Ryan Murphy's 'The Beauty' Sparks Discussion on Modern Beauty Obsessions
In the ever-evolving landscape of television, Ryan Murphy continues to push boundaries with his latest creation, The Beauty. This FX series, which also streams on Hulu and Disney+, delves into the dark side of societal obsessions with youth and appearance, weaving a narrative that is as thrilling as it is thought-provoking.
A Tale of Transformation and Consequences
The Beauty introduces a world where a mysterious virus turns its hosts into perfect physical specimens overnight. Men emerge with chiseled physiques, and women with youthful, slender figures. However, this transformation comes at a steep price: the newfound beauty is fleeting, lasting only about two years before the individuals spontaneously combust due to their extreme attractiveness.
The Plot Unfolds
At the center of the series is Byron Forst, a biotech CEO played by Ashton Kutcher, who packages the virus as an injectable Instagram filter called 'The Beauty.' The narrative follows a pair of jet-setting FBI agents as they investigate the mysterious deaths of models in Paris and Venice, uncovering the dark secrets behind the virus.
Inspired by a Graphic Novel
Loosely based on the 2016 graphic novel of the same name by Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley, The Beauty retools the premise for the Ozempic age. The series cannily taps into contemporary societal anxieties around GLP-1 drugs, which have become a metonym for the increasing malleability of appearances.
Exploring Societal Anxieties
The series arrives at a time when discussions around beauty and body image are more complex than ever. Thanks to Ozempic and its competitors, thinness has made a comeback, with celebrities and influencers altering their appearances in pursuit of societal standards. This has led to a regressive swing away from body positivity, a trend that The Beauty does not shy away from addressing.
Ozempic and Beyond
Murphy, known for his earlier work on Nip/Tuck, a black comedy set at a plastic-surgery center, seems to be ahead of the curve in commenting on these trends. The series name-checks Ozempic and Mounjaro, as well as terms like 'incels' and 'Chads,' highlighting the diverse and often conflicting perspectives on beauty in modern society.
A Critique of Excessive Vainness
At its core, The Beauty is built around the spectacle of punishing the excessively vain. The transformations induced by the virus are grotesque, with bones crunching and skeletons contorting for maximal discomfort. This serves as a stark warning against the dangers of pursuing perfection at any cost.
Characters and Themes
Among the characters, Meghan Trainor plays a pop star who experiences a dramatic turnaround, reflecting real-world controversies around body image. Another compelling character is Jeremy, an emotionally stunted incel desperate for human connection. His journey from an awkward, lonely figure to a transformed 'Chad' offers a poignant contrast to the other victims of the virus.
The Manosphere and Beyond
Jeremy's story bridges the gap between the manosphere and Ozempic culture, highlighting how different demographics are affected by societal pressures. Even as he becomes entangled in the series' intrigue, he remains a poignantly impressionable figure, convinced that his newfound attractiveness will grant him the purpose he craves.
Cinematic Homages and References
Like many of Murphy's shows, The Beauty is a pastiche held together by proud vulgarity and a sadistic streak. It winks at cinematic homages such as the 2024 movie The Substance and the Broadway adaptation of Death Becomes Her. These references add layers to the narrative, inviting viewers to reflect on the broader themes of eternal youth and the price of perfection.
The Timeliness of the Series
The timeliness of The Beauty cannot be overstated. As GLP-1 drugs become increasingly mainstream, the series captures the zeitgeist, offering a critique that is both timely and timeless. It challenges viewers to consider the consequences of chasing perfection in an age where the line between reality and illusion is increasingly blurred.
Conclusion
Ryan Murphy's The Beauty is a bold and daring exploration of modern beauty obsessions. With its gripping narrative, complex characters, and timely themes, the series is poised to spark conversations and debates on societal standards and the true cost of chasing perfection. As the tagline suggests, 'One shot makes you hot,' but at what price?
