Ryan Murphy’s The Beauty brilliantly intertwines science fiction, body horror, and social commentary. This captivating series imagines a society plagued by a sexually transmitted infection that bestows an eerie beauty on those infected — only to culminate in their horrific demise. Amidst this gripping narrative, particularly in the sixth episode, the series unveils a compelling queer and trans-positive storyline.
A Quick Return After a Slip
Ryan Murphy wastes no time in returning to the forefront after the underwhelming reaction to All’s Fair. Moving on from projects starring Kim Kardashian, he dives into this harrowing and avant-garde adventure.
Co-created with Matthew Hodgson, The Beauty is adapted from the Glénat comics and is available for streaming on Disney+. The duo, known for their earlier collaboration on Nip/Tuck, delves into the dark sides of beauty and perfection.
Beneath its dystopian thriller veneer, this series explores themes of youthful obsession, societal pressure for perfection, and the relentless quest for validation. It ties these notions to discussions about LGBT representation in media, highlighting issues related to body image and identity filtered through societal norms.
An Intimate Pause in the Narrative
The series deepens its narrative by momentarily shifting its focus in the sixth episode, released on February 12, to explore the virus’s origin as a prelude to the main plot.
Audiences learn that this STI was born from an unintentional lab experiment. An employee discovers the virus’s potential to enhance physical beauty, stealing doses for himself and his friend Clara, a transgender woman, hoping to alleviate their struggles with loneliness.
Clara: The Heart of a Trans-Affirmative Message
Clara, portrayed by trans actress Rev Yolanda, fears the risks of transformation. Her character vulnerably questions:
“What if it goes wrong? (…) What if it turns me into a man? My hormones are all over the place. Estrogen and testosterone are at odds. I don’t know what’s happening to me. But I don’t care. I have to try…”
She continues with conviction:
“If I am the woman I know I am, that’s who I’ll become. For once in my life, if I’m offered the chance to be seen externally as I feel internally, I must take it.”
Clara undergoes a dramatic change, emerging as a cisgender woman played by Lux Pascal, the trans sister of Pedro Pascal.
This revelation is profound: the virus doesn’t merely enhance beauty but manifests one’s true internal identity externally. The Beauty conveys that gender transition is a profound journey of aligning one’s internal and external selves.
For those interested in exploring identity issues further, check out our section dedicated to transgender and gender identity, which provides insights from societal and cultural perspectives.
Amidst its fantastical elements, the series profoundly reflects on the quest for authenticity, offering hope to those who seek to be recognized as they truly are.
