“Grotesquerie” channels Se7en, Hannibal, Longlegs and religious serial killer thrillers in a gripping two-hander crime thriller.

“The end is near.”

grotesqueis basically the 13th season of American horror storyonly it runs under an original title because that AHS The brand is so corrupt. It honestly feels that way grotesque could have been developed as a new development American horror story season, except the series changed mid-production when they realized this might be a cut above what they had AHS has been taking place regularly for several years. At this point I wouldn’t even be surprised if grotesque decides to become its own anthology horror series and essentially morph into something new American horror story if it becomes a success and connect with the audience.

The biggest surprise ever grotesque is that it is actually good. It has a lot in common with American horror storyonly it is better, more focused and more grounded. There is also an almost complete lack of stock, which is appreciated for a Ryan Murphy production (although there is a masturbation scene that comes awfully close). It’s worth noting that this is Ryan Murphy’s first production where he co-wrote every single episode Jon Robin Baitz (Feud: Capote vs. the Swans) And Joe BakerThe latter wrote two of the best episodes ever American horror stories third season, “Beast” and “Tapeworm.” It is estimated that a cooperative team will be responsible for the entire season, but American Horror Story: Delicate’s The lackluster results prove that a unified vision and a minimum number of chefs in the kitchen don’t always lead to creative success.

Fortunately, grotesque begins with a bold, bold vision that promises a serial killer thriller.

Editor’s Note: This review covers the first two episodes of the series.

grotesque begins with a series of rash murders reminiscent of Se7en And Hannibal as they indulge in sprawling murder tableaux, with a touch of Leggy For good measure, occult obstacles were added. These are disturbing images, but grotesque It’s particularly successful when it comes to the atmosphere. There is a deep sense of fear over everything. The brief flashbacks to the Burnside family murders and the details of their tragedy are some of the most disturbing material to appear in a Ryan Murphy production, and that’s saying something. Undoubtedly, even greater horrors will come. However, during American horror story can feel sensationalist and absurd, grotesque works carefully to create a grimy patina that helps make these murders seem like accurate depictions of human depravity. There is a shot right at the beginning grotesqueis the first episode in which a detective vomits on flowers. This mix of beauty and bile acts as a metaphor for the series’ themes.

These tragedies are juxtaposed with scenes of domestic normality and peaceful families as the pendulum swings between horror and humanity. “It’s inhumane. No, that’s it inhuman“, is an early assessment Niecy Nash-Betts’ Detective Lois Tryon deals with the Burnside family’s gruesome crime scene. From the beginning of the series there is a chilling feeling that the central serial killer will be a larger-than-life figure. That doesn’t mean he’ll literally be a supernatural monster, but chances are good grotesque A great fight is brewing between Detective Tryon and a super destroyer.

Niecy Nash-Betts has made a name for herself in comedies for decades, but between her appearances in , she has slowly become one of Ryan Murphy’s most capable players Scream Queens and her Emmy-winning role as Glenda Cleveland in Monster. Nash-Betts uses this success for Detective Tryon, one of them Grotesqueries Lead actor and a character who has complex nuances of her previous Ryan Murphy production characters. grotesque doesn’t shy away from the shitty hand she’s been dealt and the apathy that’s seeped into the corners of her life. These crimes, as terrible as they are, awaken her in a very primal way. There’s a simple but elegant sequence where slides of crime scene evidence are thrown over Detective Tryon, enveloping her body as if she’s been consumed by these murders. It’s a powerful, if awkward, path grotesque to indicate Tryon’s growing obsession with the case.

Nash-Betts’ Detective Tryon and Micaela Diamonds Sister Megan Duval is also an excellent duo with immediate chemistry. Nash-Betts really sells this material and stands out because of it grotesquebut Diamond is a revelation and the early MVP of the series. She brings a low-key, squirrelly intensity to all of her scenes. Tryon and Duval develop a unique camaraderie, but their dynamic doesn’t resemble anything found in other two-hander murder series True detectiveor any of Ryan Murphy’s previous projects. Sister Duval’s morbid interests may seem out of character at first, but she becomes a welcome mediator grotesque to deconstruct the idea that cults and crimes have become a new form of belief and religion; A grim fact that seems to be borne out by Murphy’s plethora of television series, many of which are variations on the same murderous themes. A sliding scale of disaster and callousness continues to consume the world as a nun and a priest gossip about their favorite serial killers over burgers.

These first two grotesque The episodes establish a baseline between Tryon and Duval and it seems like their dynamic boils down to the power of faith, like an alternate version of Mulder and Scully, without the aliens. That being said, both Detective Tryon and Nurse Duval know the truth is out there and they are determined to find it out. Faith is what keeps Detective Tryon going, whether in this macabre crime or in her personal life. Tryon struggles at home with an incomplete puzzle. Meanwhile, it’s no coincidence that Sister Duval later earnestly admits, “It seemed to fit,” after making a prediction about the Burnside Massacre, as if mentally putting together a puzzle. She has skills that are essential to Tryon.

It’s not uncommon for a Ryan Murphy series to start out strong but then descend into chaotic mediocrity. It may be naive to think that grotesque will be different, but these first two episodes do a lot when it comes to character, atmosphere and storytelling. grotesque covers more topics than you would expect and finds an effective rhythm that never feels rushed or too lethargic. It’s still early, but grotesque has not succumbed to the typical pitfalls. grotesque posits a world where nothing may be sacred, but this new series from Ryan Murphy shines brightly and promises a hopeful future where this horror series could actually become something special and break through.