167 reviews
I am almost done with episode four and I feel like I am watching a Mashup of Someone's Mid Life Crisis who is aware of their Neurodivergent Storytelling (but doesn't care what we think about that adhd method) and then added some fetishist borderline schizophrenia and then got lost telling the original story.
And yes, I am aware of how horribly structured that sentence is. It is me emulating the rhythm and tone plus general confusion as to what in the world I am watching. Who is this about? Who do I care about here? And please tell me why (for the love of storytelling just let me in on why I am watching this, please).
It's so all over the place that I welcomed Taylor's boyfriend in the chaotic mix of a cast. I am not even a fan. Meaning there's zero fangirling - just me being happy to have something to relate to or even be remotely interested in. He's got a solid vibe - I see the appeal.
But lets talk about Niecy Nash - I want to have a small talk with her agent because she is getting undersold and underused. Stop putting her in these ridiculous detective roles that it doesn't even seem she is interested in. She is better than those roles and it's not helping to keep trying. She is wise and beautiful and talented. Find her the roles that have the range and she will shine. (Sorry but these roles give us time to think about her wasted talent).
All the Actors are also quite good - but there is a very unnatural chaotic viewpoint that hurts to try to follow. I mean random singing and fires and being preached to about life and watching the weird metaphoric portrayal of some outdated religious stuff - but I guess that's okay because you throw in some online activity lines and it's suddenly not the same thing we have seen over and over? Ick.
I gave it a six because the Actors showed up and still stayed in the scenes. Maybe they were as confused as I am because I care more about that then the plot.
Is there a plot?
And yes, I am aware of how horribly structured that sentence is. It is me emulating the rhythm and tone plus general confusion as to what in the world I am watching. Who is this about? Who do I care about here? And please tell me why (for the love of storytelling just let me in on why I am watching this, please).
It's so all over the place that I welcomed Taylor's boyfriend in the chaotic mix of a cast. I am not even a fan. Meaning there's zero fangirling - just me being happy to have something to relate to or even be remotely interested in. He's got a solid vibe - I see the appeal.
But lets talk about Niecy Nash - I want to have a small talk with her agent because she is getting undersold and underused. Stop putting her in these ridiculous detective roles that it doesn't even seem she is interested in. She is better than those roles and it's not helping to keep trying. She is wise and beautiful and talented. Find her the roles that have the range and she will shine. (Sorry but these roles give us time to think about her wasted talent).
All the Actors are also quite good - but there is a very unnatural chaotic viewpoint that hurts to try to follow. I mean random singing and fires and being preached to about life and watching the weird metaphoric portrayal of some outdated religious stuff - but I guess that's okay because you throw in some online activity lines and it's suddenly not the same thing we have seen over and over? Ick.
I gave it a six because the Actors showed up and still stayed in the scenes. Maybe they were as confused as I am because I care more about that then the plot.
Is there a plot?
- angelsemailuk
- Oct 4, 2024
- Permalink
Grotesquerie: A Symbolic Nightmare
I'm not entirely sure how to categorize "Grotesquerie." It isn't strictly a horror series; rather, it feels very symbolic. It reflects the continuous nightmare the world, especially the United States, is living in. The acting is brilliant from all the actors, with each performance adding depth to the story. The idea itself is good, but the execution wasn't as strong. I blame the script and the director for this. Additionally, there is too much violence, which can be overwhelming. Overall, I did like the series and I'm waiting for another season if there will be one. I give it a 7 out of 10.
I'm not entirely sure how to categorize "Grotesquerie." It isn't strictly a horror series; rather, it feels very symbolic. It reflects the continuous nightmare the world, especially the United States, is living in. The acting is brilliant from all the actors, with each performance adding depth to the story. The idea itself is good, but the execution wasn't as strong. I blame the script and the director for this. Additionally, there is too much violence, which can be overwhelming. Overall, I did like the series and I'm waiting for another season if there will be one. I give it a 7 out of 10.
- jon_anderson77
- Sep 25, 2024
- Permalink
Ryan Murphy usually starts out strong with an intriguing story angle and then something gets lost in the sauce. Niecey Nash would not have been my first choice for the lead detective and yet somehow it worked for me for awhile. It's understandable with everything she's dealing with that she'd spiral with the storyline, but it's unrealistic that she'd be allowed to continue working in her state. When "the incident" occurs the editing makes me believe she's dreaming because the dialogue and scenery when she meets the orderly looks like a dream sequence. When I see he is in fact real is what truly made the story spiral for me. The long drawn out scenes visiting her husband are not necessary. The head nurse makes those scenes very uncomfortable. Episodes 1-2 good, 3-4 okay, and 5-6 terrible. Theory they seem to be trying push at us is that the priest is the serial killer. The doctor met at the fire pit is my choice and I'd like the show to be wrapped up now. Not sure why they needed 10 episodes for this mostly filler show. Sadly the crime scenes are the most interesting part of this show and reminds me of what our human nature can succumb to : overindulgence and cruelty.
It's a shame so many people wrote this off after only watching a few episodes. I urge viewers to watch through episode 7, and then make a judgment call. While things seem odd, weird, and chaotic, there is a method to the madness. Niecy Nash is absolutely amazing in her portrayal of Lois. I have always thought of her in more comedic roles, but this role suits her extremely well. The other actors do a fantastic job as well, with each character having very specific reasons for why and who they are in this series. The other surprise is Travis Kelce - I didn't know what to expect from him as an actor, and he did a bang-up job! If you like surprising twists, this is definitely worth a watch.
This psychological thriller assembles a stellar cast to tell a story that sometimes feels uncertain about its direction. At times, the show evokes Silence of the Lambs, with Niecy Nash delivering an impressive performance as a flawed investigator who excels at her job yet is haunted by her own demons. The show's artistic scenes, the hyper-sexualized Catholic priest, and the surreal, exaggerated events create the sense of watching a fever dream.
As the episodes progress, the main protagonist often appears to drift through life in ways that feel unexplained. In the last quarter of the season, this approach finally begins to make sense-but then the plot takes yet another convoluted turn that may leave the audience perplexed. Despite the stellar cast, top-notch acting, and several iconic scenes, it often feels like the story itself was secondary to these other elements.
As the episodes progress, the main protagonist often appears to drift through life in ways that feel unexplained. In the last quarter of the season, this approach finally begins to make sense-but then the plot takes yet another convoluted turn that may leave the audience perplexed. Despite the stellar cast, top-notch acting, and several iconic scenes, it often feels like the story itself was secondary to these other elements.
- sammyadelaiye
- Nov 13, 2024
- Permalink
This series was torture and I finally gave up watching it at the end. By the episode 10, I really just had enough of the steam of conscious , dark, depressing mess. I do like Neisy and Courtney as actors even if their performances were fairly one dimensional "Felliniesque" portrayals.
It just did not offer me enough to make me care about any of these characters, so much so that I had to bail because I could tell that Ryan Murphey probably would not resolve it and I would leave angry and unsatisfied . And the cinematography was so dark, much of the time I felt I was watching a black screen. Don't bother!
It just did not offer me enough to make me care about any of these characters, so much so that I had to bail because I could tell that Ryan Murphey probably would not resolve it and I would leave angry and unsatisfied . And the cinematography was so dark, much of the time I felt I was watching a black screen. Don't bother!
- cockezville
- Oct 30, 2024
- Permalink
Excellent first and second episode, very strong start to the series. It gives Se7en and early American Horror Story vibes.
Eerie, grotesque beginning, great acting and good character development so far. There are some nauseating and uncomfortable scenes, but nothing we haven't seen before in horror television. The lead detective's back story is relatable and interesting. The nun is very interesting and entertaining and the hospital nurse is disturbing but entertaining. Looking forward to more of this series. I may save up episodes for binge watching, like the show a lot so far. Hopefully they will do two episodes per week.
Eerie, grotesque beginning, great acting and good character development so far. There are some nauseating and uncomfortable scenes, but nothing we haven't seen before in horror television. The lead detective's back story is relatable and interesting. The nun is very interesting and entertaining and the hospital nurse is disturbing but entertaining. Looking forward to more of this series. I may save up episodes for binge watching, like the show a lot so far. Hopefully they will do two episodes per week.
- BladeSparkles
- Sep 25, 2024
- Permalink
A lot of mixed reviews with only 2 episodes out so far = Check it out for yourself!!
If you watch the trailer and aren't interested, then move along. But, if you're like me, and the trailer piques your interest, I'd say, Screw the hearts and check it out for yourself! I did, and after reading some of these reviews that might have discouraged me from enjoying a promising horror show, I'm glad I gave it a shot. I love Niecy and the story that is bring developed here. If you're a horror fan looking for something new this Halloween season, check it out.
I'll return later to update my rating and review after the season ends, but for now, I'm rating it a 7/10.
If you watch the trailer and aren't interested, then move along. But, if you're like me, and the trailer piques your interest, I'd say, Screw the hearts and check it out for yourself! I did, and after reading some of these reviews that might have discouraged me from enjoying a promising horror show, I'm glad I gave it a shot. I love Niecy and the story that is bring developed here. If you're a horror fan looking for something new this Halloween season, check it out.
I'll return later to update my rating and review after the season ends, but for now, I'm rating it a 7/10.
The problem with Ryan Murphy is the way things get stretched out. After a few episodes (or seasons), the story gets overextended, deflates, and drags on without any real substance.
That's exactly what happens here, in this series. After a strong start with a very unique idea, well-written characters, and a sense of freshness, Murphy's need for shocking twists and flashy narrative choices once again leads to an overstuffed world where the balance between content and flashy presentation is lost.
I truly admire the innovative ideas of the talented Ryan Murphy, but once again, he squanders his talent on unnecessarily drawn-out stories.
That's exactly what happens here, in this series. After a strong start with a very unique idea, well-written characters, and a sense of freshness, Murphy's need for shocking twists and flashy narrative choices once again leads to an overstuffed world where the balance between content and flashy presentation is lost.
I truly admire the innovative ideas of the talented Ryan Murphy, but once again, he squanders his talent on unnecessarily drawn-out stories.
- yannisfloketopoulos
- Oct 2, 2024
- Permalink
- TrickyladyGames
- Sep 26, 2024
- Permalink
I was riveted for 9 episodes. Great acting and really interesting story. Episode 10 was a pile of garbage. Convoluted, overdone and absolutely no answers. What an unbelievable disappointment. Max Winkler had great instincts in his direction. Every episode was a cliffhanger and I couldn't wait to see the next chapter. That last episode was so unwatchable it didn't seem like it was part of the original story. The lighting was off, every scene was so dark it was difficult to watch. The only way this would make sense would be to renew the story and give us some answers. Sadly, I no longer care and won't be watching.
- hdlyscrod-93086
- Oct 31, 2024
- Permalink
All I have to say is this right here... If Niecy Nash (I don't have time to worry about a hyphenated add-on to her name) doesn't win some kind of award for these performances in these 10 episodes, there is something wrong with the Hollywood system. Forget about what the show is about, whether you like the show or not, whether the other actors are good, or the direction is good, just watch the show because Ms. Nash is nothing short of interesting as f!*k. Now, I'm going to add this so my required minimum is met for this review. These shows are getting more and more demented because Hollywood is mostly demented.
- thesuthernman
- Oct 20, 2024
- Permalink
Before we review this we have to ask ourselves, does the perfect show exist? No of course not, we can only hope a show will pull some strings within us and well this one does pull a few in me.
I love cop shows, I love serial killer shows and I love supernatural shows, that makes this show very close to perfect for me. It is as if Seven died and gave birth to a show, and Neicy might finally have found her perfect role.
Short story long, I love it and I think everybody is giving one hell of a performance, but I also know that it probably gets canceled for not having the mass appeal these studios are always looking for. Honestly, it could be another season of American Horror Story.
Give it a watch, keep your mind open and you might just like this.
I love cop shows, I love serial killer shows and I love supernatural shows, that makes this show very close to perfect for me. It is as if Seven died and gave birth to a show, and Neicy might finally have found her perfect role.
Short story long, I love it and I think everybody is giving one hell of a performance, but I also know that it probably gets canceled for not having the mass appeal these studios are always looking for. Honestly, it could be another season of American Horror Story.
Give it a watch, keep your mind open and you might just like this.
- brian-dane
- Sep 27, 2024
- Permalink
Ryan Murphy once was good at providing variety tales,but now feel pieces he thinks need telling his way is art versus fetish.
The lead was an unstable detective unsure how she kept her job,seemed she couldn't find her way out of a paper bag.
Who honestly would discuss a new case with a stranger claiming to be a nun,without actual credentials.. I get some nuns are less conservative,but how she acted was insane.
The priest just didn't fit his part seems Murphy was trying,to get a look-alike of Evan Peters & it failed.
Redd was an odd character that seemed too personal with the husband under her care,feel there is more to the story only time will tell.
The only thing that was grotesque was the daughter in the first episode dressed in something purposely tight & eating food enough for two people.. Who cares that she is pretty or anything,let's make weight her character focus because apparently that's how large people are perceived.
I know this is a two episode review but,feels like another season of AHS titled something else.
The series is full of clichés & plotholes,maybe stereotypes but nothing really original.
Cinematography was ok,but nothing stellar either.
Check this out & decide yourself,review edits might come as the series concludes.
Edited update- Just like in AHS: NYC all of a sudden in the last few episodes Ryan Murphy flips a switch on the storyline cohesiveness,he probably calls it artistic or twist but it shouldn't leave the viewer feeling a variety of emotions to the series from disconnected/confused & so forth.
The lead was an unstable detective unsure how she kept her job,seemed she couldn't find her way out of a paper bag.
Who honestly would discuss a new case with a stranger claiming to be a nun,without actual credentials.. I get some nuns are less conservative,but how she acted was insane.
The priest just didn't fit his part seems Murphy was trying,to get a look-alike of Evan Peters & it failed.
Redd was an odd character that seemed too personal with the husband under her care,feel there is more to the story only time will tell.
The only thing that was grotesque was the daughter in the first episode dressed in something purposely tight & eating food enough for two people.. Who cares that she is pretty or anything,let's make weight her character focus because apparently that's how large people are perceived.
I know this is a two episode review but,feels like another season of AHS titled something else.
The series is full of clichés & plotholes,maybe stereotypes but nothing really original.
Cinematography was ok,but nothing stellar either.
Check this out & decide yourself,review edits might come as the series concludes.
Edited update- Just like in AHS: NYC all of a sudden in the last few episodes Ryan Murphy flips a switch on the storyline cohesiveness,he probably calls it artistic or twist but it shouldn't leave the viewer feeling a variety of emotions to the series from disconnected/confused & so forth.
I love Niecy Nash and the gruesome murders, but the rest is a big "WTF is this"?
It's so tonally disjointed... It's typical Ryan Murphy nonsense after a couple episodes.
The nun, the priest, the nurse... Mr. Swift... That's just awful. Gimme more of Lois, Merritt and the actual investigation (without the absurd nun). That's good, but the rest is not.
Why can't he make a consistently good season anymore? It started off pretty good and began derailing by episode 3, with full of nonsense scenes, u intentionally funny ones... It's like he can't do a serious show anymore (it happened to Monsters Season 2 this year also).
It's so tonally disjointed... It's typical Ryan Murphy nonsense after a couple episodes.
The nun, the priest, the nurse... Mr. Swift... That's just awful. Gimme more of Lois, Merritt and the actual investigation (without the absurd nun). That's good, but the rest is not.
Why can't he make a consistently good season anymore? It started off pretty good and began derailing by episode 3, with full of nonsense scenes, u intentionally funny ones... It's like he can't do a serious show anymore (it happened to Monsters Season 2 this year also).
- MisterFloppy
- Oct 2, 2024
- Permalink
- staceydomenic
- Sep 27, 2024
- Permalink
The concept is good, the details and effects are great. The storyline is average.
However it feels like Ms. Nash is carrying the whole show. She brings a lot of conflict and emotions to the show. Her hypocrisy shines a light on other character's hypocrisy. I mostly enjoy the show because of her.
The religious aspect starts to intwine with sexuality giving another perspective on the hypocrisy.
Travis Kelce is not an actor. His body language and delivery is beyond cringe. We need to stop putting people in acting roles just because their face is everywhere on tv. It's just another Kim Kardashian moment. He lacks substance and seems like a typical jock who was forced to join the theater group.
The show could be a lot better if it was thought out more. It seems rushed and forced in a lot of ways.
However it feels like Ms. Nash is carrying the whole show. She brings a lot of conflict and emotions to the show. Her hypocrisy shines a light on other character's hypocrisy. I mostly enjoy the show because of her.
The religious aspect starts to intwine with sexuality giving another perspective on the hypocrisy.
Travis Kelce is not an actor. His body language and delivery is beyond cringe. We need to stop putting people in acting roles just because their face is everywhere on tv. It's just another Kim Kardashian moment. He lacks substance and seems like a typical jock who was forced to join the theater group.
The show could be a lot better if it was thought out more. It seems rushed and forced in a lot of ways.
- kidjaynite
- Oct 4, 2024
- Permalink
I hate that you can review an actual series by the first episode on IMDB because it can be very misleading but the start is very dark and scary.
A family is brutally murdered and a detective with a tough background is on the case to solve who is behind such a heinous killing. It looks like it will take you into the cult world of devil worshiping and other dark areas of that culture. It reminds a bit of Se7en . Very gruesome hence the name and the acting , especially the lead is superb which was expected from this actress. They do a good job with the characters and the way it is filmed is excellent. They do lots of closeups and camera tricks to really show the mood and the creepy nature of the show. It also reminds a bit like American horror story in that way. Don't be fooled though, this is not AHS. So far through the first couple of episodes it hits the mark. Scary, very atmospheric and creepy as well as violent and gory. It touches on everything as well as having a very good detective story and plots going on for any horror fan. This is the best time of year for fans of horror as we have come to wait for shows like AHS and the haunting of hill house, fsll of house of usher, Netflix monster series etc. I think Grotesqeria wil not disappoint . Through 3 episodes though it is quite good 👍.
A family is brutally murdered and a detective with a tough background is on the case to solve who is behind such a heinous killing. It looks like it will take you into the cult world of devil worshiping and other dark areas of that culture. It reminds a bit of Se7en . Very gruesome hence the name and the acting , especially the lead is superb which was expected from this actress. They do a good job with the characters and the way it is filmed is excellent. They do lots of closeups and camera tricks to really show the mood and the creepy nature of the show. It also reminds a bit like American horror story in that way. Don't be fooled though, this is not AHS. So far through the first couple of episodes it hits the mark. Scary, very atmospheric and creepy as well as violent and gory. It touches on everything as well as having a very good detective story and plots going on for any horror fan. This is the best time of year for fans of horror as we have come to wait for shows like AHS and the haunting of hill house, fsll of house of usher, Netflix monster series etc. I think Grotesqeria wil not disappoint . Through 3 episodes though it is quite good 👍.
- mpboylanjr-54038
- Sep 28, 2024
- Permalink
I would say the trailers/ads were intriguing weeks back yet the show is above average, not much special! I was hoping more terror, not sure about other stuff the nun woman that is interested in the case is strange, and some parts are bit cheesy otherwise I like Grotesquerie. An interesting mix of unsettling, nuns, and weird moments besides usually when I use the word Grotesque it's usually about a gruesome film not sure if this much violence yet except the aftermath. I don't know what to think I mean Niecy Nash is magnificent that's for sure! Ryan Murphy has definitely better content but this is worth checking out.
- UniqueParticle
- Oct 25, 2024
- Permalink
I apologize to anyone who took my initial advice.
The finale was the worst ending of any series I have ever watched (not hyperbole).
I won't bore you with details, suffice it to say this rats nest of confusion will definitely not be renewed, and we will never have any idea what the heck any of it meant..
#######################
Like many folks, I was underwhelmed with the first few episodes due to lots of plot holes and continuity issues, among other things. I thought wow, this is a mess.
Unfortunately, those who bailed early are really missing out and will never see this review begging them to come back and keep watching.
The series turns on episode seven, and much of the confusion begins to lift.
I just finished episode 8 and 9, and unlike weeks before, when I watched simply because there was nothing else on that I was interested in, I cannot wait until next week's finale.
If you know anyone that gave up early, please encourage them to binge the missed episodes and grab the popcorn for next week.
The finale was the worst ending of any series I have ever watched (not hyperbole).
I won't bore you with details, suffice it to say this rats nest of confusion will definitely not be renewed, and we will never have any idea what the heck any of it meant..
#######################
Like many folks, I was underwhelmed with the first few episodes due to lots of plot holes and continuity issues, among other things. I thought wow, this is a mess.
Unfortunately, those who bailed early are really missing out and will never see this review begging them to come back and keep watching.
The series turns on episode seven, and much of the confusion begins to lift.
I just finished episode 8 and 9, and unlike weeks before, when I watched simply because there was nothing else on that I was interested in, I cannot wait until next week's finale.
If you know anyone that gave up early, please encourage them to binge the missed episodes and grab the popcorn for next week.
BTW, a shout out to everyone who reviews a series after watching 30 minutes of the pilot---you keep the internet going....
This series takes the viewer on a ride, and so far, I am willing to see where.
A series of horrific and ritualistic murders plagues a desert town. A detective in the throes of alcoholism with a husband in ICU or a long term vegetative state investigates with the aid of a quirky young nun. Sounds interesting, but in the words of Firesign Theater, "Everything You Know Is Wrong".
The cast is this series are up to the wide ranges that their characters play, and I expect the next season to be equally provocative.
A series of horrific and ritualistic murders plagues a desert town. A detective in the throes of alcoholism with a husband in ICU or a long term vegetative state investigates with the aid of a quirky young nun. Sounds interesting, but in the words of Firesign Theater, "Everything You Know Is Wrong".
The cast is this series are up to the wide ranges that their characters play, and I expect the next season to be equally provocative.
- toothmanmichaelc
- Nov 5, 2024
- Permalink
Just....holy cow. This is quintessential Ryan Murphy. If you're expecting a procedural crime drama, leave. That's totally not what this is.
I'm 4 episodes in, and I'm appropriately confused and grossed out and perplexed and just gobsmacked...it's totally what I expect from Ryan Murphy. After the last 2 "what the crap" seasons of AHS, I am THRILLED to see RM back on track.
This will totally be a love it or hate it situation. I'm in the love it column. At first, before I saw where this story was going, I wasn't sure....but, man alive am I glad I stuck with it.
Ryan Murphy has combined religious horror with body horror with "oh no he didn't" horror with B movie kitsch with indie wierdness...it is definitely worth the watch.
Two thumbs up for me.
I'm 4 episodes in, and I'm appropriately confused and grossed out and perplexed and just gobsmacked...it's totally what I expect from Ryan Murphy. After the last 2 "what the crap" seasons of AHS, I am THRILLED to see RM back on track.
This will totally be a love it or hate it situation. I'm in the love it column. At first, before I saw where this story was going, I wasn't sure....but, man alive am I glad I stuck with it.
Ryan Murphy has combined religious horror with body horror with "oh no he didn't" horror with B movie kitsch with indie wierdness...it is definitely worth the watch.
Two thumbs up for me.
- marymcfarland-01866
- Oct 2, 2024
- Permalink