In a striking blend of body horror and sci-fi, Ryan Murphy’s latest venture, *The Beauty*, showcases a world where beauty comes at a perilous cost. This new series, featuring supermodel Bella Hadid, takes viewers on a wild ride through the dark side of cosmetic enhancement, with a narrative that raises questions about societal standards of attractiveness.
A Daring Introduction
The series kicks off with an explosive scene: Hadid, clad in eye-catching red leather, wreaks havoc on a Parisian fashion runway, snapping necks and sending paparazzi scrambling. The chaos escalates as she mounts a motorbike, only to be violently thrown into oncoming traffic. In a bizarre twist, her injuries heal instantaneously, culminating in a graphic explosion as armed gendarmes close in, setting the tone for this lurid spectacle.
*The Beauty*, co-created by Murphy, who is known for hits like *Glee* and *American Horror Story*, is based on a 2015 comic by Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley. The plot revolves around a drug promising to enhance beauty—“one shot and you’re hot”—but with deadly side effects. This intoxicating elixir is not just lethal; it’s also a sexually transmitted contagion, rapidly spreading among those who find themselves irresistibly attractive.
A Mixed Bag of Influences
The show’s premise borrows heavily from existing works, echoing themes from *The Substance* and the acclaimed horror film *It Follows*, yet falls short of their depth and sophistication. Central to the story are FBI agents Cooper Madsen (Evan Peters) and Jordan Bennett (Rebecca Hall), who investigate a series of violent deaths among the aesthetically blessed. The narrative introduces a tech billionaire, played by Ashton Kutcher, who becomes increasingly alarmed by the drug’s repercussions, leading him to hire an assassin (Anthony Ramos) to clean up the mess.
However, Kutcher’s portrayal lacks the menace one might expect from a villain in such a dark storyline, veering instead into the realm of caricature with over-the-top performances.
A Dumbing Down of Content?
Unfortunately, *The Beauty* falls prey to the trend of simplifying narratives for a distracted audience. Critics have noted that the dialogue feels overly repetitive, as if catering to viewers who might be scrolling through their phones while watching. Early exchanges between Madsen and Bennett are laden with exposition, clearly designed to ensure that no detail is missed, including their superficial relationship dynamics.
While the show marks a slight improvement over Murphy’s previous effort, *All’s Fair*, it still raises concerns about the trajectory of his work. Once celebrated for groundbreaking narratives, Murphy now seems to favour style over substance, serving up a series that is flashy but ultimately hollow.
Visually Striking Yet Lacking Depth
The aesthetics of *The Beauty* are undeniably captivating, featuring gruesome transformations and a visually stunning backdrop that spans iconic European locations. One particularly memorable scene involves an incel character whose grotesque metamorphosis culminates in a jaw-dropping transformation into a conventionally attractive figure.
Despite its many flaws, the series does manage to embrace its own absurdity, reveling in its glamorous yet grotesque premise. It’s a show designed for a quick glance rather than deep engagement, reflecting a growing trend in television where visual appeal often overshadows narrative integrity.
Why it Matters
*The Beauty* serves as a mirror reflecting our society’s obsession with appearance and the lengths individuals will go to achieve an idealised version of beauty. In grappling with themes of body horror and societal expectations, the series invites critical reflection on the impact of cosmetic culture in our lives. While it may not resonate with all audiences, it undeniably raises important questions about the consequences of our fixation on beauty, making it a provocative, if flawed, commentary on contemporary life.
