Ryan Murphy’s ‘Grotesquerie’ Kicks Off to a Strong, Sinister Start [Review]
‘Grotesquerie’ draws inspiration from films like Se7en and Hannibal, as well as the theme of religious serial killers, creating a gripping dual-narrative murder mystery.
“Approaching conclusion.”
Grotesquerie is essentially the thirteenth season of American Horror Story, but it has been given a different name because the AHS brand has suffered a decline in reputation. It feels like Grotesquerie might have originally been intended as a new season of AHS, but during production, the creators realized it had the potential to be better than what AHS has offered in recent years. If Grotesquerie ends up resonating with viewers, I wouldn’t be surprised if it transforms into its own anthology horror series and takes over as the new American Horror Story.
The most unexpected thing about Grotesquerie is how good it actually is. It shares many similarities with American Horror Story, yet it surpasses it in quality, being more focused and realistic. Unlike many of Ryan Murphy’s productions, it doesn't lean heavily into campiness, which is a refreshing change, although there is one scene involving masturbation that comes pretty close. It’s important to highlight that this is the first Ryan Murphy project where he has co-written every episode, working alongside Jon Robin Baitz (from Feud: Capote vs. the Swans) and Joe Baken, who contributed two standout episodes— “Bestie” and “Tapeworm” — from the third season of American Horror Stories. While it's great to see a single team create the entire season, the disappointing outcomes of American Horror Story: Delicate show that having a consistent vision and fewer contributors doesn't always guarantee a successful creative product.
Fortunately, Grotesquerie kicks off with a daring and ambitious concept that hints at an exciting thriller centered around a serial killer.
Editor’s Note: This review focuses on the initial two episodes of the series.
Grotesquerie opens with a series of brutal murders that evoke the chilling vibes of Se7en and Hannibal, featuring elaborate crime scenes and a dash of the eerie challenges from Longlegs. While these visuals are certainly unsettling, what really stands out about Grotesquerie is its atmosphere. There's a pervasive sense of unease that permeates the story. The quick flashbacks to the tragic murders of the Burnside family are particularly harrowing—some of the most unsettling content in any Ryan Murphy project, which is quite a statement. It's clear that even more horrific revelations are on the horizon. Unlike American Horror Story, which can sometimes come across as over-the-top and absurd, Grotesquerie takes a more nuanced approach, creating a gritty ambiance that makes the murders feel like true reflections of human darkness. An early scene in the first episode depicts a detective throwing up on flowers, capturing a poignant juxtaposition of beauty and horror that beautifully symbolizes the series' core themes.
These tragic events are contrasted with images of everyday life and happy families, highlighting the stark shift between horror and humanity. Detective Lois Tryon, played by Niecy Nash-Betts, expresses her disbelief at the brutal crime scene involving the Burnside family, stating, “It’s inhuman. No, it’s unhuman.” From the beginning of the series, there's an unsettling sense that the main serial killer might be an extraordinary figure. While he may not be an actual supernatural being, it’s likely that Grotesquerie is setting the stage for an epic confrontation of wits between Detective Tryon and a formidable adversary.
Niecy Nash-Betts has a long history in comedy, but she’s gradually established herself as one of Ryan Murphy's standout talents, thanks to her roles in shows like Scream Queens and her Emmy-winning performance as Glenda Cleveland in Monster. She channels this success into her character, Detective Tryon, one of the main figures in Grotesquerie. Tryon is complex and reflects elements of Nash-Betts’ previous roles in Murphy’s projects. Grotesquerie doesn’t shy away from depicting the difficult circumstances she faces and the indifference that has crept into her life. While the crimes are shocking, they resonate with her on a very deep level. There’s a striking scene where images from the crime scenes are projected onto Detective Tryon, enveloping her as if she’s being consumed by these horrific acts. It's a poignant, though somewhat straightforward, way for Grotesquerie to suggest that Tryon is becoming increasingly obsessed with the case.
Detective Tryon, played by Nash-Betts, and Sister Megan Duval, portrayed by Micaela Diamond, form a captivating partnership that sparks immediate chemistry. Nash-Betts truly brings this role to life, particularly excelling in the show's darker elements. However, it is Diamond who truly stands out, emerging as an early standout of the series. She injects her scenes with a sharp, jittery energy that keeps viewers engaged. The relationship between Tryon and Duval is refreshingly unique and doesn’t mirror the dynamics often seen in other crime series like *True Detective* or past works by Ryan Murphy. While Sister Duval's fascination with the macabre may first appear unusual, her character serves as a valuable lens through which the show explores the unsettling idea that cults and criminal behavior have become a modern kind of faith, a notion that echoes through many of Murphy’s productions, which often tread similar violent themes. The world continues to be overshadowed by disasters and apathy, while a nun and priest casually discuss their favorite serial killers over burgers.
The first two episodes of Grotesquerie set up the relationship between Tryon and Duval, suggesting their connection will revolve around the theme of faith—similar to an alternate take on Mulder and Scully, but without the extraterrestrial elements. Both Detective Tryon and Sister Duval are aware that answers are out there and are committed to uncovering them. Faith drives Tryon forward, not only in her investigation into the dark crime but also in her personal life, where she feels like she’s missing pieces of a puzzle. Similarly, Sister Duval later sincerely remarks, "It seemed to fit," after she makes a prediction regarding the Burnside massacre, as if she's piecing together a mental puzzle. Her abilities are vital to Tryon’s quest for the truth.
It's common for Ryan Murphy's shows to start off strong but eventually lose their way and settle into mediocrity. While it might be optimistic to assume Grotesquerie will break this pattern, the first two episodes do a commendable job in terms of character development, atmosphere, and plot. Grotesquerie covers more territory than expected, maintaining a steady pace that feels neither rushed nor sluggish. Although it's still early days, the series hasn't fallen into the usual traps. Grotesquerie presents a world where few things are considered sacred, yet this new offering from Ryan Murphy shines with potential, suggesting that it may evolve into something truly special and find a satisfactory conclusion.
Daniel Kurland is a freelance writer, comedian, and critic, whose writings can be found on platforms such as Splitsider, Bloody Disgusting, Den of Geek, ScreenRant, and various online spaces. He firmly believes that "Psycho II" surpasses the original film and that the final season of "The X-Files" doesn't deserve the harsh criticism it receives. If you're looking to spark a heated debate, bring up "Silent Night, Deadly Night Part II," but he's always open to chatting about the "Puppet Master" series. And remember, things aren't always what they seem.
