American Horror Stories: Bloody Mary Is A Great Take On The Urban Legend

American Horror Stories: Bloody Mary Is A Great Take On The Urban Legend

As a longtime enthusiast of the horror genre and a devoted fan of Ryan Murphy’s masterful creations, I wholeheartedly agree with you that the “Bloody Mary” episode from American Horror Stories is a chilling triumph that elevates this urban legend to new heights.


As a horror enthusiast, I can’t help but feel that the chilling tale of Bloody Mary is something every fan of the genre has heard whispers of. The spirit of this legend seems to have found its way into Ryan Murphy’s anthology series, American Horror Stories, where it joins an array of terrors such as ghostly apparitions, haunted dwellings, and twisted beauty standards. With each new episode, I find myself hooked, eagerly awaiting the next season. However, I firmly believe that the Bloody Mary episode in American Horror Stories offers the most authentic and captivating portrayal of this spine-tingling story in contemporary pop culture.

In this captivating tale, we follow Lena Lawrence (portrayed by Kyanna Simone), along with her companions Maggie (Kyla Drew), Bianca (Quvenzhané Wallis), and Elise (Raven Scott). As they engage in a well-known party game, they unexpectedly encounter the Bloody Mary spirit, skillfully portrayed by Dominique Jackson. This is the plot of the “Bloody Mary” episode from the series “American Horror Stories”, and I find it remarkable for its chilling atmosphere and the exceptional performances delivered by the cast.

Why The American Horror Stories Episode “Bloody Mary” Is Memorable

American Horror Stories: Bloody Mary Is A Great Take On The Urban Legend

In the “Bloody Mary” episode of American Horror Stories, what stands out is that Bloody Mary is portrayed as a witch who manipulates the characters into committing heinous acts. The climax of the episode brings a surprising revelation about Mary’s past and why she’s trapped in the mirror, luring people towards evil. Similar to the “Rubber(wo)Man” episode, “Bloody Mary” ends on a chilling note that leaves a lasting impression. Unlike some horror narratives where the final girl escapes unscathed, this tale ends with no one emerging unharmed at the end. This adds an extra layer of terror to the story.

The American Horror Story: “Bloody Mary” is cleverly crafted by centering around characters who are adolescents, a crucial period in their lives where they stand at a significant juncture. I believe the episode wouldn’t be as compelling if the characters were older. For instance, Lena’s character development is particularly captivating as she yearns to attend Yale. Her kind and empathetic nature clashes with the darkness she’s drawn towards, leaving her uncertain about her next steps. Although there aren’t many new teen horror films, some TV episodes are excelling in exploring this pivotal and indelible phase of life effectively.

In this show, the character Bloody Mary is depicted as a witch, which gives this episode a unique twist compared to typical horror movies. In those films, when characters summon Bloody Mary in a mirror by saying her name multiple times, they usually encounter a ghost. Characters are often high schoolers attending parties rather than being fully developed with individual hopes and dreams. These stories can feel generic. However, in this episode, Bloody Mary is more than just a ghost; she manipulates the characters into believing that they can get whatever they desire by following her commands and embracing evil. Teenagers are known for their malleability, making them easily influenced, both positively and negatively. Thus, Bloody Mary serves as an exceptional antagonist for teen horror stories.

The “Bloody Mary” episode from the anthology series, American Horror Stories, includes some comical lines that offer welcome humorous interludes, such as when Maggie delivers a witty remark.

“She’s dead dead. Like the opposite of fine.”

I’d rather not spoil the finale or disclose too much about the plot, but let me tell you this: “Bloody Mary” is incredibly gripping, almost impossible to tear your eyes away from, and cleverly crafted. It underscores the fact that “American Horror Stories” truly delivers when it comes to thrilling horror experiences, demonstrating that the anthology format is effective because it allows for a wide range of exciting and imaginative narratives.

Key Takeaways

  • AHS “Bloody Mary” episode reinvents the urban legend, making it memorable with a witch twist.
  • The episode’s focus on teens adds depth, exploring their inner struggles in a thrilling way.
  • The anthology format of American Horror Stories allows for fun, creative storytelling in the horror genre.

What Other Horror TV Shows And Movies Have Told The Bloody Mary Urban Legend?

American Horror Stories: Bloody Mary Is A Great Take On The Urban Legend

A variety of TV shows and movies, including “Supernatural” and “The Haunting Hour”, have retold the spine-chilling tale of Bloody Mary. In the fifth episode of “Supernatural’s” first season, the spirit is portrayed, while the season 1 finale of “The Haunting Hour” labels its episode and ghost as “Scary Mary.” The “Supernatural” episode revolves around a group of teenagers at a party in Nebraska who discover that the ghost is not just a legend. In the “The Haunting Hour” episode, Scary Mary abducts teenagers and forces them to live eternally within mirrors.

In terms of horror movies, there’s the underwhelming 2005 film “Urban Legend: Bloody Mary” and the 2006 movie “Bloody Mary,” featuring Cory Monteith. Additionally, you might not have come across the 2021 film titled “Curse of Bloody Mary.” Although “Urban Legends: Final Cut” from 2005 is disappointing, so are these other films. They don’t offer anything new to the tale that people have been familiar with for quite some time. A more engaging approach would be to explore the “American Horror Stories” episode instead.

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2024-09-20 21:04