Spoiler-Free Review of “The Beauty” on Hulu: Nip/Tuck meets The Substance

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

“Beautiful people don’t think the rules apply to them…”

The Beauty released on FX and Hulu on January 21st 2026 with its first three episodes. There will be eleven episodes in total. The body horror series (Created by Ryan Murphy and Matt Hodgson) stars Ashton Kutcher, Anthony Ramos, Jeremy Pope, Rebecca Hall, and Evan Peters. Each episode runs for approximately 40-42 minutes.

FBI agents investigate strange deaths all over the world involving a beauty transformation through a STD that has deadly side effects.

Here is the trailer:

The Beauty rips off The Substance in this chaotic, but intriguing enough series. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Stacked cast.

I’d expect nothing less in a Ryan Murphy series. There are tons of familiar faces in this one, which made it a lot more enjoyable. I am also really liking that I don’t know which characters will stick around or not. It’s keeping me guessing, which is a good thing!

Starts off with a bang.

Although it was slightly bizarre and confusing, this series started off at full speed. The pacing slowed down after that killer opening, but I’m hoping this will set the bar for what’s to come. There’s plenty of body horror in this one (although I thought it felt very watered down compared to The Substance).

That being said, I’m not a huge fan of body horror as it is, so I’m ok glossing over some of the extreme gore.

The Cons:

Seems unsure of its focus…

I actually liked this a lot more than I thought I would, but I think it’s a little all over the place. The first three episodes were jam-packed with so much and I’m unsure of what this show wants to be. I’ve seen plenty of Ryan Murphy series over the years, so I know that this can easily go off in a few different directions and change tones very quickly.

I’m liking everything so far, but it does feel a bit messy.

So am I in or out?

I’m in about 75 percent…

The Beauty doesn’t offer the audience anything that new or innovative here, but it’s got enough gore and fun to keep me coming back for more.

I’m just not sure we need 11 episodes of this…

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Beauty in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

My supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “Together” in Theaters: Delightfully Disturbing!

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“This move will be good for both of us…”

Together released in theaters on July 31st 2025. The horror film stars Alison Brie, Dave Franco, and Damon Herriman. It runs for approximately an hour and forty-two minutes.

Real life couple, Dave Franco and Alison Brie, star as Tim and Mille, who move out to the countryside, leaving their friends and loved ones behind while dealing with new strains on their relationship. After going on a hike, they encounter a mysterious force that threatens to bind them together (literally) forever.

Here is the trailer:

Together is bizarre, extreme, and filled with cohesive charm, but does it do enough to be worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Alison Brie & Dave Franco are electric together!

This really should come as no surprise since they are married in real life, but I think it was genius to cast them in a film like this, which relied so heavily on chemistry and connection. I’m not normally into body horror films, but these two sold me on it.

They were relatable and genuinely funny despite the extreme concept, which gave this film a surprising balance of dark rom-com charm and gross out gore. I fell in love with these two on screen and thought they were both fantastic.

They were so committed to this, which worked in the film’s favor. Wow!

Stomach-turning moments!

In a lot of ways, I would say this film was The Substance-lite, which I actually kind of preferred. I don’t like feeling like I’m about to vomit while watching a movie. Don’t get me wrong…there were lots of insane moments if you’re a fan of body horror, but I also appreciated the lore behind it all, which gave it some layered mystery.

The Cons:

The second half is stronger than the first…

I actually really enjoyed this movie and don’t have many cons at all. If I have to nitpick, I would say that this film could have been just a touch shorter. The beginning had some setup that could have been cut out, but I wouldn’t say it got in the way of the pacing that much.

So am I in or out?

I’m in!!!

Dave Franco and Alison Brie are a twisted, freaky match made in horror heaven and I’m here for it!

I went into this one not expecting much and it surprised me in all the right ways.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Together in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

This competition is killer…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

My young adult horror thriller is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!
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Spoiler-Free Review of “Grafted” on Shudder: Shocking and Stomach-Turning!

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“With a new face become the real you…”

Grafted premiered on Shudder on January 24th 2025. The body horror film (directed by Sasha Rainbow) stars Joyena Sun, Jess Hong, Jared Turner, and Eden Hart. It runs for approximately an hour and thirty-five minutes.

After losing her father, a socially awkward girl named Wei goes to live with her aunt and cousin while studying on scholarship in New Zealand. After accepting a research assistant role in a lab, she begins to further her father’s research to find a way to make others beautiful, but it backfires on her with deadly consequences.

Here is the trailer:

Grafted is a gruesome mix of The Substance and It’s What’s Inside, grabbing hold of its audience with its shocking content and never letting go. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

A disturbing premise with twisted Mean Girls flair.

I was completely drawn in by this one. I loved the Mean Girls angle. This film had so many clever nods at Heathers and Jawbreaker while carving out its own dark identity.

Similar to The Substance, this film had a lot to say about the way society views beauty in others, making this a compelling watch with an important message behind it.

P.S. Bikkie the dog is a scene stealer!

Gross body horror (if that’s your thing).

It was a little too much for me personally, but if you enjoy films with extreme body horror, you’ll get plenty of that in this one. I wouldn’t recommend watching this while eating and I had second thoughts about my face mask after watching this…

The Cons:

A film I’ve seen before.

Don’t get me wrong…I really enjoyed this one, but in a lot of ways it felt like a watered down version of movies I’ve seen before. However, it follows that formula well enough in a unique way so this wasn’t a major con for me.

So am I in or out?

I’m in!!!

GRAFTED is a disturbing and jaw-dropping watch that has A LOT to say.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Grafted in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

This competition is killer…

My young adult horror thriller is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “The Substance” on Demand: Be Careful What You Wish For…

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself?”

The Substance premiered in theaters on September 20th 2024 and is now available to stream on demand (and on MUBI) as of October 31st 2024. The sci-fi body horror film (written and directed by Coralie Fargeat) stars Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid. It runs for approximately two hours and twenty minutes.

After turning 50, a celebrity fitness instructor is devastated after her boss fires her. Opportunity knocks when a laboratory offers her a new drug that will transform her into a more vibrant version of herself, but it leads to unexpected side effects.

Here is the trailer:

The Substance is a shocking and gruesome watch elevated by a brilliant performance by Demi Moore. Is it worthy of YOUR next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Demi Moore goes all out in the best way possible!

I heard that she was spectacular in this and she did not disappoint. I was blown away by her performance. This was a very different role for her, but she knocked it out of the park. I think people will be talking about this performance for a long time.

Margaret Qualley did a great job too and is really making a name for herself in the horror genre.

Intriguing satire.

The message behind the film about vanity and the unfair standards women are held to really resonated with me. I thought this was all presented in a clever and unique way. I credit that to the wonderful Coralie Fargeat, who wrote and directed one of my favorite “good for her” films, Revenge, back in 2017. Her risks keep paying off and I can’t wait to see what she creates next.

The Cons:

Extreme body horror.

If that’s your jam, then you will LOVE this film. It was probably the grossest film I’ve ever watched. For me personally, I’m not into this level of body horror. It was uncomfortable and disgusting, but I’m not going to fault this film for going all out here. It just wasn’t for me.

I also thought the film was a touch too long.

So am I in or out?

I’m in!!!

The Substance is a bold and stomach-turning watch that demands and deserves attention.

This film was unlike anything else I’ve seen before, making this an interesting viewing experience overall.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Substance in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

This competition is killer…

My young adult horror thriller is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “The First Omen” in Theaters: As Perfect as a Prequel Can Get!

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“I just want it all to be over…”

The First Omen released in theaters on April 5th 2024. The religious horror prequel film stars Nell Tiger Free, Bill Nighy, Andrea Arcangeli, and Ralph Ineson. The film runs for approximately two hours.

Margaret begins to question her faith when she travels to Rome to dedicate her life to the church as she uncovers a conspiracy involved in bringing forth the birth of evil incarnate.

Here is the trailer:

The First Omen doesn’t hold back, presenting us with a terrifying and disturbing prequel. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Goes hard in the best way possible!

I mean…wow! This film wasn’t afraid to push itself over the edge with insane body horror and utterly terrifying moments that will be imprinted in my brain for the rest of time. I’m not usually the biggest fan of the religious horror genre, but it’s certainly presenting us with some recent strong entries like Immaculate and now The First Omen.

I’m definitely a fan now and was beyond disturbed by so many moments throughout this film. Cringe-worthy to the max!

Nell Tiger Free is bloody extraordinary!

She poured so much into this role and had me on the edge of my seat. Talk about committing to a role…

She was so convincing and fantastic in this film, elevating it that much more with her brilliant performance.

A Prequel that makes sense.

I’ve seen my fair share of horror prequels, but this one might take the cake. It carved in enough of its own identity while still reminding us of its ultimate purpose, which I appreciated. This was everything a prequel should be!

The Cons:

Not for the squeamish…

This really isn’t a con, but more of a warning for those of you with weak stomachs who don’t really mesh well with extreme body horror. There’s plenty of that so just be mindful of that if that’s not really your jam.

And if it is, well, you’re in for a real treat!

So am I in or out?

I’m in 100 percent!!!

The First Omen is a horror masterpiece!

Religious horror reigns supreme in this twisted and insane entry that will stick with you long after it’s over.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The First Omen in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

My supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “Clock” on Hulu: A Relevant and Disturbing Psychological Horror Flick

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

“It will all be worth it…”

Clock released on April 28th 2023 on Hulu. The psychological horror film stars Dianna Agron, Jay Ali, Melora Hardin, and Saul Rubinek. It runs for an hour and thirty minutes.

Ella agrees to enroll in a clinical trial to fix her “broken” biological clock after she receives pressure from her friends and family to have a baby.

Here is the trailer:

Clock is a twisted film that will stick with you long after it’s over, making you contemplate the real horror embedded in societal pressure. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Deeply disturbing…

It seems like the pressure is everywhere, right? You need to go to school and have a job and get married and have kids all before a certain age or you’ll be forced to answer endless questions from your family, friends, and even strangers about why you’re not trying to be like everyone else? Only sometimes our lives take us down a different path, but trying to justify that to yourself and to others can be exhausting and this film really takes a magnifying glass to these issues, making the premise extremely believable and compelling.

This film has a lot of dark and twisted moments that will have you cringing in your seat. I felt extremely uncomfortable during certain scenes, but I think that was sort of the point. I actually really loved the concept of this film and I think it was executed really well. It tackled so many issues without overdoing things.

Dianna Agron is breathtakingly captivating.

This is probably my favorite role by her yet and she really showed off her range in this film. I loved her character and felt myself drawn to her in so many ways. She didn’t hold back at all in this one, making the psychological and physical descent into darkness that much more riveting.

The Cons:

Extreme body horror and some triggering moments…

If body horror isn’t for you, be warned. There were some moments that were tough to watch. Also, if this film’s premise seems to hit too close to home for you, you may want to hold off on this one.

I also had a few unanswered questions by the time I got to the end of the film, but this wasn’t a major con.

So am I in or out?

I’m in!!!

A disturbing and eye-opening watch!

This film was so unique and thought-provoking. I think it also had a really important life-lesson embedded within it, which I don’t see everyday in horror films so this was a welcomed addition.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Clock in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

My supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “Malignant” on HBO Max: Bizarre Blend of Genres

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

“It’s all in my head…”

Malignant released on September 10th 2021. The supernatural horror film is currently available to watch in theaters and on HBO Max. It stars Annabelle Wallis, Maddie Hasson, George Young and Michole Briana White. It runs for approximately an hour and fifty minutes.

After experiencing some violent and shocking visions, a young pregnant woman begins to realize that they may actually be based in reality, linking them to her past.

Here is the trailer:

Malignant is directed by Saw’s James Wan, which could be extremely promising for horror fans, but does this film ever truly find its identity? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Visually intriguing.

This entire film had so many stunning and unique visual effects. The use of perspective was also extremely well done. I thought this helped the film stand out from other supernatural horror films. The intensity was there, but in a different way. The body horror displayed was really disturbing as well…

Decent beginning and ending.

The opening of the film was really creepy and intense. I was on the edge of my seat and looking over my shoulder quite a few times. The middle part of the movie fell off in terms of pacing for me, but the ending was shocking in a way and reeled me back in. The mystery at the core of the film also keeps you invested until the end although I am sure there will be mixed reactions to the reveal.

The Cons:

Major identity crisis.

Several genres blended together during this film, which made the plot jump around so much. The middle of the film went in so many different directions and it was a little messy. I still don’t really know what this film was attempting to be and I started to really contemplate what I was actually watching, which was frustrating at times. Some of the reveals were pretty predictable as well, but I just felt like I was being tossed all over the place for the majority of the film.

Glosses over real issues.

Our main character went through quite a lot in her life and while these elements and flashbacks were introduced, they were never really developed and we are just supposed to accept that they happened and move on. I couldn’t connect that well to our main character even though Annabelle’s Annabelle Wallis presented us with a solid and chilling performance.

So am I in or out?

I’m 50/50 on this one…

The visual effects and unique use of perspective presented us with a lot of chilling moments, but the lack of a solid identity made this film go off the rails several times. There were decent performances and the mystery was interesting enough to keep you watching until the end. This movie was a really weird watch for me, but it does have some redeeming moments. It just may not be what you were hoping for from the trailer…

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Malignant in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

My supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “Brand New Cherry Flavor” on Netflix: Freaky and Bizarre

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“There’s only one you…so who are you?”

Brand New Cherry Flavor premiered on Netflix on August 13th 2021 with eight episodes available to stream now. The limited revenge horror series stars Rosa Salazar, Catherine Keener, Eric Lange, Jeff Ward, and Manny Jacinto. Each episode runs for approximately 40-45 minutes.

The show centers around a young filmmaker named Lisa Nova, who has recently moved to L.A. to try and make her directorial debut with her eccentric short film. After being wronged by a rich movie producer, she makes a deal with a dangerous witch to get her revenge.

Here is the trailer:

Brand New Cherry Flavor initially feels like a dream come true with its talented lead actress and dark premise, but this may be the strangest show I have seen yet. Is it worth a watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Strong female leads.

Rosa Salazar and Catherine Keener are electric on screen. They both reel you in with their character portrayals. They are more than just believable. They are the best part of the show and they really committed to their roles and then some.

I’d love to see Rosa Salazar in more because she was truly fantastic!

Images courtesy of Netflix

Intriguing start.

I was immediately pulled into this show with the first few episodes. The plot gives off a dark noir vibe with some extreme body horror thrown in for shock value. There is a mystery surrounding the witch and what the consequences will be if Lisa makes a deal with her.

But things start to get really weird after that…

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Netflix

Extremely gross and weird…

This show is not for those with a weak stomach. Do not watch this show while eating. You’ll thank me later. I’ve seen a lot of weird shows before, but this one may take the cake. Things were weird from the start and really disgusting, but as the show continued, things got even stranger.

I mean, really strange.

The plot goes off the rails.

Even with all of the extreme body horror and weird things going on, I was initially drawn into the plot and the performances made it worthwhile to stick around. However, as things continued, the plot started to really fall apart for me. I thought that the extreme gross moments started to become the center of the series as the plot lost its way.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m 50/50 on this one…

The performances of Salazar and Keener were honestly the best part of the series. I think that this show would have worked better as a movie rather than a limited series. It started off strong for me, but it almost felt like it ran out of ideas and just started to throw in disgusting nonsense to keep the audience there until the end reveal, which was just all right for me.

I really enjoyed watching Rosa Salazar on screen and I think that if anyone else had played this part, I probably would have tuned out much sooner.

This show will most likely get a lot of viewers because it is quickly getting a reputation for being the grossest thing that Netflix has ever released. They may be on to something here because I’m not sure if I will be able to keep my lunch down after watching this…

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Brand New Cherry Flavor in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

My new supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

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