Ryan Murphy's latest series, Grotesquerie, may come as a surprise due to its somber tone, diverging from his usual flair for horror. The initial episodes feature four dramatic massacres, resulting in a body count that seems to overshadow the living characters. Unlike many of his prior works, which often prioritize spectacle, this series aspires to deliver a deeper narrative amid its gothic horrors.
The horrors are vividly portrayed through the character of Lois Tryon, played by Niecy Nash. She is a hard-drinking detective with a complex personal life, embodying the archetypal female cop trope. While the script leans into her cynicism, Nash delivers a nuanced performance. Her character is thrust into a shocking crime scene where a local doctor, his wife, and their three children have been brutally murdered. A lower-ranking officer ominously remarks, "If this isn't a hate crime, I don't know what is," to which Lois questions, "Hate against what?" His reply, "Everything," encapsulates the show's bleak tone.
Murphy's approach is not subtle. The series addresses themes of societal decay, drawing on the fatalistic ideas that have characterized previous American Horror Story seasons. The narrative suggests that evil might be an intrinsic part of humanity. A homeless prophet warns of impending doom, while Sister Megan, a journalist nun, links the crimes to broader societal issues, stating that "the end is near." She serves as a guiding voice, commenting on the erosion of rational thought amidst chaos.
The balance between critiquing the sensationalism of murder and presenting a compelling narrative about a creative serial killer is challenging. One disturbing scene parallels recent war atrocities, which feels tasteless. Yet, the show's exploration of fear in a chaotic world is compelling. Opting for slow, creeping dread over sudden scares enhances its chilling atmosphere.
Visually, Grotesquerie is strikingly beautiful, with hauntingly crafted crime scenes that leave witnesses speechless. However, the series sometimes falters by relying on heavy-handed exposition, diminishing its visual storytelling.
One notable point of discussion prior to the show's release was the acting debut of NFL star Travis Kelce, though he has yet to appear in the initial episodes. Instead, viewers are introduced to an Elvis-like priest and Lesley Manville's Nurse Redd, whose deadpan delivery adds to the absurdity of the narrative.
While Grotesquerie unfolds slowly, it remains intriguing, touching on various themes such as reality television, addiction, firearms, faith, and the monotony of marriage. Balancing genuine provocation with shock value is a hallmark of Murphy's work, and the early episodes suggest that this ambitious horror may ultimately find its footing.
Grotesquerie is available now on Disney+ and Hulu in the US.