The Unbearable Mess: An Infuriating Beauty Review

Based on the graphic novel by Haun and Jason A. Hurley, the storyline follows FBI agents and lovers, Cooper Madsen (played by Evan Peters) and Jordan Bennett (portrayed by Rebecca Hall), as they investigate the mysterious deaths of supermodels.

Throughout their investigation, they encounter enigmatic assassins, incels, models, a cynical tech entrepreneur, and a peculiar sexually transmitted virus.

One of the fundamental principles of screenwriting is “Show, Don’t Tell.” This principle emphasizes the importance of conveying information through actions, interactions, and visuals rather than explicit dialogue. Unfortunately, Ryan Murphy disregards this rule, opting for lengthy, unrealistic character monologues instead of nuanced character development.

Moreover, the series’ characters engage in didactic conversations on contemporary issues, resembling informational articles rather than natural dialogue.

FX

“The Beauty” delves into the societal obsession with physical appearance, inspired by the Ozempic craze. Ryan Murphy attempts to shed light on the pitfalls of aesthetic medicine, pharmaceutical industries, and media conglomerates while highlighting the detrimental effects of society’s beauty standards on mental and physical well-being.

However, Murphy’s heavy-handed approach to storytelling leaves little room for audience interpretation, opting for explicit messaging over nuanced metaphors.

FX

“The Beauty” presents a simplistic worldview, failing to deliver the depth and complexity expected from a compelling narrative. The depiction of FBI operations and corporate intrigue lacks authenticity, resembling the work of an amateur rather than a seasoned professional. The series is riddled with inconsistencies and gaping plot holes, exposing Murphy’s struggle to maintain coherence.

The introduction of “The Beauty,” a product developed by tech mogul The Corporation (portrayed by Ashton Kutcher), serves as a convenient plot device. This miraculous serum can alter physical appearance to adhere to societal beauty standards, providing a quick fix for various narrative obstacles.

Despite its fantastical elements, “The Beauty” falls short of delivering a truly impactful satire or a captivating guilty pleasure.

FX

The lackluster writing and overt moralizing are further exacerbated by the series’ exaggerated visual style. Ryan Murphy’s emphasis on aesthetics and body horror, while visually striking, fails to elevate the narrative beyond gratuitous shock value.

Drawing inspiration from films like “The Substance” and “Death Becomes Her,” “The Beauty” attempts to pay homage to the genre but falls short of achieving the same level of brilliance. The series’ blend of kitsch and absurdity, though intentional, results in a narrative that is too convoluted to effectively deliver biting social commentary or provide a satisfying guilty pleasure.

Should you watch The Beauty?

If you are a fan of nuanced sci-fi narratives like “Severance” or incisive social satires such as “Succession,” “The Beauty” may not meet your expectations. The series prioritizes style over substance, offering little in terms of depth or engagement.

Where to stream The Beauty

In the US, “The Beauty” premieres on Hulu and FX on Wednesday, January 21. UK viewers can catch the series on Disney+ starting Thursday, January 22, 2026.

The season comprises 11 episodes, with a three-episode premiere followed by weekly releases. For a comprehensive viewing schedule, refer to our episode release guide.