Despite strong performances from a stellar cast and potent symbolism offering compelling ideas,Grotesqueriedoesn’t evolve much past its plodding narrative and scattershot story. The new FX series was created by Ryan Murphy, best known for co-creatingAmerican Horror Storyfor the same network. His latest horror mystery offers a similar feel to the anthology show, as seasonedDetective Lois Tryon (Niecy Nash-Betts) investigates a series of grisly murders in her small town. She soon teams up with a local nun, Sister Megan (Micaela Diamond), after learning the killings have key religious connotations.
Cast
Beyond the murders, however, Lois is also interacting with other members of thecast ofGrotesquerie. This includes wrestling with keeping her comatose husband, Marshall (Courtney B. Vance), on life support, as his attending Nurse Redd (Lesley Manville) mysteriously holds a grudge against her. She also struggles at home, both with her alcoholism and connecting to her daughter, Merritt (Raven Goodwin). Meanwhile,her friendship with Megan leads her to meet a young priest, Father Charlie(Nicholas Alexander Chavez), who feels news of the recent murders reported on by Megan is fueling the recent success of his church attendance.
Grotesquerie’s Unfocused Story Drags Down Strong Performances
Scattered Symbols Feel Less Meaningful As The Show Drags On
While Murphy has excelled throughoutAmerican Horror Storyseasonsto craft intriguing horror plots,Grotesquerie’s premiseultimately falls flat due to a plodding story that feels cliché and predictable. It manages to grow more complex through Lois’ struggle with addiction and Megan’s faithfulness to the church’s rules, which intersect with the story to different degrees. However,the slow pacing, coupled with symbolism that grows less poignant over time, diminishes its sense of urgency. While surrealist cinematography allows for engaging scenes, they’re often only interesting in a vacuum, barely progressing plot, character, or themes in major ways.
There are only so many gruesome, religion-inspired murders I can sit through before growing tired of the story going in circles.
This is made more disappointing due to stellar performances from the main cast.Nash-Betts and Diamond are perfect in their roles, offering a surrealist dynamic that transcends the show’s slow pace whenever they’re onscreen together. There’s a particular scene in episode 4 that, while void of story importance, was still a fun addition because of their chemistry. Chavez is also a standout, with his Father Charlie stealing the screen every time he arrives. EvenTravis Kelce’s Ed Laclanwas an intriguing performance, with most stars working well with the material they’re given.
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Yet that material is oftentimes thin, with characters getting into scenarios that constantly make the show feel like it’s overexplaining its themes and story details. There are only so many gruesome, religion-inspired murders I can sit through before growing tired of the story going in circles. While a slow burn mystery can be engaging, it becomes apparent rather quickly what’s going on. This applies not only to the main story, but also to the deeper meaning behind the murder investigation.
A Major Event In Grotesquerie Changes The Whole Dynamic Of The Show
A Predictable Decision Teases Intrigue That Doesn’t Come
The most resonant event isGrotesquerie’s story twist, which happens in the second half of the show. Following some rather blatant telegraphing,the series reveals an important aspect of the story that, while adding new layers and additional context, wildly turns away from the initial premise.While it introduces some interesting ideas, it spends a painstaking amount of time unpacking its own symbolism and thematic messages. This leads to the impression the show is stalling for time before the real story starts, while also not trusting the audience enough to come to certain conclusions on their own.
2003-2010
6
2011-present
12
2016-present
3
2017-present
2
2018-2021
2024-present
1
TBA
By the end ofGrotesquerie,it becomes clear that season 1 is just the buildup to a story that, unfortunately, doesn’t have a major hookto keep investment alive. While there are plenty of intriguing ideas and themes scattered across its ten episodes, the show’s lack of direct focus causes its grand finale to feel like just another part of the incomplete puzzle. While it appears to have some ideas for where to take the show if season 2 happens, its resonance is dulled by a lack of focus, which ultimately nullifies the storytelling.
Although there are some interesting elements at the start ofGrotesquerie, the show ultimately loses steam as it drags on, while the twist dulls everything in the final episodes. There’s still potential for a better show moving forward, but season 1 needed more focus to truly delve into the themes it presents. As much potential as the show had at the start, it wasn’t utilized as well by the end.
Grotesquerie
Grotesquerie: In this crime drama, a detective and a nun delve into a series of heinous crimes with personal ties, confronting their own struggles while unraveling a sinister web. Their investigation raises profound questions, revealing unsettling truths that challenge their perceptions and deepen the mystery.
