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Ryan Murphy's The Beauty critiques Hollywood's harmful beauty standards

Jan 22, 2026, 1:54 PM20
(Update: Jan 23, 2026, 11:13 AM)
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Ryan Murphy's The Beauty critiques Hollywood's harmful beauty standards

  • The Beauty premiered in 2024 and features a dark plot involving a sexually transmitted virus causing people to explode or transform into more beautiful versions of themselves.
  • The show includes a notable cast, including Bella Hadid and Isabella Rossellini, and satirizes the unrealistic beauty standards driven by the entertainment industry.
  • The casting of famous models raises questions about the show's critique of beauty expectations and its effectiveness in addressing societal pressures.
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Story

In 2024, the show The Beauty, created by Ryan Murphy, was released on FX and simultaneously made available on Disney+. Set in the high fashion world, the series reveals a dark narrative as international supermodels start to die in gruesome ways due to a sexually transmitted virus. This virus causes people to physically transform into more attractive versions of themselves, but at a great cost. The series features notable talents such as Bella Hadid, Isabella Rossellini, and Anthony Ramos and includes elements of body horror and satire directed at modern beauty standards. The show's plot kicks off with a shocking scene featuring Bella Hadid's character, Ruby, who makes a desperate attempt for water during Paris Fashion Week, ultimately leading to her explosive demise, setting the tone for the rest of the series. The narrative reflects on the obsessive culture surrounding beauty and the pressures exerted by the beauty industry, as many characters grapple with the consequences of the transformative drug. Critics have noted the irony of casting some of Hollywood's most beautiful celebrities in a show that critiques the very standards they represent. The casting of these individuals raises questions regarding the message the series aims to convey about beauty and societal expectations. Additionally, the original concept of The Beauty stemmed from a comic book series that ran from 2015 to 2021, with recent revivals coinciding with the show's release. The creators have expressed interest in further exploring the physiological aspects and societal implications of the drug that triggers these transformations. As the narrative unfolds, it parallels real-world trends where people resort to extreme measures to conform to beauty ideals. The series serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers associated with the relentless pursuit of perfection, much like recent phenomena of young individuals seeking cosmetic procedures. High schoolers within the show clamoring for the drug highlights ongoing issues with beauty pressures faced by today's youth, revealing an unsettling truth about societal beauty standards. Critics have pointed out that the show's attempt to criticize beauty culture becomes muddled when featuring widely recognized models and actresses, who embody the very ideals the show aims to challenge. Overall, The Beauty attempts to grapple with the complexities of beauty and its repercussions in a society obsessed with appearances. While it aims to shed light on pressing issues within the beauty industry, the casting choices and presentation may ultimately confuse the narrative's intent. The show illustrates the ongoing struggle individuals face in their search for acceptance in a world dominated by superficial standards and perceptions of beauty.

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