The Shards on Disney+: Romp of a slasher adapted from Bret Easton Ellis novel

Disney+ has launched The Shards, a slasher series adapted from Bret Easton Ellis's 2023 novel, marking a collaboration between the acclaimed novelist and television producer Ryan Murphy. The show, set in 1980s Los Angeles, blends elements of neo-noir and horror, drawing on the shared artistic sensibilities of Ellis and Murphy. It follows a group of privileged teenagers navigating a world of excess, secrecy, and violence, with a central mystery involving a mysterious new student and a string of brutal murders. The story centers on 17-year-old “Ellis,” portrayed by Igby Rigney, who serves as a stand-in for the author. Living in a wealthy neighborhood, he is deeply immersed in the works of Stephen King and secretly identifies as gay. His life takes a dangerous turn when he becomes obsessed with Robert, a charismatic and enigmatic classmate played by Homer Gere. Robert’s arrival coincides with a disturbing murder spree in Beverly Hills, leading Ellis to suspect a connection between the boy and the killings. The narrative explores themes of identity, desire, and the dangers of unchecked curiosity, all framed within the decadent yet perilous landscape of 1980s California. The production style reflects the aesthetic sensibilities of both creators. The cast features uniformly attractive actors, described as looking like “the human equivalent of coltish thoroughbreds or hypercars driven by insecure middle-aged men.” The visual palette is rich and saturated, evoking the neon-lit streets of early David Cronenberg films and the glossy excess of Tom Cruise’s Risky Business. The soundtrack is an eclectic mix of new-age standards, further enhancing the show’s dreamlike and slightly unsettling atmosphere. This approach aligns with the duo’s long-standing fascination with youth, beauty, and wealth, as well as their interest in America’s darker historical figures, serial killers. Bret Easton Ellis, known for novels such as Less Than Zero and American Psycho, has struggled to maintain relevance since the 1980s. His 2019 nonfiction book White drew criticism for its conservative views, casting doubt on his continued influence in contemporary literature. Meanwhile, Ryan Murphy, once celebrated for shows like Nip/Tuck and Dawson’s Creek, has faced scrutiny over projects perceived as exploitative or tasteless. His recent work includes the controversial Jeffrey Dahmer series and the Kim Kardashian documentary All’s Fair, which were criticized for their graphic content and lack of nuance. The Shards represents a potential redemption arc for both artists, offering a stylish and provocative take on a familiar genre. The show’s premise draws heavily from Ellis’s own experiences and literary output. The Shards is positioned as a sequel to Less Than Zero, with the 1980s setting and themes of alienation and self-discovery echoing the original novel. The series also nods to Ellis’s earlier work American Psycho, where the character Patrick Bateman embodies the archetype of the psychopathic elite. By adapting his novel, Ellis brings his signature brand of dark satire and social critique to the screen, while Murphy infuses the project with his trademark flair for spectacle and dramatic tension. Critics have noted that while The Shards lacks depth, it succeeds in creating a visually striking and thematically rich experience. The show’s superficiality is balanced by its stylistic ambition, making it a compelling, if somewhat shallow, addition to Disney+'s growing library of genre-driven programming. With its blend of nostalgia, horror, and pop culture references, The Shards aims to appeal to fans of both Ellis and Murphy, offering a nostalgic yet unsettling glimpse into a bygone era of excess and danger.