Season 7 of American Horror Story, titled Cult, plunged viewers into a world of intense anxiety and political extremism following the 2016 U.S. presidential election, exploring how fear can be manipulated and weaponized to control individuals and communities. The season chillingly depicts the rise of a charismatic, albeit disturbed, cult leader who preys on the vulnerabilities and phobias of ordinary people in a small Michigan town, ultimately reflecting a broader commentary on the fragility of democracy and the dangers of ideological echo chambers.
The Core Narrative: Fear as a Weapon
Cult stands apart from previous American Horror Story seasons in its grounding in recent historical events, specifically the divisive 2016 election. While lacking overt supernatural elements, the season generates horror through the psychological manipulation and social contagion of fear. The storyline primarily focuses on Ally Mayfair-Richards (Sarah Paulson), a woman whose pre-existing phobias, particularly trypophobia (fear of clustered holes), are drastically amplified after Donald Trump’s victory. Her heightened anxiety is exploited by Kai Anderson (Evan Peters), a deeply disturbed and politically motivated individual who orchestrates a series of terrifying events to consolidate power and recruit followers.
The season meticulously portrays how Kai exploits political polarization, personal insecurities, and pre-existing anxieties to build a cult of personality. He uses fear of the “other,” anxieties about economic instability, and even mundane phobias to manipulate his followers and sow discord within the community. The horrific acts committed by the cult, including murders and acts of terrorism, are not simply random acts of violence, but calculated moves in Kai’s twisted game of control. Cult doesn’t just scare; it dissects the mechanics of fear itself, showcasing how easily it can be weaponized in a politically charged environment.
Characters and Their Roles in the Cult
Ally Mayfair-Richards: From Victim to Vigilante
Ally’s journey is a central arc of Cult. Initially, she is presented as a vulnerable individual struggling with overwhelming anxieties. As the season progresses, she transforms from a victim of Kai’s manipulation into a determined and ultimately ruthless figure. Her arc explores the potential for radicalization on both sides of the political spectrum, demonstrating how fear and desperation can drive individuals to extreme measures.
Kai Anderson: The Master Manipulator
Kai, portrayed with chilling intensity by Evan Peters, is the embodiment of toxic masculinity and political extremism. He is a charismatic sociopath who understands how to tap into the deepest fears and resentments of others. Kai’s ambition is to dismantle existing social structures and establish a new world order based on his own distorted vision. He preaches a message of empowerment through fear, urging his followers to embrace their darkest impulses.
The Cult’s Inner Circle: Motives and Manipulation
Beyond Ally and Kai, Cult features a diverse cast of characters drawn into the cult’s orbit. Some are motivated by genuine political beliefs, while others are driven by personal grievances, boredom, or the promise of power. The series explores the various factors that contribute to groupthink and deindividuation, illustrating how seemingly ordinary individuals can be induced to commit horrific acts under the influence of a charismatic leader.
Political Commentary and Social Relevance
Cult is arguably the most overtly political season of American Horror Story. While the show has always explored societal anxieties, this season directly confronts issues such as political polarization, fake news, social media manipulation, and the rise of far-right extremism. The show’s creators have stated that the intention was not to endorse any particular political ideology but rather to explore the dangers of unchecked power and the consequences of succumbing to fear.
The season’s commentary on gender roles is also notable. Kai exploits traditional notions of masculinity and femininity to solidify his power, portraying himself as a strong, decisive leader while manipulating women in his cult to serve his own agenda. Ally’s transformation into a powerful figure challenges these gender stereotypes and offers a critique of patriarchal structures.
FAQs: Decoding the Layers of Cult
Q1: Was Cult based on a real cult?
While Cult is a fictional story, it draws inspiration from various real-world cults and leaders, including Charles Manson, Jim Jones, and David Koresh. The season also references prominent political figures, such as Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, and incorporates actual footage from the 2016 election. The series aims to capture the essence of cult dynamics rather than providing a literal retelling of any specific event.
Q2: What is trypophobia and why is it significant in Cult?
Trypophobia is a fear of clustered holes. In Cult, it serves as a visual representation of Ally’s anxieties and vulnerabilities. Kai uses trypophobia to trigger Ally’s fears and destabilize her, making her more susceptible to his manipulation. The recurring imagery of holes throughout the season symbolizes the spreading contagion of fear and the unraveling of Ally’s sanity.
Q3: How did Kai Anderson build his cult?
Kai built his cult by exploiting the anxieties and resentments of people in his community. He used social media to spread his message and recruit followers, appealing to those who felt marginalized, disenfranchised, or afraid. He also manipulated individuals by preying on their personal insecurities and fears, promising them power and purpose in exchange for their loyalty.
Q4: What was the role of social media in the season?
Social media played a crucial role in Cult, mirroring its influence in contemporary society. Kai uses social media to spread his message, recruit followers, and create a sense of community among his cult members. The season also highlights the dangers of echo chambers and the spread of misinformation on social media platforms.
Q5: What are the different political ideologies represented in Cult?
Cult explores a range of political ideologies, including far-right extremism, liberal paranoia, and apathy. While Kai represents the far-right, the season also examines the anxieties and frustrations of liberals in the aftermath of the 2016 election. The series does not endorse any particular political viewpoint but rather seeks to critique the toxic effects of political polarization on society.
Q6: What is the significance of the clowns in Cult?
The clowns in Cult represent the heightened sense of fear and anxiety gripping the community. Kai and his followers use clown costumes to terrorize and intimidate their victims, creating an atmosphere of chaos and uncertainty. The clowns also symbolize the blurring of lines between reality and nightmare, reflecting the psychological toll of fear on the characters.
Q7: How does Cult explore gender roles?
Cult offers a complex and often disturbing exploration of gender roles. Kai exploits traditional notions of masculinity and femininity to control and manipulate his followers. He positions himself as a strong, dominant leader while subjecting women to his will. However, the season also features strong female characters, such as Ally, who challenge these gender stereotypes and ultimately reclaim their agency.
Q8: Is there a supernatural element in Cult?
Unlike many other seasons of American Horror Story, Cult lacks overt supernatural elements. The horror in this season is derived from the psychological manipulation and real-world violence perpetrated by the cult members. However, some viewers have interpreted certain scenes as having a subtle supernatural undertone, particularly those involving Ally’s hallucinations and heightened anxieties.
Q9: What is the ending of Cult and its implications?
The ending of Cult sees Ally taking down Kai and seemingly stepping into a position of power herself. The final scene hints at her potentially becoming a cult leader in her own right, suggesting that the cycle of fear and manipulation is difficult to break. This ambiguous ending underscores the season’s message about the fragility of democracy and the dangers of unchecked power, regardless of political ideology.
Q10: What are some of the most disturbing moments in Cult?
Cult is filled with disturbing moments, including graphic violence, psychological torture, and scenes of manipulation and coercion. Some of the most shocking moments include the murder of Meadow Wilton, the “crucifixion” of Vincent Brook, and the scenes depicting Kai’s manipulation of Winter Anderson. The season’s focus on real-world horrors makes these moments particularly unsettling.
Q11: How does Cult compare to other seasons of American Horror Story?
Cult stands apart from other American Horror Story seasons due to its grounding in recent historical events and its focus on real-world anxieties. While previous seasons have explored supernatural themes and historical events, Cult directly confronts the political climate of the time. This makes it a particularly divisive season, with some viewers praising its timeliness and relevance, while others criticizing its overt political commentary.
Q12: What is the overall message of American Horror Story: Cult?
The overall message of American Horror Story: Cult is a cautionary tale about the dangers of fear, manipulation, and political extremism. The season underscores the importance of critical thinking, empathy, and resisting the urge to succumb to tribalism. Ultimately, Cult serves as a reminder that democracy is fragile and must be actively defended against those who seek to exploit its vulnerabilities. It highlights the need to be aware of the psychological tactics used to manipulate and control individuals and communities, and to actively resist the spread of fear and misinformation.