Horror has become one of the most popular genres in film as of recent. This decade is obsessed with zombie apocalypses and cult classics. Modern day television has taken these teenage obsessions and made them into graphic, emotion-gripping shows that have pulled in hundreds of thousands of fans.
One television show in particular has become a new favorite of ladies and ghouls: American Horror Story, which is currently on its third season, American Horror Story:Coven. This FX tv series has a script that is original. It is one that captures viewers attention with the introduction scene alone. These scenes give bits and pieces of a chilling story that somewhat represents the theme of the episode. The cliffhanger left by just the first few minutes invites them to continue watching. Whether by flipping channels or watching an episode on the DVR after a long weekend, viewers will be enchanted by the show.
Each season of this show focuses on one horrific tale. Season one was based off ghosts, season two was mainly about a mental asylum and now season three focuses on the witchcraft as well as some voodoo elements. One unique feature of this show is that most of the cast is the same each season, even though it depicts a different story. This gives actors and actresses more depth because they get to play different people and interact in different sceneries. For example, Jessica Lange was just the neighbor next door with a closet full of skeletons in season one, yet in season three she is the head witch who will never let anyone grasp her power.
Season three’s plot focuses on multiple characters but mainly a newfound teenage witch named Zoe (played by Taissa Farmiga). After accidentally killing her boyfriend, Zoe is immediately sent to a boarding school in New Orleans that is for girls “like her”. Girls with special powers. There she meets former teen star Madison (played by Emma Roberts) who can levitate objects, Quennie (Gabourey Sidibe) who is quoted to be a “human voodoo doll” and is the comic relief of the show and Nan (played by Jamie Brewer) who can read minds. These girls get into situations where they use these powers but sometimes it gets very ugly and graphic. They are learning how to cope with their powers and stay hidden from human radar, however the supreme witch Fiona (Jessica Lange) has other plans as how the coven will be run. Each episode is filled with twists and turns that make you beg for next Wednesday to come sooner.
Each actor brings to the show a different character. The bizarre events seen are portrayed very well because the characters that the actors portray are very realistic, it is like they are real people. Whether it’s the snarky teen star Madison or the cruel power-hungry witch Fiona, every character has some significance and power behind their role. Everyone is deemed important, no matter how small their role is. Whoever casted this show did an amazing job. To sum it up, the acting is brilliant.
The squeamish will not enjoy this show at all. This is because the technical elements are quite terrifying, even to those that can stomach scary movies and gore effects, However, the show is littered with uncomfortable mature content that is so extreme, even the bravest would squeal. I would not even let my sister watch this show and she is a freshman this year. The lighting and soundtrack also bring in an eerie effect that captivate, and terrify, the subconscious minds of viewers.
All in all, this show knows horror. Even a horror fanatic like me gets shivers from watching it. Every Wednesday night at 9 p.m. a new tale is spun before viewers very eyes. It is captivating with amazing acting and great cinematography. My rating for this tv show is a 9 out of 10.
