Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gore, cursing, drinking, smoking in religious horror tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Grotesquerie
What's the Story?
Co-created by Ryan Murphy, GROTESQUERIE is a horror series centering around a troubled detective and a journalist nun as they try to solve a string of gruesome murders in their small town. When Detective Lois Tryon (Niecy Nash-Betts) is called in to examine a grotesque crime scene involving a family of five, she's advised to give the case to the FBI by fellow law enforcement. But Detective Tryon feels that there's something personal about what has happened, though she can't put her finger on why. As she works the case, she's also dealing with the fact that her husband Marshall (Courtney B. Vance) is on a ventilator and being overseen by the obnoxious and intrusive Nurse Redd (Lesley Manville), and that her adult daughter Merritt (Raven Goodwin) is compulsively eating to cope with the situation. Tryon is at a loss, but when she reluctantly agrees to briefly sit down with Sister Megan Duval (Micaela Diamond), a tabloid writer for the local Catholic parish, the detective realizes that the young nun can help her interpret clues and patterns in what seem to be religiously contextualized killings. Deep down, Detective Tryon knows that there are evil forces around her that are trying to cause her harm, and wants to get to the bottom of it.
Is It Any Good?
The disturbing mystery series combines the darkness of religious-themed horror with gruesome content designed to both titillate and nauseate. Grotesquerie also offers a compelling narrative and interesting characters that helps viewers move beyond the grotesque nature of the murders and continue following the story. As is common in the horror genre, it also attempts to fetishize certain events and acts throughout. This isn't the most innovative of series, and Ryan Murphy fans will be quick to recognize some the tropes that are common in his work. But celebrities' cameo appearances and some well-timed jump scares are fun. Grotesquerie isn't for everyone, but if you enjoy a good horror series, this one is worth committing to.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the horror genre. What are some horror categories you know? Do you have a favorite?
Is it necessary for the blood and gore featured in Grotesquerie to be shown in order for viewers to understand the story? Why or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 25, 2024
- Cast : Niecy Nash , Micaela Diamond , Courtney B. Vance
- Network : FX
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Fantasy
- TV rating :
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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