Season 7 of American Horror Story, titled Cult, masterfully exploits the pervasive anxieties and divisions fueled by the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election. It explores the rise of cults of personality, the fragility of mental health, and the insidious ways fear and political extremism can manipulate individuals and communities.
The Anatomy of Fear: A Post-Election Nightmare
Cult isn’t merely about the election itself; it’s about its psychological and social repercussions. Set in the fictional suburb of Brookfield Heights, Michigan, the season follows the aftermath of Donald Trump’s victory, focusing on Ally Mayfair-Richards (Sarah Paulson), a woman whose pre-existing phobias – including trypophobia (fear of holes), clowns, and blood – are exacerbated by the election results. Her anxieties become fertile ground for manipulation by Kai Anderson (Evan Peters), a charismatic and disturbed young man who seizes the opportunity to exploit the prevailing fear and discord to build his own cult of personality.
The narrative weaves together Ally’s deteriorating mental state, the rise of Kai’s power, and a series of brutal murders that terrorize the community. Cult cleverly blurs the lines between reality and hallucination, leaving viewers questioning what is real and what is a manifestation of Ally’s intense anxiety. The season serves as a chilling allegory for the way political polarization can destabilize individuals and society, making them vulnerable to manipulation and violence. It underscores the dangers of unfettered ambition, the power of rhetoric, and the seductive allure of belonging, even when that belonging comes at a terrible cost.
Frequently Asked Questions About American Horror Story: Cult
H3: What are the main themes explored in American Horror Story: Cult?
Cult tackles several interconnected themes. The most prominent is the exploration of fear as a tool for control. It examines how individuals and groups can manipulate anxieties to gain power and influence. Other key themes include:
- Political polarization and its consequences: The season highlights the deep divisions created by the 2016 election and how these divisions can lead to violence and extremism.
- Mental health and its vulnerabilities: Ally’s pre-existing phobias are exploited, demonstrating how mental health struggles can be exacerbated by societal pressures and manipulated by malicious individuals.
- The nature of cults and charismatic leadership: The season deconstructs the psychology behind cult formation and the techniques used by charismatic leaders to attract and control followers.
- Gender roles and power dynamics: Cult features strong female characters navigating patriarchal structures and challenging traditional power dynamics, often with violent consequences.
H3: How is the 2016 Election depicted in the season?
The 2016 election is not merely a backdrop; it’s a catalyst for the events that unfold. While Trump and Clinton are never explicitly shown, their presence is felt through television screens and the characters’ reactions to the results. The season portrays the election as a deeply divisive event that heightened existing anxieties and created fertile ground for extremist ideologies. The election outcome serves as the initial spark that ignites Kai Anderson’s ambition and allows him to capitalize on the prevailing fear and anger.
H3: Who is Kai Anderson and what motivates him?
Kai Anderson is the central antagonist of Cult. He’s a charismatic and deeply disturbed young man who sees the chaos following the election as an opportunity to seize power. His motivations are complex, driven by a desire for control and a belief that he can restore order to a world he perceives as fractured. He uses fear-mongering tactics and manipulates the vulnerabilities of others to build his cult and exert his influence. His background and past traumas are slowly revealed throughout the season, offering a glimpse into the roots of his twisted ideology. Ultimately, Kai is driven by a narcissistic desire for recognition and a belief in his own superiority.
H3: What role do clowns play in American Horror Story: Cult?
Clowns serve as a potent symbol of fear and unease in Cult. They are not just random figures of horror; they are specifically tied to Ally’s trypophobia and her growing anxieties. Kai and his followers use clown masks and costumes to terrorize the community and exacerbate Ally’s fears, contributing to her psychological breakdown. The clowns represent the unseen forces of chaos and manipulation that are working to destabilize Ally and the community around her. They are a visible manifestation of the hidden darkness that Kai is unleashing.
H3: How does Cult explore the theme of gaslighting?
Gaslighting is a prominent technique employed by Kai Anderson and other characters throughout the season. They deliberately manipulate Ally’s perception of reality, making her question her sanity and doubt her own experiences. This manipulation is used to isolate her, control her behavior, and ultimately drive her further into a state of fear and dependence. The gaslighting serves as a microcosm of the broader societal manipulation that Cult explores, highlighting how misinformation and psychological tactics can be used to control populations.
H3: Is Cult based on a true story?
While Cult is a work of fiction, it is heavily inspired by real-world events and cults. The season draws parallels to historical cult leaders like Charles Manson and explores themes that resonate with real-life political extremism. The writers took inspiration from the social and political climate following the 2016 election and incorporated elements of contemporary anxieties into the narrative. Therefore, while not directly based on a specific true story, Cult reflects the real fears and divisions that exist in contemporary society.
H3: What are some of the most shocking moments in American Horror Story: Cult?
Cult is known for its graphic violence and unsettling imagery. Some of the most shocking moments include:
- The graphic murders committed by Kai and his followers, often depicted in gruesome detail.
- Ally’s psychological breakdown and the hallucinations she experiences due to her phobias.
- The manipulation and exploitation of vulnerable individuals within the cult.
- The power struggles and betrayals that occur within the cult’s inner circle.
- The season finale, which features a violent confrontation and a shocking twist.
These moments are designed to shock and disturb, forcing viewers to confront the darker aspects of human nature and the fragility of societal stability.
H3: How does the season connect to other seasons of American Horror Story?
While Cult primarily focuses on its own self-contained story, it contains subtle connections and Easter eggs referencing previous seasons of American Horror Story. Beverly Hope (Adina Porter) is a news reporter who also appears in “Roanoke”. Twisty the Clown from Freak Show makes a brief cameo via comic book form, solidifying the connected universe. The overall theme of societal anxieties and historical references is a common thread throughout the series.
H3: How is gender represented in American Horror Story: Cult?
Cult explores gender roles and power dynamics in complex and often disturbing ways. The season features several strong female characters who are subjected to violence and manipulation by men. However, it also showcases women who are actively fighting against patriarchal structures and seeking to reclaim their agency. The power struggles between men and women within the cult are a central theme, highlighting the ways in which gender can be used as a tool for control and oppression. Ally’s journey, in particular, is a powerful exploration of female resilience and the fight against systemic misogyny.
H3: What is trypophobia and why is it important to the season?
Trypophobia is a fear of clusters of small holes. In Cult, Ally Mayfair-Richards suffers from this phobia, and it is exacerbated by the events of the season. The imagery associated with trypophobia is used to create a sense of unease and disgust, reflecting Ally’s growing anxiety and psychological distress. The phobia is not just a random detail; it is a symbol of Ally’s vulnerability and the ways in which her fears are being exploited. The presence of trypophobia adds another layer of psychological horror to the season.
H3: What is the significance of the ending of American Horror Story: Cult?
The ending of Cult is deliberately ambiguous and open to interpretation. While Kai’s cult is ultimately dismantled, the season suggests that the underlying anxieties and divisions that fueled its rise still persist. Ally, transformed by her experiences, takes on a new role as a leader, but her methods remain morally questionable. The ending leaves viewers questioning whether she has truly overcome her own darkness or simply embraced a different form of control. It underscores the cyclical nature of fear and the difficulty of eradicating the root causes of extremism.
H3: Is American Horror Story: Cult worth watching?
American Horror Story: Cult is a challenging and thought-provoking season that will resonate with viewers interested in exploring themes of political polarization, mental health, and the dangers of cult mentality. It is visually stunning, features strong performances from the cast, and offers a chilling commentary on contemporary society. However, it is also graphic and disturbing, and may not be suitable for all viewers. If you are looking for a horror series that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating, Cult is definitely worth watching. Its unflinching portrayal of fear and manipulation makes it a powerful and relevant piece of television.