It's a pairing that seems destined to happen: Ryan Murphy, the prolific producer behind American Horror Story and Glee, and Bret Easton Ellis, the literary provocateur who shocked readers with Less Than Zero and American Psycho. Both have built careers on pushing boundaries, often to the delight of audiences and the dismay of censors. Now, they've finally collaborated on The Shards, a new crime thriller that adapts Ellis's 2023 semi-autobiographical novel. The result? Surprisingly restrained — at least by their standards.
Set in 1981 Los Angeles, The Shards follows a group of wealthy teenagers whose privileged lives are disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious transfer student, Robert Montgomery (Homer Gere). The story is told through the eyes of Bret Ellis (Igby Rigney), an aspiring writer who is secretly gay and struggling to reconcile his public persona with his private desires. As a series of brutal murders rocks the city, Bret becomes convinced that Robert is responsible, but his suspicions are complicated by his own attraction to him.
The show's tone is a blend of American Horror Story's dark twists and The Breakfast Club's high school drama. It's a mix that could easily veer into camp, but Murphy and Ellis keep things grounded, focusing more on the emotional torture of adolescence than on gratuitous gore — though there's plenty of that too. The series is at its best when it balances these elements, exploring themes of identity, innocence, and the masks we wear, while also delivering the kind of gleefully deranged horror that Murphy is known for.
The cast delivers vulnerable performances that elevate the material. Kaia Gerber, a Murphy regular, plays Susan, the tightly-wound class president who becomes infatuated with Robert. Graham Campbell shines as Thom, the dim-witted jock who undergoes a surprising transformation. And Igby Rigney is compelling as Bret, a young man on the edge, desperate to appear relaxed while hiding a world of secrets. The chemistry among the cast helps sell the show's more outlandish moments, from a Silence of the Lambs-style basement dungeon to a decapitated head.
The series starts slowly, with a pair of quiet episodes that establish the '80s Eden that Robert is about to destroy. But by the midway point, The Shards comes alive, embracing dark comedy and subverting teen movie clichés with venom and insight. Episodes set at a house party, a homecoming rally, and a Hairspray-style dance show descend into entertaining pandemonium, showcasing Murphy's signature style. The soundtrack, filled with retro needle drops, adds to the nostalgic yet unsettling atmosphere.
However, the final stretch loses some momentum as the show rushes toward the unmasking of the killer. Character motivations shift abruptly, and the resolution feels somewhat rushed. Still, The Shards is a compelling watch for fans of Murphy and Ellis, offering a fresh take on the crime thriller genre. It's a show that asks big questions about growing up and the darkness that lurks beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives.
If you're in the mood for more edge-of-your-seat thrillers, check out our list of action thrillers that keep you on edge. And for those who appreciate a good mystery, FlashForward is a sci-fi gem that was canceled too soon. The Shards is now streaming, and it's a must-watch for anyone who likes their teen drama with a side of horror.
