Facelift is the latest chapter in American Horror Stories. It is directed by Marcus Stokes, and stars Judith Light, Britt Lower and Rebecca Dayan.
Premise
A woman decides to get a facelift and puts her faith in the hands of a surgeon who apparently works wonders. Following the surgery, wrapped in thick bandages and in terrible pain, her stepdaughter lends her “mother” her help in the recovery process.
About this chapter
The premise is more promising than the end product, although it is impactful, which is apparently the only effect American Horror Stories seeks to have on its audience, to leave us shocked. However, in this chapter it does also gives us an attractive episode in a cinematographic sense.
As many feared when the first season ended, and those fears are now confirmed, each episode is anecdotal and at times not very elaborated. The endings of the chapters are always surprising, sometimes it even seems like the writers have hastily decided on an ending as long as it is a complete twist in the narrative. An ending can be surprising, come about with a twist and nail the story well. That type of well weaved ending cannot be plotted in haste. Enough said.
The highlight of this episode is Judith Light, who plays her part really well, as does the beautiful Rebecca Dayan in her role that is reminiscent of the “master of ceremony” played by Isabella Rossellini in Death Becomes Her (1992).
As said, the ending is shocking, so AHSS can claim “mission accomplished” in that aspect, but we still miss a bit more game, as well as better and more biting foreshadowing, perhaps – the scene with necklace did not do much, other than guarantee the coherence in the story, it did not create the extra intrigue that we oh so like.
This chapter stays true to the series’ frame and has maneuvered within its norms, so we know what sort of experience we are in for, with some episodes it was not always a good one. In Facelift, the cast, their good performances, and the cinematography elevate the series up a notch.
Where to watch AHSS: Facelift
Hulu.
Cast
Judith Light / Virginia Mellon
Rebecca Dayan / Dr. Perle
Britt Lower / Fay Mellon
Todd Waring / Bernie
Cornelia Guest / Cassie Brooks
Harrison Cone / Student
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