In the new FX drama “Grotesquerie,” star Niecy Nash-Betts plays a key role in lightening the mood amid the series’ grim themes. The show features unsettling scenes with bloodied bodies posed in twisted Biblical imagery, which can create a tense filming environment. Nash-Betts, who portrays Detective Lois Tryon—a troubled alcoholic on the hunt for a serial killer—manages to inject humor to keep the crew’s spirits high during their long hours on set.
“I’ve got to tell some jokes to try to keep this crew up all day,” she noted . “After all, we’re going to be standing in all of this blood and guts for the next 12 hours.”
Despite her comedic background, Nash-Betts finds this role uniquely challenging. Detective Lois grapples with a complex personal life, including her daughter, Merritt, and her estranged husband, Marshall, who is in a coma. “I’ve never played a character like this,” she said, reflecting on the layers of drama intertwined with her character’s pursuit of a menacing killer.
The show’s creators, Ryan Murphy, Jon Robin Baitz, and Joe Baken, aim to explore deeper themes of faith, family, and madness, elevating it beyond traditional horror. Murphy explained that while the series contains violence, it also searches for hope and light within darkness. “As shocking as the show is—and it is very shocking—it also gives you hope,” he shared.
Nicholas Chavez, who plays the charismatic Father Charlie, noted that the series invites reflection on the Church’s historical role in American life. “The Church was oftentimes preaching to people who were illiterate,” he explained, emphasizing the impact of the clergy’s influence in tightly-knit communities.
Executive producer Courtney B. Vance highlighted the importance of fostering a supportive atmosphere on set. He aims to ensure that everyone feels comfortable, drawing from his wife Angela Bassett’s experience in the Ryan Murphy universe. “Getting to know the PAs and everybody’s name makes a difference on a set,” he stated.
Raven Goodwin, who portrays Merritt, emphasized the significance of empathy in their challenging scenes. “It’s a family conversation, it’s a tough conversation,” she said, noting the respectful yet complex dynamics that often occur within families, especially in Black households.
Ultimately, Nash-Betts believes that the nuanced character moments are part of Murphy’s overarching vision for the series. “With Ryan, I just lean in, because I know there is something happening in his brain that none of us will ever be able to understand,” she concluded. “Grotesquerie” premieres tonight on FX, promising an intriguing mix of horror and hope.
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