Grotesquerie brings a fresh perspective to the murder mystery genre, drawing inspiration from iconic influences like Se7en, Hannibal, and elements of religious serial killer thrillers. It serves as a compelling two-handed narrative centered around eerie killings.
Described as a spiritually akin to Season 13 of American Horror Story, Grotesquerie emerges under a distinct title likely due to the diminishing association of the AHS brand. It seems plausible that Grotesquerie was initially intended as a new season of the anthology series, only to transform mid-production into something that might surpass recent AHS offerings. Should Grotesquerie resonate with audiences, it could pave the way for an anthology horror series of its own, taking the place of American Horror Story.
What stands out about Grotesquerie is its surprising quality, which surpasses the conventional AHS format by presenting a more focused, grounded narrative while largely avoiding camp. This marks the first production by Ryan Murphy where he, alongside Jon Robin Baitz and Joe Baken, has penned every episode. While having a unified writing team can be beneficial, past AHS seasons have shown that this doesn’t always translate to success, as evidenced by American Horror Story: Delicate.
The series kicks off with a series of shocking murders that evoke the chilling atmospheres of Se7en and Hannibal, enhanced by an unsettling environment. Grotesquerie succeeds in crafting a heavy atmosphere of dread, with the depiction of the Burnside family murders adding to its unsettling nature. Unlike the sensationalism often found in AHS, Grotesquerie takes care to cultivate a gritty realism that captures human depravity. One chilling moment in the first episode features a detective being overwhelmed by the sight of flowers, symbolizing the juxtaposition of beauty and horror that defines the show’s themes.
This grim canvas is juxtaposed with scenes of ordinary domestic life, heightening the tension as characters navigate the boundary between human experiences and horrific events. Detective Lois Tryon, portrayed by Niecy Nash-Betts, delivers a stark assessment of the brutal crime scene, foreshadowing an epic confrontation with the central serial killer, who may emerge as a larger-than-life figure.
Nash-Betts, well-regarded for her previous work in comedies, showcases her range as Detective Tryon, a character layered with complexity and a haunting past. The character’s journey resonates with the crumbling aspects of her life, igniting a primal drive towards solving the heinous crimes. A striking visual sequence illustrates her descent into obsession as crime scene evidence envelops her, symbolizing her turmoil.
Together with Micaela Diamond’s Sister Megan Duval, Nash-Betts forms a captivating duo. While Nash-Betts excels, Diamond emerges as a standout, bringing an electric intensity to her role. Their chemistry feels distinct, diverging from typical portrayals in similar genres. Sister Duval’s peculiar interests offer a fertile ground for exploring the intersection of cults and crime with concepts of faith and modern belief systems. This dynamic hints at deeper thematic explorations amid a backdrop of chaos and brutality.
As their relationship develops, Grotesquerie promises an engaging exploration of faith amid darkness. Detective Tryon’s pursuit of truth is intertwined with her personal struggles, while Sister Duval showcases her intuition about the unfolding tragedy.
Though Ryan Murphy’s works often begin strongly only to falter later, Grotesquerie’s initial outings successfully establish character depth, atmosphere, and a compelling storyline. The pace balances deliberate storytelling with an effective rhythm, suggesting a potential departure from familiar narrative pitfalls. This new addition to the horror genre presents a universe where norms are questioned, leaving viewers hopeful for a successful trajectory for Grotesquerie, which may ultimately forge its own distinguished path in television horror.