American Horror Story: Delicate Review: American Horror Story has struggled to define its identity and stay on track in a world where witches, monsters, and killer Santas compete for attention. Its 12th season follows the finest in over a decade. This is a terrific way to end this spooky story collection. Instead, American Horror thriller Delicate’s disturbing pregnancy-related body horror thriller treads perilous and familiar territory.
AHS: Delicate is notable because it introduces new series elements. This is the first season when Ryan Murphy, the show’s creator, steps down. Playwriting superstar Hailey Feiffer writes the entire season. Also intriguing is that this is the show’s first consciously modified source material. It usually blends genre cliches and clichés into a plot.
AHS: Delicate is based on Danielle Valentine’s postmodern pregnancy horror warning tale “Delicate Condition,” which would have worked better at another time. Over the past decade, “False Positive,” “Bed Rest,” “The Offering,” “Huesera: The Bone Woman,” and STARZ’s “Dead Ringers” have become as horrific as “Rosemary’s Baby” was. One film, “L’Interieur,” features a pregnant woman whose home is broken into. Unfortunately, this theme isn’t performing as well. Stories rarely give fresh insights, except for the recurring assumption that women can be predatory in this delicate, sensitive place. Due to his skill, Feiffer is ideal for this story. Still, American Horror Story: Delicate must revive this subgenre, which seems promising following the season opener, “Multiply Thy Pain.”
The amazing Emma Roberts plays Anna Victoria Alcott in “Multiply Thy Pain.” Famous A-lister Anna wants to make parenting as vital as her profession after numerous failed IVF efforts. Alcott’s persona doesn’t impact Roberts’ life much, as her job path matches hers. As tyranny continues, Alcott’s optimism evaporates. In a striking early scene, Matt Czuchry, who plays Anna’s husband, Dex, condescendingly discusses IVF. This shows how power distorted their relationship. Anna is famous but powerless.
Like most horror stories, Anna’s path is filled with feeling invisible and afraid. She struggles with an evil doctor, an unhelpful husband, and a world that ignores her in favor of more intelligent men. True to life, these clichés nevertheless resonate despite their long history. Justified gaslighting always makes Anna doubt her sentiments and shakes her confidence. The season begins intriguingly, but American Horror Story: Delicate struggles to justify Anna’s mistreatment. Did she delay her IVF treatment one day to appear on “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen”? It’s not as awful as drug use when pregnant.
The season plunges into gloomy criticism, making children the ones who will ruin Earth. Unthankful teens are fixated on their phones, making the lives of those who paid the price worse. This nasty and hostile mood contrasts with Anna’s desire to bring a new life into the world. This stark disparity creates morally diverse situations.
“Multiply Thy Pain” progresses rapidly, which bodes well for future shows. In Valentine’s “Delicate Condition,” “He stated to the woman, “I will considerably enhance your agony and your ability to produce children.” The episode’s title, “Multiply Thy agony,” originates from Genesis 3:16. Giving birth will hurt.” This setting subtly suggests Anna Alcott and her gender may face Old Testament-style drama.
At the outset of Anna’s IVF therapy, Denis O’Hare’s hopeful Dr. Hill makes Anna and the audience worry, foreshadowing future uncertainty.
“Multiply Thy Pain” strains Roberts, but she fails. Her performance could be better from her prior work or Ryan Murphy’s complex characters. Kim Kardashian plays Siobhan well for her PR-driven role. No one should expect Lady Gaga’s career-changing AHS: Hotel performance. Kardashian’s contribution is noteworthy, but Cara Delevingne’s glasses are more unusual.
Anna’s IVF problems are terrifying and full of frightening images. Episode one has bloodied smashed eggs. Turning life’s rebirth symbols into evil spells is not subtle. The spider web-like hair knots and sewn mouths terrify well. Their simplicity and creepiness bode well for future set pieces. AHS: Delicate’s opening titles are brighter than ever and employ unpleasant symbols honestly.
“Multiply Thy Pain” incorporates odd, off-topic worries into the plot without scaring viewers. American Horror Story: Delicate is visually appealing because it strives hard to explain and contextualize its horrific symbols. The season looks bright and clean, thanks to Jessica Yu’s direction. The modest but evocative music is particularly noteworthy. Characters are confined in an aural cocoon, like in a womb.
AHS: Delicate has many intriguing themes, but it’s too early to know where they’ll go. Anna’s IVF procedure may involve putting Adeline’s embryo in her womb, which is intriguing. She would live on through their child, like “The Vampire Diaries” first season brought back dead loves. This unknown anti-pregnancy club doesn’t get this idea, even though it’s more imaginative than having a generic demon child.
ALSO READ: A Haunting in Venice Review: Branagh’s Poirot Emerges in a Gothic Spectacle
Our Reader’s Queries
What is the point of American Horror Story: Delicate?
American Horror Story: Delicate follows the storyline of the book Delicate Condition by Danielle Valentine. Emma Roberts takes the lead role as a woman determined to become a mother, but starts to suspect that someone is interfering with her dream of starting a family.
What is the scariest episode of American Horror Story?
Ranking the top 10 most unsettling episodes of American Horror Story:
10. “Piggy Piggy” from Murder House
9. “Welcome to Briarcliff” from Asylum
7. “Checking In” from Hotel
5. “Camp Redwood” from 1984
4. “Tricks and Treats” from Asylum
3. “Bitchcraft” from Coven
2. “Smoldering Children” from Murder House
1. “The Coat Hanger” from Asylum
Why is there only 5 episodes of American Horror Story: Delicate?
The season split is a result of strikes, and the show’s return hinges on resolving the ongoing SAG strike. The second part of “American Horror Story: Delicate” is coming soon, but the specific premiere date is still uncertain.
Is Kim Kardashian good in delicate?
Apologies to the critics: Kim Kardashian truly impressed in her role on ‘American Horror Story.’ Can we talk about an Emmy nod for her? The latest episode of American Horror Story: Delicate forced us to recognize the truth: Kim K can definitely act. (And no, Kris Jenner didn’t bribe us to say that.)
