The Beauty Review: It May Be Absolutely Bonkers, But Ryan Murphy’s New Body Horror Series Is Addictive

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“The Beauty” is a compelling story about corruption, longing, and lies, but it’s a complex narrative that’s hard to categorize. Though Ryan Murphy has achieved great success with horror shows like “American Horror Story” and the “Monster” series on Netflix, his new show doesn’t fit easily into any single genre. While some have drawn comparisons to “The Substance” due to the theme of a beauty-enhancing drug, the first season of 11 episodes explores so many additional layers that further comparisons feel inadequate.

A billionaire (Ashton Kutcher) discovers a drug that makes people physically perfect and promises eternal youth, hoping to become the world’s first trillionaire. But the drug spreads rapidly and has dangerous side effects, leading to chaos. Two agents are sent to investigate, but they quickly find themselves facing a complex and escalating situation.

The Beauty Starts Messy & Disorganized, But Quickly Becomes Addictive

Similar to the drug featured in the show, The Beauty takes a little getting used to. The initial episodes are wild and introduce you to a strange new world, but soon everything starts to click. You’ll find yourself connecting with the characters and wanting to know what happens next.

Evan Peters truly shines in the series, supported by a strong cast including Rebecca Hall and Anthony Ramos, who all fit well into the strange and unsettling new world the show creates. Ashton Kutcher also appears, and while he’s perfectly fine in the role, his performance feels a bit predictable given his past work.

Despite everything, The Beauty really shines with its incredible cast. The show features surprising and enjoyable cameos from famous faces, showcasing just how well-respected Murphy is in the industry. What’s great is that these appearances aren’t just for show – they actually add to the story and make the series even better. It’s a truly captivating show that improves with each episode.

The Beauty Under-Promised & Over-Delivered

After watching the trailer for The Beauty, I initially thought it would be similar to The Substance. But after watching a few episodes, it’s clear the two shows are very different. The Beauty is a truly impressive science fiction series that thoughtfully examines complex social and psychological themes, though the trailers don’t really showcase that depth.

Luckily, The Beauty gets better with each episode, steadily building suspense. It’s visually gorgeous and completely draws you in, with a story that’s both thought-provoking and fresh. The acting is also fantastic. While it sometimes feels like a satire and has moments of exaggerated humor, the show ultimately shines and delivers on the playful, ironic tone it establishes.

This series is brilliantly made, with incredible performances and craftsmanship on both sides of the camera. While it features some disturbing imagery, it’s a must-watch for those who can handle it. “The Beauty” is a lavish and completely engrossing spectacle, and arguably Ryan Murphy’s best work yet.

You can now watch the first three episodes of The Beauty on Hulu. New episodes will be released every Wednesday.

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2026-01-21 19:01