Season six of American Horror Story (AHS) is titled Roanoke. This season employs a unique documentary-style narrative that delves into the terrifying events surrounding the lost colony of Roanoke, blending found footage and reenactments to create a chilling viewing experience.
The Core of Roanoke: A Deep Dive into Season 6
Roanoke, also known as American Horror Story: My Roanoke Nightmare, distinguishes itself from other AHS seasons through its experimental storytelling approach. Initially presented as a paranormal documentary series called “My Roanoke Nightmare,” the first five episodes recount the experiences of Shelby and Matt Miller, a couple who relocate to rural North Carolina and encounter horrifying supernatural occurrences. These events are portrayed through reenactments featuring actors Sarah Paulson (as Shelby), Cuba Gooding Jr. (as Matt), and Lily Rabe (as the “real” Shelby).
The season’s narrative then takes a drastic turn. Episode six reveals that “My Roanoke Nightmare” was a highly successful television show. The subsequent episodes feature the cast, both the Millers and the actors who played them, returning to the Roanoke house during a blood moon for a sequel season called “Return to Roanoke: Three Days in Hell.” This meta-narrative creates a jarring and unpredictable viewing experience, blurring the lines between reality and fiction, and significantly contributing to the season’s overall sense of dread and unease.
The horrors of Roanoke stem from a potent blend of historical fact and fictional embellishment. The real-life mystery of the Roanoke colony’s disappearance in the 16th century provides a haunting backdrop for the season’s supernatural elements. The mythical figure of Scathach, an ancient Celtic witch who predates the colony, adds another layer of terror to the narrative. She is portrayed as the source of the Roanoke land’s cursed nature, responsible for the violent and malevolent spirits that plague the Millers and others who dare to trespass.
The blood moon, a recurring motif throughout the season, serves as a trigger for heightened paranormal activity. During this period, the ghosts of the Roanoke colony, led by the vengeful Thomasin White (The Butcher), are able to roam freely and terrorize the living. This cyclical terror creates a constant sense of impending doom, trapping the characters in a relentless nightmare from which escape seems impossible.
The season’s use of found footage and documentary-style interviews adds to its unsettling realism. The shaky camera work, the grainy footage, and the raw, emotional testimonies of the characters create a sense of immediacy and authenticity, blurring the lines between what is real and what is staged. This narrative technique amplifies the horror, making the events depicted feel all the more believable and terrifying.
Understanding the Narrative Structure
The intricate structure of Roanoke is a key element of its success. The initial documentary format draws viewers in with a seemingly straightforward narrative. However, the mid-season twist shatters this illusion, transforming the viewing experience into a meta-commentary on reality television and the exploitation of trauma for entertainment.
The Power of Reenactment
The reenactment segments, featuring prominent actors portraying the Millers and other key figures, create a fascinating dynamic. Viewers are initially presented with these reenactments as objective representations of the “real” events. However, as the season progresses, the lines between the reenactments and the “real” people begin to blur. This ambiguity raises questions about the reliability of memory, the manipulation of truth, and the power of narrative.
The “Return to Roanoke” Twist
The decision to bring the “real” people and the actors back to the Roanoke house for a sequel season is a stroke of narrative genius. This twist throws the characters into a chaotic and unpredictable situation, forcing them to confront not only the supernatural horrors of Roanoke but also the psychological toll of their previous experiences. The “Return to Roanoke” segment is a brutal and unrelenting descent into madness, where alliances shift, identities are questioned, and survival becomes the only objective.
Exploring the Themes of Roanoke
Roanoke explores several potent themes that resonate with contemporary anxieties. These include:
- The exploitation of trauma: The season critiques the reality television industry’s tendency to sensationalize and profit from the suffering of others.
- The power of belief: The season explores the impact of belief on paranormal phenomena. The more the characters believe in the curse of Roanoke, the more powerful it becomes.
- The destructive nature of fear: Fear is a driving force throughout the season, leading the characters to make irrational decisions that ultimately lead to their demise.
- The legacy of violence: The season examines the cyclical nature of violence, showing how past traumas can continue to haunt and influence the present.
FAQs About American Horror Story: Roanoke
Here are some frequently asked questions about Season 6 of American Horror Story:
What is the main plot of American Horror Story: Roanoke?
The main plot revolves around Shelby and Matt Miller, who relocate to a farmhouse in North Carolina and are terrorized by paranormal events connected to the lost Roanoke colony and a powerful witch. The season takes a meta turn halfway through, focusing on the production of a reality TV sequel and the ensuing chaos.
Who is The Butcher in American Horror Story: Roanoke?
The Butcher is Thomasin White, the leader of the Roanoke colony in the 16th century. She made a deal with the witch Scathach and leads the ghostly settlers in terrorizing the living who trespass on their land.
Who plays The Butcher in American Horror Story: Roanoke?
In the initial reenactments, The Butcher is portrayed by Kathy Bates. The real Thomasin White (The Butcher) is also shown in flashbacks portrayed by Kathy Bates.
What makes Roanoke different from other AHS seasons?
Roanoke stands out because of its documentary-style narrative, its meta-commentary on reality television, and its blend of historical fact and fictional horror. The mid-season twist is also a significant departure from the typical AHS format.
What is the significance of the blood moon in Roanoke?
The blood moon intensifies the paranormal activity in Roanoke. During this period, the ghosts of the Roanoke colony are able to roam freely and terrorize the living. It serves as a catalyst for increased violence and supernatural occurrences.
Is Roanoke based on a true story?
While the season draws inspiration from the historical mystery of the lost Roanoke colony, the supernatural elements and the specific events depicted in American Horror Story: Roanoke are fictionalized.
Who survives in American Horror Story: Roanoke?
There are very few survivors in American Horror Story: Roanoke. The season is known for its high death count and its bleak outlook. Lee Harris, played by Adina Porter, is the only character with significant screen time to survive the initial ordeal, though her fate is eventually sealed in the season’s finale.
What are the scariest scenes in American Horror Story: Roanoke?
Many scenes in Roanoke are considered terrifying, but some particularly memorable examples include the discovery of the Piggy Man, the brutal attacks by the Butcher and her colonists during the blood moon, and the chaotic and violent events that unfold during “Return to Roanoke: Three Days in Hell.”
How does Roanoke connect to other AHS seasons?
While not directly tied to other seasons in terms of storyline initially, Roanoke shares thematic connections with other seasons, exploring themes of societal anxieties and the horrors of human nature. However, later seasons like Apocalypse bring back characters from Roanoke to tie it into the overarching narrative.
What are the main criticisms of American Horror Story: Roanoke?
Some criticisms of Roanoke include its reliance on shock value, its convoluted plot, and its somewhat unsatisfying ending. However, others praise the season for its originality, its suspenseful atmosphere, and its willingness to take risks.
Is American Horror Story: Roanoke worth watching?
Whether or not Roanoke is “worth watching” is subjective. However, it’s generally considered one of the more divisive seasons of AHS. Viewers who enjoy experimental storytelling, found footage horror, and meta-narratives are likely to appreciate the season.
What is Scathach’s role in American Horror Story: Roanoke?
Scathach is an ancient Celtic witch who is the source of the Roanoke land’s cursed nature. She grants The Butcher her power and plays a crucial role in the season’s supernatural events. She’s considered the primary antagonist and responsible for the suffering experienced by all who venture onto the land.