AMERICAN HORROR STORY: DELICATE PART 2 Parents Guide
American Horror Story: Delicate is the 12th installment in Ryan Murphy's hit FX anthology series. The second part of this season focuses on the continuing story of Emma Roberts' character, a rising young Hollywood star who longs to start a family. However, her path to motherhood becomes increasingly terrifying and psychologically disturbing.
As a parent, you may be wondering if American Horror Story: Delicate Part 2 is appropriate viewing for your kids. This parents guide will provide an overview of the show's content and age recommendations to help you make an informed decision.
Content and Age Appropriateness
American Horror Story TV-MA rating indicates the show is intended for mature audiences only. Parents should be aware the show features:
- Explicit violence: Disturbing scenes of gore, torture, murder, and violence against women.
- Strong language: Frequent use of F-word and other profanities.
- Nudity: Occasional female toplessness and rear nudity in a sexual context.
- Horror themes: Psychological terror, jump scares, supernatural entities, hauntings.
Due to this mature content, the recommended minimum age is 17+. The show's complex themes and violence are inappropriate for children. Parents should use discretion even for older teens.
Sex and Nudity
- Occasional toplessness and rear nudity from female characters in a sexual context. No genital nudity.
- Depictions of sexual situations, activity, references, and discussions.
- A storyline involving [possible spoiler redacted].
Violence
American Horror Story: Delicate Part 2 contains:
- Visual depictions of blood, gore, and violent injury detail
- Scenes involving graphic torture, murder, suicide, and domestic abuse
- Disturbing psychological horror, threats, screaming, weapons
- Jump scares and intense sequences of terror
Profanity
- Pervasive use of F-word
- Multiple uses of words like "sht", "btch", "dmn", and "hll"
- Some racial slurs and derogatory/sexist remarks
Alcohol, Drugs and Smoking
- Frequent alcohol consumption and drunkenness
- References and implications of illegal drug use
- Occasional tobacco smoking
Parents Guide Conclusion
While compelling, American Horror Story: Delicate Part 2 earns its mature rating. The violent images, disturbing themes, strong language, frightening visuals, and sexual situations make it unsuitable for children under 17.
Even older teenagers may find some content shocking or intense. Parents should watch ahead of their teens and enforce limits around more graphic episodes. Use good judgement considering your child's sensitivity and maturity level.
Article Body
American Horror Story: Delicate Part 2 continues the story of Emma Roberts' character, rising Hollywood starlet Jess, first introduced in Part 1. Still longing to start a family, Jess' path to motherhood only grows more ominously terrifying as this installment progresses.
Return of Key Characters
Fans can expect the return of several key characters alongside Emma Roberts' lead:
- Sarah Paulson as Wendy, Jess' agent
- Evan Peters as Jess' ambivalent husband Dean
- Keyla Monterroso Mejia as Petra, a mysterious entity
- Zendaya in an undisclosed role likely tied to Jess' future child
New additions like Kim Kardashian hint at intriguing new directions for this established world.
Continuing Story Arcs
Major story arcs likely to continue based on Part 1's cliffhangers:
- Jess' increasingly desperate and dangerous attempts to have a baby
- Uncomfortable side effects related to Jess' experimental infertility treatment
- Wendy's Machiavellian efforts to protect her star client
- The true nature of Petra and her interest in Jess' baby
We may also learn more about the history between Dean and Wendy, including past tragedy related to pregnancy.
More Psychological Horror
Showrunner Halley Feiffer has suggested Part 2 will double-down on psychologically-driven moments over blood and gore. This aligns with Part 1's focus on inner turmoil over shock value.
Key things to expect:
- Hallucinatory sequences
- Unreliable narrative perspective
- Disassociation
- Jess questioning her own sanity
- Is Jess haunted or haunted by ghosts - real, metaphorical or both?
Filmmaking Approach
Feiffer has cited 1970s psychological thrillers focused on female experiences like Rosemary's Baby as inspiration for her approach:
- Intimate, claustrophobic cinematography
- Subtle slow tension building
- Restrained use of jump scares and gore
- Pervasive sense of uneasy dread
- Obscuring the line between subjective and objective reality
This intimate perspective helps realize Jess' inner life. Triumph and critical acclaim suggest Feiffer has skilfully crafted this tonal high-wire act.
Response and Reviews
Early critical reviews for Delicate Part 2 are overwhelmingly positive with plenty of intrigue and discussion around Feiffer's fresh creative choices:
| " | Publication | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Variety | ★★★★✩ | ||
| Indiewire | A- | ||
| Vanity Fair | ★★★★☆ | ||
| Rolling Stone | ★★★★☆ |
General consensus praises:
- Emma Roberts' standout performance
- Kim Kardashian's surprising supporting turn
- Subtle elevation of horror through character focus
- Sharp yet ambiguous social commentary
- Addition of Danielle Valentine's perspective
There's early Emmy buzz for both Roberts and Feiffer's direction. Fans seem energized by a return to form.
The Parents Guide Verdict
From this parents guide analysis, despite critical acclaim, American Horror Story: Delicate Part 2 still earns its TV-MA rating.
It remains inappropriate viewing for young viewers under 17, even with reduced gore. Mature themes, violence, language, frightening visuals still pervade throughout. Parents should watch ahead for graphic content before permitting older teenagers to view.
Use your best judgement on limits and boundaries you feel are right for your family. Don't hesitate to enforce restrictions around episodes you deem too extreme or mature for your child's developmental level.
Article Conclusion
American Horror Story: Delicate Part 2 shapes up to continue the franchise's reputation for smart elevated horror. Early reception and Emmy consideration cements showrunner Halley Feiffer's fresh creative vision.
However, the show still contains very mature content parents should continue to monitor closely. Jess' journey highlights that danger can appear in unexpected guises - especially for women longing for motherhood.
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