The Shards review: Ryan Murphy and Bret Easton Ellis are a match made in heaven in Hulu's stylish, blood-soaked new show about privileged teenagers stalked by a serial killer

The Shards, a Hulu production, has sparked a great deal of conversation due to its unique combination of Bret Easton Ellis' controversial semi-autobiographical work and the creative talents of Ryan Murphy. This nine-part series has been lauded as a thrilling and stylish look into the lives of privileged teenagers in the 1980s, set against the backdrop of a sunny Los Angeles neighborhood.

The show's creator, Ryan Murphy, has teamed up with Ellis, resulting in a highly addictive and over-the-top production that is far different from the disappointing Hulu series All's Fair.

The Shards follows a fictionalized version of Bret Easton Ellis, played by Igby Rigney, a 17-year-old in his final year at the prestigious Buckley prep school. Rigney, known for his work on Netflix's Midnight Mass, delivers a narration that feels out of place in most settings, yet fits perfectly in this context as he describes his luxurious lifestyle and opulent clothing.

Opposite Rigney is Homer Gere, who brilliantly portrays Robert Mallory, a newcomer at Buckley whose mysterious presence coincides with the activities of a serial killer known as The Trawler.

The story is centered around the complex relationships between Bret and Robert, as well as the dynamics of their friend group, which includes a popular cheerleader, Thom, and a rebellious girlfriend of Bret's, Debbie. The combination of these characters, along with an equally talented supporting cast, creates an immersive and uncomfortable viewing experience.

With its weekly release schedule, some viewers may feel disappointed by not being able to binge-watch the series. However, it is clear that The Shards is a captivating and visceral look into the 1980s society, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats as they wonder what will happen to these privileged teens. The show offers a unique blend of teen drama and horror, featuring the gruesome elements that fans of Bret Easton Ellis' works, such as American Psycho, can expect.

Despite the absence of a confirmed season two at the time of writing, fans of Ryan Murphy and Bret Easton Ellis will undoubtedly be drawn to The Shards. The season finale's ending may prove frustrating for those hoping for more, but the show's standalone status allows it to be entertaining and shocking on its own. Overall, The Shards is a welcome addition to Ryan Murphy's filmography and a testament to the creative synergy between Murphy and Ellis, leaving viewers eager for more from this thrilling duo.