“Exercising restraint” is an infrequently invoked notion when discussing “American Horror Story,” a franchise that predominantly leans towards graphic visuals and cruelty rather than genuine, spine-tingling terror. However, the 12th installment of the FX series, titled “Delicate,” takes a distinctive turn, owing a profound tonal allegiance to the classic film “Rosemary’s Baby.”
Renowned producer Ryan Murphy once again taps into his ensemble of actors from the “AHS” universe, providing a platform for Emma Roberts to shine as Anna Alcott, an emerging silver screen luminary whose struggles with infertility prompt her to self-identify as “imperiled.” Her husband, Dex (portrayed by Matt Czuchry), quickly offers a more precise characterization.
Nevertheless, an eerie sequence of events unfolds when Anna seizes the opportunity for another round of IVF treatment, despite her doctor’s affirmations. Denis O’Hare, cast in the role of her physician, may make viewers second-guess his medical expertise, given his association with the “Horror Story” franchise.
Adapting the novel “Delicate Condition,” writer-producer Halley Feiffer introduces an unusual element—allowing the narrative to breathe, a departure from the customary stylistic choices of “American Horror Story.” This newfound expansiveness extends to the enigmatic nature of Dex, whose first spouse met an untimely demise. Moreover, there is a mysterious, shadowy woman whose presence suggests she might be shadowing Anna.
Ryan Murphy’s influence becomes most conspicuous in the attention-grabbing selection of Kim Kardashian for the role of Anna’s publicist and confidante, underscoring the producer’s preference for leveraging promotional appeal over thespian prowess. Despite her previous stint as host on “Saturday Night Live” and a modest acting portfolio, this marks a notable advancement for the reality television luminary. Kardashian’s performance, while bearing a relatively light burden in the inaugural episode, manages to be commendable, likely facilitated by her familiarity with the milieu she inhabits.
Following narratives centered on witches, freak shows, and haunted domiciles, “American Horror Story” opts for a more orthodox backdrop, extracting horror from a conventional setting with a protagonist in a state of vulnerability. Anna’s lifestyle exudes opulence, to the extent that scheduling medical appointments around an appearance on Andy Cohen’s talk show and discussing prestigious private schools precede her formal pregnancy planning.
In all honesty, keeping tabs on the manifold iterations of this series has often felt like a unique challenge, commanding attention, at least from critics, despite its enigmatic popularity, akin to the unsubtle impact of a forceful blow from a sack of hammers.
While “Delicate” may not entirely transform this dynamic, the eerie attributes of its premiere serve to establish it as the sort of opening that piques one’s curiosity, compelling viewers to echo Cohen’s signature phrase: “Watch what happens next.”