Grotesquerie – Series Review | Hulu/FX

GROTESQUERIE on Hulu is a new FX series about a serial killer. It’s a horror series that offers both a distinct Se7en and Ryan Murphy vibe. Niecy Nash is amazing in the lead. Read our Grotesquerie series review here!

GROTESQUERIE is a new FX on Hulu series starring Niecy Nash. It’s a horror drama from Ryan Murphy and features a serial killer story. The series has ten episodes that will be released in pairs, except for episodes 7 and 10 which will air solo. The season finale will air on October 30.

The first two episodes are out now and by the end of episode 2, you will know the reason behind its title. Overall, I find it extremely intriguing and horror fans should be quite happy with this one. Especially everything related to the vibe.

Continue reading our Grotesquerie series review below. Find it on Hulu from September 26, 2024.

A Se7en plot with Ryan Murphy’s excess

When watching the trailer for Grotesquerie, you will likely find it impossible not to think of David Fincher’s iconic serial killer movie Se7en (1995). And I am very happy to tell you that this feeling continues when you start watching the actual show.

Especially episode 1 has an extremely dark vibe to it. Actually, episode 2 is equally dark and sinister, but more room is given for us to become acquainted with the characters as well.

Of course, with that well-known Ryan Murphy vibe where everything is just a bit wilder. And more quirky. And also, a bit crazy and both familiar and eerily unfamiliar.

So many bodies

Detective Lois Tryon (Niecy Nash-Betts) is in charge of the homicide department, and she’s about to get very busy. Extremely busy. All while her officers are throwing up all over the place whenever a new crime scene is discovered.

This new serial killer – also a mass murderer in many instances – is on a mission of biblical proportions. Or is it diabolic? The jury is still out on that.

However, Detective Lois Tryon feels personal about these crimes. Like someone – or something – is taunting her.

That’s probably why she is so quick to accept help from a very unexpected interested party; The true crime reporter and nun, Sister Megan (Micaela Diamond).

Niecy Nash-Betts carries Grotesquerie

I don’t mean to say that Grotesquerie needs to be carried by any one actor, but Niecy Nash (DAHMER) is at the very heart of this series. As Detective Lois Tryon, she is fierce and sharp as she faces crime scenes that others cannot stomach.

At home, however, Lois struggles a lot more. Also, she drinks whether at home or on the job.

She has a very strained relationship with her daughter, though the love is clearly there. All while her husband is in an actual coma and in long-term hospital care. Nurse Redd (Lesley Manville) is more terrifying than almost anything else.

Like a diabolic and actually insane Nurse Ratched, who aims to do harm. Mostly to a patient’s loved ones, while being extremely inappropriate at every turn.

The true-crime fascinated nun

And then there’s Micaela Diamond as Sister Megan. A nun who is definitely more preoccupied with her job as a journalist with the Catholic Guardian. A true crime and cult-focused journalist.

She has already seen the worst of humanity but continues to believe in our capacity for good. All while recognizing our ability (sometimes even desire) to do sinister things to one another.

Lois and Sister Megan have many scenes together, and fortunately, Niecy Nash and Micaela Diamond are brilliant together. It’s all rather strange after the first two episodes. Then again, this is also what will ensure many return to see more.

Also in Grotesquerie are Courtney B. Vance (Lovecraft Country), Raven Goodwin, Travis Kelce, Brooke Smith, and Tessa Ferrer. Plus, Nicholas Alexander Chavez (Lyle Menendez in Monsters) as Father Charlie.

Start watching Grotesquerie on Hulu now!

Grotesquerie was written and created by Ryan Murphy, Jon Robin Baitz (Feud), and Joe Baken (American Horror Stories). The episodes are directed by Max Winkler (Monsters), Ryan Murphy, Alexis Martin Woodall, and Elegance Bratton.

Among the executive producers of the series are its creators, most directors, and its stars Niecy Nash-Betts and Courtney B. Vance.

Grotesquire premieres on Wednesday, 25 September 2024 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on FX. It will be available to stream the next day (meaning at the strike of midnight PST) on Hulu and Hulu On Disney+.

The 10-episode first season will also be coming soon to Disney+ internationally.

If this series continues along the intense and gory lines of the first two episodes, then this should be a huge hit. And that means more seasons are bound to follow.

Grotesquerie is available to stream on Hulu from September 26, 2024.

This review is based on the first two episodes.

Details

Creators: Jon Robin Baitz, Joe Baken, Ryan Murphy
Directors: Max Winkler, Elegance Bratton, Alexis Martin Woodall, Ryan Murphy
Cast: Niecy Nash, Courtney B. Vance, Nicholas Alexander Chavez, Micaela Diamond, Raven Goodwin, Lesley Manville, Tessa Ferrer, Travis Kelce, Brooke Smith