Behind the scenes of FX’s “Grotesquerie”: A deep dive into the dark drama

Niecy Nash-Betts brings levity to a grim set

Filming a series as intense as FX’s new drama “Grotesquerie” can be a daunting task. The show, which delves into the macabre world of a serial killer with a penchant for Biblical carnage, requires a balance of dark storytelling and moments of levity. Enter Niecy Nash-Betts, whose comedic prowess provides much-needed relief on set.

“There’s a shock factor when you first walk in,” Nash-Betts shared. “After that, you say, ‘I’ve got to tell some jokes to keep this crew up all day.’ After all, we’re going to be standing in all of this blood and guts for the next 12 hours.”

A role unlike any other for Nash-Betts

Known for her comedic roles, Nash-Betts takes on a dramatically different character in “Grotesquerie”. She plays Detective Lois Tryon, a troubled alcoholic on the hunt for a serial killer. Her character’s journey is further complicated by her tumultuous family life, including her daughter Merritt (Raven Goodwin) and her estranged, coma-bound husband Marshall (Courtney B. Vance).

“I’ve never played a character like this,” Nash-Betts said. “Detective Lois has a lot of drama in her family life, and now she’s hunting a serial killer that’s taunting her. She has a very layered life, and when you add her addiction to that, I just thought, ‘I’ve never done this before.’ And that’s what made me excited about it.”

Exploring themes of faith, family, and madness

While the premise of “Grotesquerie” might sound straightforward, the series delves into complex themes of faith, family, and madness. The first two episodes, airing tonight, set the stage for a narrative that transcends traditional slasher fare.

Ryan Murphy, the show’s creator, along with Jon Robin Baitz and Joe Baken, shared his vision during a press conference. “Most horror pieces can get very violent and sort of cynical,” Murphy said. “And I feel like this definitely has raciness and some action, but it’s not cynical. It’s about the search for hope and light in a dark place.”

Murphy’s approach to the series is both shocking and hopeful. “Our last episode airs on Oct. 30, right before the election, and I think that that’s kind of what we’re writing about. It gives you something to think about as we go into the next phase of our country’s life.”

Historical and modern reflections on religiosity

Nicholas Chavez, who plays the charismatic local priest, Father Charlie, reflected on the historical context of his role. “One of the interesting aspects of history that I tried to log was that, and this is going back centuries, but the Church was oftentimes preaching to people who were illiterate,” Chavez said. “This is a show that takes place in a really, really small community, and I viewed Father Charlie’s view of his community as harkening back to a more archaic version of the Church.”

Chavez’s portrayal of Father Charlie adds depth to the series, highlighting the intersection of faith and control in small communities.

Fostering a supportive environment on set

For Courtney B. Vance, who also serves as an executive producer, creating a supportive environment on set was paramount. “The Ryan Murphy Universe is a blessing,” Vance said. “My wife [Angela Bassett] has been in the RM universe for about 15 years or so. I watch her and she’s someone that is just very easy-going — ‘Whatever I can do to help.’ And that’s me. I’m really just trying to make sure everybody is comfortable, and getting to know the PAs and everybody’s name. Because, more than anything, that makes the difference on a set.”

This supportive atmosphere helped the cast navigate the show’s challenging moments, both emotionally and physically.

Authentic family dynamics

Raven Goodwin, who plays Merritt, emphasized the authenticity of the family dynamics portrayed in the series. “It’s a family conversation, it’s a tough conversation,” Goodwin said. “You pull from that happening because that’s a real thing where, especially in the Black household, you fought with your parents, but you do it from a place of respect and love. Even if you disagree, there’s a boundary that you don’t cross.”

Goodwin’s portrayal of Merritt adds a layer of empathy and complexity to the series, highlighting the nuanced relationships within the Tryon family.

Trusting the creative vision

Ultimately, Nash-Betts attributes the show’s success to Murphy’s creative vision. “With Ryan, I just lean in, because I know that there is something happening in his brain that none of us will ever be able to understand,” she said.

“Grotesquerie” promises to be a thought-provoking and intense series, blending horror with profound themes of hope and resilience.

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