Yes, Kaia Gerber is indeed in American Horror Story, specifically appearing in the tenth season, American Horror Story: Double Feature. Her role as Kendall Carrigan in the “Death Valley” portion of the season marked her acting debut in the acclaimed anthology series.
Kaia Gerber and American Horror Story: A Deep Dive
Kaia Gerber’s venture into acting, and specifically into the world of Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story (AHS), generated significant buzz. While known primarily for her successful modeling career, Gerber’s performance in “Death Valley” garnered attention and sparked conversations about her potential in the acting realm. Let’s explore her role, the context within the season, and the reception she received.
Gerber’s Role as Kendall Carrigan
Kendall Carrigan is a college student caught up in a terrifying extraterrestrial conspiracy that spans decades. “Death Valley” presented a dual narrative: one set in the past, featuring President Eisenhower and his dealings with alien entities, and another in the present day, centered around Kendall and her friends. Gerber’s character is part of the group abducted and experimented upon, forced to confront the horrifying reality of alien interaction and its lasting impact on humanity. Her portrayal of Kendall showcases a vulnerability and resilience that resonated with many viewers, even amidst the season’s polarizing reception. The character, while not extensively developed, served as a key player in unraveling the mysteries surrounding the alien presence and its influence on American history.
“Death Valley”: A Critical Overview
“Death Valley” itself was a controversial chapter in American Horror Story history. Many critics and fans found the storyline disjointed and less compelling than previous seasons. The stark shift between black and white footage representing the past and color footage showcasing the present felt uneven to some. However, the season tackled intriguing themes of governmental secrecy, the Cold War, and the ethical implications of advanced technology, albeit in a way that didn’t fully satisfy the show’s dedicated fanbase. Despite its flaws, “Death Valley” provided a platform for new talent like Kaia Gerber to enter the AHS universe.
Reception of Gerber’s Performance
Reviews of Gerber’s performance were mixed, as is common with many actors entering a well-established franchise. While some criticized her delivery as somewhat wooden or lacking in experience, others praised her natural presence and ability to embody the character’s fear and confusion. It’s important to remember that this was Gerber’s debut acting role, and entering a complex and demanding series like American Horror Story is a significant challenge. Many acknowledged her potential and saw a promising future in acting if she continues to develop her craft. Ultimately, Gerber’s involvement brought a fresh perspective to the season and generated significant media attention.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Kaia Gerber in American Horror Story
Here are some frequently asked questions addressing key aspects of Kaia Gerber’s involvement in American Horror Story:
FAQ 1: Which season of American Horror Story does Kaia Gerber appear in?
Kaia Gerber appeared in Season 10, titled American Horror Story: Double Feature, specifically in the “Death Valley” portion of the season.
FAQ 2: Who is Kaia Gerber’s character in American Horror Story?
She plays Kendall Carrigan, a college student who becomes embroiled in an alien conspiracy.
FAQ 3: Is Kaia Gerber’s role a major one in the season?
While not the lead role, Kendall is a significant character in the “Death Valley” storyline and is prominently featured throughout several episodes.
FAQ 4: How many episodes does Kaia Gerber appear in?
Kaia Gerber appears in the “Death Valley” episodes of American Horror Story: Double Feature, which comprise episodes 7 through 10 of the season. That means she appears in four episodes in total.
FAQ 5: Was this Kaia Gerber’s first acting role?
Yes, American Horror Story: Double Feature was Kaia Gerber’s first official acting role. She had previously focused primarily on her modeling career.
FAQ 6: What did critics say about Kaia Gerber’s performance?
Critical reception was mixed. Some praised her natural presence and potential, while others felt her performance was somewhat stiff or inexperienced.
FAQ 7: Is Kaia Gerber expected to return in future seasons of American Horror Story?
As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding Kaia Gerber’s return to American Horror Story. The anthology nature of the series allows for returning actors in different roles, but her future participation remains uncertain.
FAQ 8: What is the “Death Valley” storyline about?
“Death Valley” explores a conspiracy involving aliens and the US government, spanning from the Eisenhower era to the present day. It delves into themes of secrecy, experimentation, and the potential impact of extraterrestrial contact.
FAQ 9: Where can I watch Kaia Gerber in American Horror Story?
American Horror Story: Double Feature is available to stream on services such as Hulu, FXNOW (with a cable subscription), and can be purchased on platforms like Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.
FAQ 10: What other actors star in the “Death Valley” segment of American Horror Story?
The “Death Valley” cast includes Sarah Paulson, Neal McDonough, Lily Rabe, Angelica Ross, Nico Greetham, Rachel Hilson, and Isaac Cole Powell, among others.
FAQ 11: How does “Death Valley” connect to the other half of “Double Feature”, “Red Tide”?
While both halves of “Double Feature” explore themes of creativity and the cost of ambition, “Death Valley” and “Red Tide” are largely independent storylines with limited direct connections. Some thematic parallels can be drawn, but they don’t share characters or a unified plot.
FAQ 12: What is the legacy of “Death Valley” within the larger American Horror Story franchise?
“Death Valley” is considered one of the more divisive seasons of American Horror Story. While it introduced interesting concepts, its execution was often criticized for its pacing, inconsistent tone, and perceived lack of focus. It serves as a reminder of the series’ willingness to experiment, even if the results aren’t always universally praised.
Conclusion
Kaia Gerber’s foray into acting with American Horror Story: Double Feature was a notable event, regardless of critical reception. It marked a significant transition for the model and provided a unique opportunity to be part of a well-established and popular franchise. While her future in the acting world remains to be seen, her presence in “Death Valley” sparked considerable interest and conversations about the future of both her career and the evolving landscape of American Horror Story. The season, despite its flaws, offers a compelling example of the show’s willingness to take risks and introduce fresh faces to its devoted audience.