After starting extremely strong, the recent FX horror series Grotesquerie recently wrapped its first season — but now we’re extremely confused about what to think. Which is oddly a strength and a weakness for the mind-bending, two-season-planned event.

Niecy Nash-Betts Shines

Niecy Nash-Betts’ performance in Grotesquerie is nothing short of stellar. As Detective Lois Tryon, Nash brings a nuanced, detail-heavy, and compelling portrayal that carries the series effortlessly. Her character, a weary detective grappling with personal demons and a string of gruesome murders, is brought to life with a depth and complexity that is both captivating and heart-wrenching. Nash-Betts’ ability to balance vulnerability and toughness makes her the undeniable star of the show. And ultimately, it's clear that this role could be one of her best, solidifying her as a powerhouse in the genre.

To elaborate, the actor’s performance is a masterclass in both subtlety and intensity. She infuses Detective Tryon with a quiet determination and an underlying sense of dread that permeates every scene. The character's personal struggles, including her battle with alcoholism and her strained relationship with her daughter, add layers to her portrayal, making her more relatable and human. Nash-Betts’ chemistry with her co-stars, particularly within the confines of her complex family dynamics, adds another dimension to the series, creating a storyline that is both engaging and emotionally charged.

Depicting Horror Through Religious Textures

The series excels in weaving strong horror and religious themes throughout its narrative. The murders, often staged with eerie religious symbolism, create a chilling atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge. The use of religious iconography and rituals adds a layer of psychological horror, making the killings more disturbing and thought-provoking. However, the series sometimes struggles with consistency in these elements. As the plot shifts and the twists become more apparent, the horror and religious textures can feel displaced, leading to a sense of disconnection. While the show's ambition is commendable, the execution can be uneven, leaving the audience wanting a more cohesive blend of these themes.

The scenes involving cult-like occurrences or intense spiritual horrors are particularly effective in creating a sense of unshakable dread. The attention to detail in the set design, costumes, and makeup enhances the authenticity of these scenes, making them more immersive. The series does an excellent job of building tension through its visuals (use of lighting, sound, camera angles, etc.); however, there are moments when the narrative shifts abruptly, causing its core elements to feel like an underwhelming marketing misdirect. For now.

A Somewhat Incomplete First Season

One of the most significant drawbacks of Grotesquerie is the feeling that the first season's story is incomplete. The season ends on a cliffhanger that feels more like an episode-ending twist rather than a satisfying season finale. This abrupt conclusion leaves many questions unanswered and the direction of the story unclear. And no, we’re not talking about the initial plot twist (which was actually solid), this is concerning the present-day, awakened storyline that lacks direction.

A bit more resolution or a clearer indication of what's to come could have greatly enhanced the overall impact of the series. For example, the final two episodes introduce several new plot threads without adequately addressing the existing ones — or the new ones. This creates a sense of unfinished business that detracts from the overall viewing experience. The lack of resolution for key character arcs, particularly those of Detective Tryon and the main antagonist, leaves the audience in limbo.

While it's clear that the creators intend to explore these threads in future seasons, a more balanced approach to wrapping up the first season would have been appreciated. But at the very least, I’m hoping there’s a little more than an all-too-realistic, misogynistic men’s club behind these pseudo-reality, spiritual prophecy crimes as we’re being led to believe. But honestly, anything seems possible at this point.

Score: 6/10

The exploration of a hellishly detached reality, psychological horror, and religious fanaticism are all compelling aspects of the series, but Grotesquerie needs a little more development to fully realize its potential.