Ryan Murphy, the mastermind behind hits like American Horror Story and Glee, is back with a new horror series called The Beauty. The show is a dark satire of society’s obsession with youth and beauty, inspired by the current Ozempic trend. However, despite its ambitious concept, The Beauty falls short of expectations with its messy and pretentious execution.
The story follows two FBI agents, Cooper Madsen and Jordan Bennett, as they investigate the mysterious deaths of supermodels. Along the way, they encounter assassins, incels, models, and a tech billionaire known as The Corporation. The plot takes a bizarre turn when a sexually transmitted virus becomes a key element in the investigation.
One of the major flaws of The Beauty is its heavy-handed approach to storytelling. Instead of showing character development through actions and interactions, the show relies on long-winded dialogues that feel forced and unrealistic. The characters also engage in preachy conversations about social issues, making the overall narrative feel more like a lecture than a compelling story.
The Beauty’s ambitious concept, exploring the dark side of the beauty industry and society’s obsession with physical appearance, is overshadowed by the show’s lack of subtlety. Rather than using metaphors and ambiguity to convey its message, the series opts for literalism, leaving little room for audience interpretation.
The series’ simplistic worldview and numerous plot holes further detract from its overall impact. The introduction of a miraculous serum called The Beauty, which can alter physical appearance in unbelievable ways, adds an element of fantasy that feels out of place in the show’s supposed reality.
Visually, The Beauty is a mixed bag. While Ryan Murphy’s signature style is evident in the show’s vibrant colors and striking visuals, the excessive use of body horror and gruesome transformations may be off-putting for some viewers. The show’s attempt to pay homage to films like The Substance and Death Becomes Her falls flat, lacking the wit and charm of its predecessors.
Ultimately, The Beauty is a style-over-substance affair that may not appeal to fans of complex sci-fi or sharp satire. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking series like Severance or Succession, The Beauty may not be the right choice for you. However, if you enjoy campy horror and over-the-top visuals, the show might provide a guilty pleasure.
The Beauty premieres on Hulu and FX in the US on January 21st, and on Disney+ in the UK on January 22nd. The season consists of 11 episodes, with a weekly release schedule after the initial three-episode premiere. Whether you choose to watch The Beauty will depend on your tolerance for messy storytelling and excessive visual spectacle.
