faced by those partaking in the drug.
The Beauty aims to stimulate discussion about the implications of beauty standards in modern society, blending horror with incisive commentary. The narrative weaves a complex tapestry of horror and dark comedy, leaving viewers with haunting questions about the cost of beauty.
