BlackEden
Joined Jan 2012
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Reviews54
BlackEden's rating
Although I agree with some folks in that the ending felt a bit rushed (mostly for the side characters) Joe's ending was very satisfying.
I loved how they wrote the character of Louise (aka Bronte). In our patriarchal society, where femicide is on the rise, women are often conditioned not to love themselves and accept mistreatment and abuse in relationships. When they meet someone as manipulative as Joe, they feel seen, heard and whole due to lovebombing - which perfectly blindsides them to the horror that will follow and the hold he'll have over them. This is what Louise struggled with and eventually got out of alive (but in reality is often not the case).
As someone who used to read a lot about serial killers as a teenager, and ended up growing up with a violent killer, the show did a fantastic job at breaking down the classic tactics/patterns of people with antisocial personality disorders: nothing is EVER their fault, it is ALWAYS everyone else's. No matter what. The writers did their research!
Lastly, I really appreciated how this season in general shifted more towards the victims. To those who have the luxury of not losing a friend/family member to a violent murder, their ignorance often disregards the importance of the victims because they can still compartmentalize the idea of serial killer shows as purely a fantasy. But for those of us who have endured loss, we know how much it feels like losing the person over and over again when the murderer is glorified.
Overall, this show was uncomfortable to watch because of the accuracy of Joe's inner dialogue, but the ending in this episode made it worth it (even if it is an escape from the horrifying reality that offenders often go unpunished). Hopefully it can wake up others who, in real life, are in Louise's position. If you're in an abusive relationship (i.e. A trauma bond), please, get out before it's too late. YOU are worthy.
I loved how they wrote the character of Louise (aka Bronte). In our patriarchal society, where femicide is on the rise, women are often conditioned not to love themselves and accept mistreatment and abuse in relationships. When they meet someone as manipulative as Joe, they feel seen, heard and whole due to lovebombing - which perfectly blindsides them to the horror that will follow and the hold he'll have over them. This is what Louise struggled with and eventually got out of alive (but in reality is often not the case).
As someone who used to read a lot about serial killers as a teenager, and ended up growing up with a violent killer, the show did a fantastic job at breaking down the classic tactics/patterns of people with antisocial personality disorders: nothing is EVER their fault, it is ALWAYS everyone else's. No matter what. The writers did their research!
Lastly, I really appreciated how this season in general shifted more towards the victims. To those who have the luxury of not losing a friend/family member to a violent murder, their ignorance often disregards the importance of the victims because they can still compartmentalize the idea of serial killer shows as purely a fantasy. But for those of us who have endured loss, we know how much it feels like losing the person over and over again when the murderer is glorified.
Overall, this show was uncomfortable to watch because of the accuracy of Joe's inner dialogue, but the ending in this episode made it worth it (even if it is an escape from the horrifying reality that offenders often go unpunished). Hopefully it can wake up others who, in real life, are in Louise's position. If you're in an abusive relationship (i.e. A trauma bond), please, get out before it's too late. YOU are worthy.
Great indie flick with a lot of heart put into it. It has the same idea as Warm Bodies (but better) regarding the main character, mixed with Let the Right One In with how she finds friendship and becomes the side characters' protector.
Sure, there could have been a bit more depth, but I felt it said quite a bit through the limited dialogue. The storytelling is very much told through the visuals and sounds here, which I enjoyed. I also liked the cinematography as well (good angles and perspectives).
However, I am left a bit curious about the ending. Was it real? Or was it a metaphor? I'm assuming it's left open for interpretation intentionally.
Overall, this was an enjoyable horror drama that was both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
Sure, there could have been a bit more depth, but I felt it said quite a bit through the limited dialogue. The storytelling is very much told through the visuals and sounds here, which I enjoyed. I also liked the cinematography as well (good angles and perspectives).
However, I am left a bit curious about the ending. Was it real? Or was it a metaphor? I'm assuming it's left open for interpretation intentionally.
Overall, this was an enjoyable horror drama that was both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
First off, I'm not usually a fan of Murphy's work simply because I don't believe he is a good storyteller: too scattered, forgetful, and focuses on aesthetics over substance. Thankfully, it wasn't too bad with this show because of the other team members writing and directing.
I really loved how this show focused on stories of POC queer folks in the 80s, using actual queer folks as actors and weaving in some real experiences (watch Paris is Burning before you watch this show and you'll know what I mean). And while the dark themes that were brought forward were necessary, I appreciated how the writers also focused on creating empowerment and joy for these characters as well.
That being said, one of the issues I have with this show is that the main characters are not necessarily representative of what the average transwoman looks like (not all transwoman have access to HRT, hair removal, fillers, implants, being physically fit, etc). It also pulls away from the believability of the story because these women are supposed to be poor during the 80s, where HRT was definitely not as accessible. However, I realize that it's Hollywood: they use actors that represent unrealistic imagery in the first place. I just was hoping it wouldn't be the same case with this project.
I also would have appreciated more drag queens, as they was a huge part of ball culture as well (garish queens and all!). The lesbian representation was low too, but to my knowledge, they weren't a huge part of ball culture so I understand this move - I liked how they were incorporated into other storylines.
Unfortunately, I knocked this down to a 7 not simply because of the unrealistic representation, but because it plays heavily into the bull**** of meritocracy: the idea where if you work hard enough you'll get what you want in life. This wasn't realistic for most people (let alone marginalized people) back then, and it sure as hell isn't realistic for people today.
Perpetuating imagery that equates success with monetary value is shallow and is not empowering. It also supports more injustice through slave labour, animal cruelty, and economic inequality. Showing people literally glorifying the torturing of animals through wearing and eating their bodies (furs, steaks, foie gras, caviar, etc.), which suggests 'success' deemed by white standards, is just not it, and misses the mark on intersectionality. There was also absolutely no need to use real animal parts for the set. I would rather not see a dead dog draped over someone's shoulder, for instance.
The last issue I have is that the show started as a promising story that focused on the fight for queer POC to survive and thrive in a world where society didn't want them, but instead it quickly turned into a bunch of messy side stories (some that went nowhere) and a hyper focus on capitalist individualism (i.e. Obsession with physical beauty and squandering wealth).
Millennials and Gen Z understand that Boomers and early Gen X have been brainwashed with the 'American Dream' propaganda, but it just stings so badly when we see it poisoning storylines. It sets unrealistic standards for life goals and self worth, and that is the last thing this community needs.
In spite of all of this, I still recommend checking the show out. Mostly because of the actors representing Pray Tell, Blanca, and Ricky (the worst actors were Angel and Elektra, but the latter was entertaining at least). They carried the show to a whole new level. Hopefully it paves the way for more shows that have representation like this!
I really loved how this show focused on stories of POC queer folks in the 80s, using actual queer folks as actors and weaving in some real experiences (watch Paris is Burning before you watch this show and you'll know what I mean). And while the dark themes that were brought forward were necessary, I appreciated how the writers also focused on creating empowerment and joy for these characters as well.
That being said, one of the issues I have with this show is that the main characters are not necessarily representative of what the average transwoman looks like (not all transwoman have access to HRT, hair removal, fillers, implants, being physically fit, etc). It also pulls away from the believability of the story because these women are supposed to be poor during the 80s, where HRT was definitely not as accessible. However, I realize that it's Hollywood: they use actors that represent unrealistic imagery in the first place. I just was hoping it wouldn't be the same case with this project.
I also would have appreciated more drag queens, as they was a huge part of ball culture as well (garish queens and all!). The lesbian representation was low too, but to my knowledge, they weren't a huge part of ball culture so I understand this move - I liked how they were incorporated into other storylines.
Unfortunately, I knocked this down to a 7 not simply because of the unrealistic representation, but because it plays heavily into the bull**** of meritocracy: the idea where if you work hard enough you'll get what you want in life. This wasn't realistic for most people (let alone marginalized people) back then, and it sure as hell isn't realistic for people today.
Perpetuating imagery that equates success with monetary value is shallow and is not empowering. It also supports more injustice through slave labour, animal cruelty, and economic inequality. Showing people literally glorifying the torturing of animals through wearing and eating their bodies (furs, steaks, foie gras, caviar, etc.), which suggests 'success' deemed by white standards, is just not it, and misses the mark on intersectionality. There was also absolutely no need to use real animal parts for the set. I would rather not see a dead dog draped over someone's shoulder, for instance.
The last issue I have is that the show started as a promising story that focused on the fight for queer POC to survive and thrive in a world where society didn't want them, but instead it quickly turned into a bunch of messy side stories (some that went nowhere) and a hyper focus on capitalist individualism (i.e. Obsession with physical beauty and squandering wealth).
Millennials and Gen Z understand that Boomers and early Gen X have been brainwashed with the 'American Dream' propaganda, but it just stings so badly when we see it poisoning storylines. It sets unrealistic standards for life goals and self worth, and that is the last thing this community needs.
In spite of all of this, I still recommend checking the show out. Mostly because of the actors representing Pray Tell, Blanca, and Ricky (the worst actors were Angel and Elektra, but the latter was entertaining at least). They carried the show to a whole new level. Hopefully it paves the way for more shows that have representation like this!
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