Holes

I freaking love the episode, just like I loved seeing how kai recruited the members of his clown gang I enjoyed Kai's back story with his parents, the episode was great the newscaster and cameraman kills were great and the whole attic part was gruesome, top tier episode as good as it gets

"Holes," the fifth episode of American Horror Story: Cult, directed by Maggie Kiley, represents one of the darkest and most brutal installments of the season, marking a significant escalation in both narrative intensity and psychological horror. This episode uniquely intertwines the literal and metaphorical concept of "holes," exploring deep emotional, societal, and physical voids manifested through Ally's trypophobia, cult violence, and the fractured social fabric in the wake of political turmoil. The episode is noteworthy for its unflinching depiction of cruelty and its layered examination of fear, trust, and manipulation.

The episode opens with Ally's phobia of clustered holes (trypophobia) coming to the forefront in horrifying ways. A nightmare sequence vividly portrays her scratching deep holes into her neck, with black bugs crawling from the wounds-a visceral manifestation of her psychological unraveling. This scene is emblematic of the series' overall success in rendering internal fears tangible and terrifying, blending body horror with psychological trauma. Ally's escalating phobias are compounded by her growing suspicions of her neighbors, particularly Harrison Wilton, whose secretive and sinister behavior she begins to observe closely through Ozzy's telescope.

The tension ratchets up as Ally witnesses suspicious activity in Harrison's backyard, leading to the shock discovery of a freshly dug grave containing Meadow Wilton, apparently alive but buried in a desperate situation. This moment is a standout for the high tension and horror it evokes, blending the real threat of physical violence with the symbolic earthiness of buried secrets. Ally's reaction-to flee rather than confront-underscores her fragility and isolation, compounded by her phobias and heightened anxiety.

The episode also delves into the cult dynamics as Kai Anderson's group continues to spiral into violence and paranoia. Kai's manipulative control is further exposed as he orchestrates increasingly brutal acts to maintain loyalty and suppress dissent within the group. One particularly striking development is the murder of a rival cult member, RJ, executed with cold-blooded efficiency, showcasing the lengths Kai will go to consolidate power. The episode's gruesome depiction of violence-featuring knives and nail guns-serves not just shock, but a dark commentary on the destructive potential of extremist ideologies.

Maggie Kiley's direction uses tight, claustrophobic framing and muted, moody lighting to cultivate a pervasive atmosphere of dread and suspicion. The deliberate pacing allows scenes to breathe, intensifying their psychological impact, particularly in moments of silence or minimal dialogue. The frequent use of close-ups on characters' faces-especially Ally's-heightens the feeling of personal entrapment amid the external chaos. Visually, the episode contrasts the suburban normalcy of the neighborhood with insidious and gruesome undercurrents, enhancing the theme of hidden darkness beneath everyday facades.

The performances in "Holes" are integral to its impact. Sarah Paulson delivers a deeply immersive portrayal of Ally's psychological torment and desperation, balancing vulnerability with moments of steely determination. Billy Eichner as Harrison Wilton is chilling as the duplicitous neighbor whose genteel exterior masks violent secrets, offering a complex villain whose motivations are partly sympathetic due to his portrayed personal demons. Evan Peters continues to excel as Kai, embodying a charismatic yet sociopathic leader whose control over the cult reflects broader themes of political manipulation and the seduction of power.

Narratively, "Holes" advances key plot lines and character motivations while exploring themes of fear, trust, and betrayal. Ally's increasing paranoia isolates her, creating a microcosm of societal division as neighbors become enemies and normal life disintegrates under pressure. The revelation of Meadow's peril raises the stakes, moving the season's arc toward unavoidable confrontation. The episode also critiques media sensationalism through Beverly Hope's reporting, showcasing how fear is commodified and political narratives manipulated to stoke division.

In cultural terms, the episode taps into anxieties about the erosion of community trust, the rise of extremist groups, and the impact of media on public perception. It echoes motifs from classic horror-such as the "buried alive" trope-and integrates them with contemporary political and social commentary. The visual symbolism of holes as wounds, graves, and voids reinforces the season's exploration of fractured identities and societal breakdown.

"Holes" deepens American Horror Story: Cult's interrogation of fear and fanaticism. Its potent mix of visceral horror, psychological depth, and social critique is both unsettling and thought-provoking. Although the episode's graphic violence might alienate some viewers, it serves the narrative purpose of confronting the brutal realities beneath ideological extremism and personal paranoia. The episode leaves audiences contemplating not only the horrors on screen but also the real-world implications of division, mistrust, and the search for control amidst chaos. "Holes" confirms the season's ambition to transcend traditional horror storytelling by engaging with contemporary anxieties in a raw and unvarnished manner.

The reporter Beverly Hope broadcast the disappearance of Meadow and interviews Kai. Bob questions how she is the one to scoop every case and why is she promoting Kai. She questions why he did not show the footage of Serena's murder, and he fires her. Kai learns that his campaign has improved due to the fear of the population, and he decides to kill Bob. Ally misses her family, imagines bugs and holes in her face and has a consultation with Dr. Rudy. Ivy joins Kai's group and invades with them the house of Bob pretending they are a satanic cult worshipping Satan and chanting "Ave Santana" in Latin. They kill Bob and his "slave" in the attic dressed like clowns. Beverly Hope broadcasts Bob's murder and shows the video Kai recorded saying that she received by email. Then she meets Kai at Ivy's restaurant and tells him that there is a weak link in their group. Ally finds Meadow inside a grave asking for help in Harrison's backyard and calls Ivy to tell her without knowing that she is with the cult. Meadow knocks at her door saying that they are all involved in the cult including Ivvy. Kai ties R. J., who would be the weak link, at a chair and asks Ivvy to be the first to use a nail gun to kill him. Then each cultist does the same until Kai kills him. While talking to Beverly, Kai discloses the story of his life, when his father was shot by his mother that commits suicide immediately after shooting him. Further, Rudy is his brother, who asks him and Winter to leave the corpses on the bed to continue to receive the money his father received because of his disability and avoid bad publicity for him.

"Holes" is another episode of "American Horror Story" where the annoying Ally cries most of the time. Kai's group of clowns and cultist is increasing their evilness, and he discloses to Beverly when his madness apparently began with the death of his parents. The viewer also learns that Dr. Rudy Vincent is the older brother of Kai and Winter. It is amazing how wicked the members of Kai's group are. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Holes"

Never been so disappointed and bored. Full lack of fantasy content. This season is here only to prove it's for adults, sex is unuseful for the plot, violence is free and predictable. It's empty.

Ummm... for those of you that were turned away from this season because of the politics. Come Back! The season has turned a corner and is now as strong as ever (You can skip episode 2 though). 11/9 was great but Holes takes another step forward. We get more needed backstory and everything is starting to piece itself together.

To be honest this season is actually shaping up to be one of the better ones. We are given a good villain that we have a little sympathy towards, and his cult members have their own person goals and are not just a bunch of goons that can't think for themselves. Are only main problem now is the protagonist is a little too helpless. Hopefully there are more people in the town willing to fight the clowns, because Ally and crew may not be enough.

8.7/10 seems about right.