FX's new series, 'The Shards,' helmed by Ryan Murphy, offers a darkly comedic and glossy take on author Bret Easton Ellis's fictionalized memoir.
Premiering on FX and streaming on Hulu, 'The Shards' centers on a group of glamorous teenagers in 1981 Los Angeles who navigate emotional turmoil and a potential serial killer. The series adapts Ellis's novel of the same name, which imagines the author's senior year at Buckley Academy with a sinister twist: a serial killer known as "The Trawler" is targeting the wealthy and beautiful students. The killer's modus operandi involves pet abduction, unnerving phone calls, torture, and public displays of mutilated corpses.
Central to the narrative is the young Bret (Igby Rigney), who suspects the charismatic new student, Robert Mallory (Homer Gere), of being The Trawler. Bret's suspicion is ignited by an enigmatic encounter at a screening of 'The Shining' a year prior and solidified by Mallory's subsequent denial of seeing the film. As Bret gathers clues, Mallory infiltrates Bret's established friend group, much to Bret's dismay. Class president Susan Reynolds (Kaia Gerber) openly supports Mallory, a move that even begins to unsettle her boyfriend, Thom Wright (Graham Campbell).
Meanwhile, Bret's girlfriend, Debbie Schaffer (Hayes Warner), remains largely detached, preoccupied with her horse and cocaine use. Bret maintains the relationship to uphold appearances and pursue his literary ambitions, hoping her film producer father, Terry (Wes Bentley), will adapt his novel, which will later become 'Less Than Zero.'
While 'The Shards' incorporates elements of classic slasher films and horror, its strength lies in its dark comedy. Episode 5, in particular, is highlighted for its humor and camp, featuring the teenagers participating in a live dance competition.
The series features a cast that includes "nepobabies" Kaia Gerber and Homer Gere, whose parents have notable ties to the entertainment industry. Gerber's resemblance to her mother, Cindy Crawford, lends authenticity to her portrayal of an '80s dream girl, while Gere's role includes a nod to his father's breakout film, 'American Gigolo.' Standout performances are also noted from Igby Rigney, Hayes Warner, and Jordan Roth. Rigney is praised for making Bret a compelling, albeit untrustworthy, character. Warner's acting debut as Debbie Schaffer is described as a blend of vapid rich girl and a portrait of a young woman seeking love. Jordan Roth delivers an eccentric performance as Steven, the Schaffer family's majordomo.
The series, comprising nine episodes, attempts to blend multiple genres, including murder mystery, coming-of-age drama, and satire. While the cast and Murphy's direction contribute to its success, the final episode deviates significantly from the novel, seemingly in an effort to secure a second season. Despite this, the show is characterized as addictive, decadent, and never boring, positioning it as a potential hit.
The first two episodes of 'The Shards' premiered on FX and Hulu on August 5.