Ryan Murphy’s latest creation, “The Beauty,” isn’t just a television show—it’s a descent into a world of unsettling body horror and viral obsession, now streaming on Disney Plus. The premise is simple, yet terrifying: a sexually transmitted virus doesn’t kill quickly, but instead makes its hosts devastatingly, irresistibly attractive… before ultimately consuming them from the inside out.
Imagine a world where desirability is a death sentence. The show doesn’t shy away from the gruesome details, presenting scenes of bodies contorting, flesh tearing, and even explosive disintegration as the virus takes hold. It’s a visceral experience, drawing comparisons to the shocking imagery of films like “The Substance,” but with a uniquely Murphy-esque flair for the dramatic.
At the heart of the unfolding chaos are FBI detectives, played by Evan Peters and Rebecca Hall, tasked with tracking the spread of this deadly allure. Their investigation leads them across Europe, though the reason for federal involvement remains a curious ambiguity. The stakes are impossibly high, as the virus’s victims unknowingly become carriers, spreading the “hotness” – and impending doom – to others.
The cast is deliberately star-studded, featuring faces like Bella Hadid and Amelia Gray Hamlin among those who meet a spectacularly gruesome end. Ashton Kutcher delivers a chilling performance as a pharmaceutical billionaire profiting from the virus, seemingly immune to its dangers thanks to his own use of the product. Isabella Rossellini adds another layer of intrigue as his much-younger wife, a relationship explained by the virus’s own peculiar effects.
“The Beauty” is, by many accounts, a mess. A glorious, captivating mess. It’s a show that doesn’t take itself seriously, embracing its own absurdity and leaning into the shock value. While some viewers are repulsed, others find themselves morbidly fascinated, unable to look away from the unfolding spectacle.
Early reactions are sharply divided. Some praise the show’s commitment to body horror and its willingness to push boundaries. Others condemn it as a waste of talent, questioning why such a prestigious cast would sign on to such a bizarre project. One viewer bluntly labeled it “the worst of all time,” while another simply described it as “painful to watch.”
Despite the criticism, or perhaps because of it, “The Beauty” is generating significant buzz. It’s a show that demands a reaction, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable questions about beauty, desire, and the lengths people will go to achieve them. It’s a dark, disturbing, and undeniably compelling experience.
The first three episodes are now available, offering a glimpse into this unsettling world. Whether you’re drawn in by the horror, the intrigue, or simply the sheer audacity of it all, “The Beauty” is a show that’s guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
