American Horror Story: Delicate, the twelfth season of Ryan Murphy’s anthology series, is proving to be a deeply divisive installment. While boasting star power in Emma Roberts and Kim Kardashian, the season’s disjointed narrative, pacing issues, and arguably misguided attempts at social commentary ultimately render it a less-than-stellar entry in the AHS canon, failing to fully capitalize on its source material and promising themes.
The Promise and the Disappointment
“Delicate” draws inspiration from Danielle Valentine’s novel Delicate Condition, a contemporary thriller exploring the anxieties of pregnancy, ambition, and gaslighting. The novel’s central premise – a woman convinced she’s being targeted by malevolent forces during her IVF journey – held significant potential for the kind of body horror, psychological suspense, and social commentary that AHS has occasionally excelled at. However, the execution in “Delicate” feels uneven, often sacrificing genuine scares for gratuitous imagery and convoluted plot threads.
The casting of Kim Kardashian as Siobhan Corbyn, Anna Victoria Alcott’s (Emma Roberts) publicist, generated significant buzz. While Kardashian delivers a committed performance and brings a campy sensibility to the role, her presence sometimes distracts from the core narrative. Furthermore, the integration of themes like female empowerment, motherhood, and the pressures of celebrity feels surface-level, lacking the depth and nuance that could have elevated the season beyond its horror tropes. The scares, while present, feel less visceral and more predictable compared to previous seasons, contributing to a general sense of narrative fatigue. The second half’s resolution left many viewers feeling unsatisfied, cementing the perception of “Delicate” as a significant dip in quality for the franchise.
Deeper Dive: Analyzing the Failures
Several factors contribute to the season’s perceived shortcomings:
- Pacing Issues: The season suffers from inconsistent pacing, with some episodes feeling rushed while others meander through unnecessary subplots. This unevenness disrupts the build-up of tension and weakens the overall impact.
- Unfulfilled Potential: The source material offered a rich tapestry of themes that could have been explored with greater depth. Instead, “Delicate” often settles for superficial explorations, leaving viewers yearning for more substantial commentary.
- Inconsistent Tone: The season struggles to maintain a consistent tone, oscillating between campy humor and genuine horror. This tonal imbalance undermines the effectiveness of both elements.
- Character Development: Several characters, particularly those outside the central trio of Anna, Siobhan, and Dex (Matt Czuchry), feel underdeveloped and ultimately disposable. This lack of investment in secondary characters weakens the emotional resonance of the story.
- Missed Opportunities for Social Commentary: While the season touches on themes of female exploitation and the pressures of motherhood, it rarely delves beneath the surface, missing opportunities for genuine social commentary.
Ultimately, “Delicate” feels like a missed opportunity. While it boasts impressive performances and intriguing ideas, its execution falls short of the high standards set by previous seasons of American Horror Story.
FAQs: Addressing Common Questions About “American Horror Story: Delicate”
Here are some frequently asked questions about the twelfth season of American Horror Story, “Delicate”:
H3 What is “Delicate” based on?
“Delicate” is based on the novel Delicate Condition by Danielle Valentine, published in 2023. The novel tells the story of an actress who becomes convinced that a sinister force is trying to prevent her from having a baby.
H3 Who are the main cast members in “Delicate”?
The main cast includes Emma Roberts as Anna Victoria Alcott, Kim Kardashian as Siobhan Corbyn, Matt Czuchry as Dex Harding, and Denis O’Hare as Dr. Hill.
H3 How does the series differ from the book?
While “Delicate” draws inspiration from Delicate Condition, it also takes significant liberties with the plot and characters. Some plot points and character arcs are altered or omitted entirely, while new elements are introduced to heighten the horror and suspense. The overall themes remain similar, but the execution differs considerably.
H3 What are the main themes explored in “Delicate”?
“Delicate” explores themes of motherhood, ambition, gaslighting, female exploitation, the pressures of celebrity, and the anxieties surrounding pregnancy and fertility. The season also touches upon issues of class and privilege.
H3 Is “Delicate” scary?
While “Delicate” features moments of horror and suspense, many viewers found it less terrifying than previous seasons of American Horror Story. The scares are often more psychological than visceral, relying on atmosphere and suggestion rather than gore and jump scares.
H3 What is Kim Kardashian’s role in “Delicate”?
Kim Kardashian plays Siobhan Corbyn, Anna’s publicist. Siobhan is a powerful and enigmatic figure who provides Anna with support and guidance, but also harbors secrets of her own. Kardashian’s performance has been a subject of much discussion, with some praising her campy take on the role and others criticizing her casting as a stunt.
H3 Why is the season divided into two parts?
The decision to split “Delicate” into two parts was reportedly due to scheduling conflicts. The WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023 significantly impacted production, forcing the season to be divided.
H3 Did the strikes affect the quality of “Delicate”?
It’s difficult to definitively say whether the strikes affected the quality of “Delicate,” but the production delays and potential rewrites may have contributed to the season’s perceived inconsistencies and pacing issues.
H3 How does “Delicate” compare to other seasons of American Horror Story?
Many viewers and critics consider “Delicate” to be a weaker season compared to earlier installments of American Horror Story. While it has its moments, it lacks the cohesive narrative, compelling characters, and effective scares that have made the series so popular.
H3 What are some of the criticisms of “Delicate”?
Common criticisms of “Delicate” include its uneven pacing, shallow exploration of themes, inconsistent tone, underdeveloped characters, and lack of genuine scares. Some also argue that the casting of Kim Kardashian was a distraction from the core narrative.
H3 Is there a connection to past seasons of American Horror Story?
While “Delicate” shares the anthology format of American Horror Story, it does not appear to have any direct connections to past seasons in terms of characters or storylines. However, it does feature recurring actors from the franchise.
H3 Will there be another season of American Horror Story?
Yes, American Horror Story has been renewed for multiple future seasons, ensuring the anthology will continue to explore new and terrifying narratives.