Ghosts are not enough anymore. Real horror lies within a demon baby, a rubber man, and the dead that walk as if they’re living.
FX’s new series “American Horror Story” is addicting with its dark plot, enticing characters, and skilled directing. The show zeros in on the Harmon family, consisting of psychiatrist Ben (Dylan McDermott), stay at home mom Vivian (Connie Britton), and their daughter Violet (Taissa Farmiga). The family moves from Boston to Los Angeles for a new start after Vivian has a miscarriage and catches Ben cheating on her with his psychiatry student. The family believes they escaped their normal problems, but encounter supernatural problems in their new “dream home.”
Each episode starts with a flashback from the house’s past, giving viewers more insight into what is happening to the Harmon family. The flashbacks have ranged from twins getting viciously attacked in the basement during the 70s to maids and unfaithful husbands getting shot in a bedroom during the 80s.
Each episode is then followed by the creepiest credits currently on TV. The frightening music, flashes of babies in jars, and burning pictures of toddlers create a scary atmosphere.
Although the show is called a “horror story,” it is not all jumps and scares. The psychological thrills and cliffhangers are what keep viewers coming back for more. Besides being a horror television show, “American Horror Story” also pays homage to famous horror movies and thrillers. Scenes from movies such as Paranormal Activity 2, Rosemary’s Baby, The Strangers, and The Shining have been recreated in the series.
The writers Brad Falchuk and Ryan Murphy don’t just recreate scenes, but they also add their own unforgettable touches. Famous scores from other famous films are used to enthrall the audience. The whistling song from Kill Bill was used in the Halloween episode to translate a character’s frenzied feeling to the viewers.
As an avid fan of scary movies, “American Horror Story” doesn’t quite scare me, but the show is addicting. It boggles your mind while you try to figure out whether or not each character is a ghost. The characters themselves have so much depth that they don’t come off as predictable.
One character, Constance (Jessica Lange) first seemed like a glamorous woman brimming with southern hospitality until the line, “Don’t make me kill you again,” in the pilot episode. Another character Tate Langdon (Evan Peters), who has turned out to be a ghost, goes from romantic to homicidal in many episodes. Tate’s character is especially popular among female fans for his good looks and sensitivity, despite intense psychological problems.
The twisted series has certainly started off well and has been confirmed for a second season. It’s halfway through the first season, but it’s not too late to jump on the bandwagon. Tune into FX, Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. for a good scare. Don’t forget to leave the lights on.
Chioma Iheoma is an A&E Editor for the JCpatriot and JCpatriot.com