For two seasons, American Horror Story has delighted us as a
worthy horror serial, amalgamating generic trends in an anthological format,
combining strong performances, disturbing (yet compelling) imagery and at times, a melodramatic sensibility that is,
in fact, a pure joy to watch. This week, the much-loved programme returned with
its third season. Coven is primarily set 300 years after the Salem witch trials.
It surrounds a few newly self-discovered young witches whose lives are once again in danger. Madison
(Emma Roberts), Nan (Jamie Brewer), Queenie (Gabourey Sidibe) and Zoe (Taissa Farmiga) are housed in Miss Robichaux’s School for Exceptional Young Ladies. Under the watch of Cordelia (Sarah Paulson) and the 'Supreme' Fiona (Jessica Lange), each must learn
to live with their power and seemingly fit in with normal society. Bitchcraft,
this season’s premiere episode, does a promising job at easing us in to this
narrative premise.
It’s 1834 and Kathy Bates kicks off this week’s proceedings,
diving head first into a role that can only be described as bonkers. Her
character, Madame LaLaurie, is a wealthy socialite, a woman who just so happens
to enjoy retaining her youth by smearing the blood of slaves on to her face. This
ties in quite nicely with her torture chamber and obsession with Minotaur’s. From
the off, this introduction provides us with the gory imagery of broken limbs,
seared flesh and mouths sewn shut – a bold, opening statement from the show’s
creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk. Three series in, and they still mean
business.
In addition to the graphic, violent imagery that occurs
throughout Bitchcraft, and one or two early plot points (including the ‘Supreme’s’
life-sucking abilities and Zoe’s power to murder men via fornication) that suggest
a rather dark and sinister direction for Coven to take, there is also the
traditional interjection of subtle comedy. As ever, the lack of boundaries when it comes
to the tone of this show is no secret. Yet I can’t help but feel, that even from
this episode alone, there is an overall tonal shift to a far more feminine and lighter
affair than the show’s serial predecessors. That is, the plot surrounding the
young witches generates a far more playful, teenage sensibility (not to mention, the
all-female cast provide the overt femininity). Interjectory jokes about
Hogwarts are implemented in a tongue-in-cheek manner but it rings somewhat true,
only wands, robes and Butterbeer is seemingly replaced with female comradery, high-fashion,
sex and alcohol.
This tonal shift isn't necessarily a bad move; when you think about it, just as the narrative incoherence of Season Two fitted its
mental asylum setting, a youthful feel to this series is only fitting for its
preoccupation with retaining, well... youth. Furthermore, even with this difference in tone, the door is very much open for incredibly dark and difficult material to develop. After all, it mustn't be overlooked that violence, death and date-rape all fitted into this hour long episode. So perhaps the playful, boarding school atmosphere actually makes a welcomed break from particularly horrific material. Either way, the intrigue is there and therefore provided the episode with an overall enigma, even charm, creating a strong introduction for what is to come.
Stylistically speaking, we see the traditional visual flare associated
with American Horror Story. Lavish cinematography, costume and set design worked wonders, specifically during the introductory shots of the school and throughout the college frat party - specific kudos for the use of a fish eye lens,
which again added to the episode’s contemporary, youthful feel. Of course, one
of the wonderful features of the show’s anthological format is the guaranteed
return of a brilliant cast, and it is great to see Evan Peters, Jessica Lange,
et al. back on screen. As ever, they fulfill their roles with great fervor
making each performance a pure joy to watch.
So there we have it, American Horror Story is back and the
first episode of Coven has done an effective job of easing us in. Rather than
cramming, Bitchcraft introduces the main characters, teases at narrative
strands and presents a distinct shift
in tone to create an intriguing, enigmatic pathway for the series' development.
What were your thoughts on the first episode of Coven? Post a comment!
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