Fans of thehorrorgenre are no doubt familiar withthe urban legend of Bloody Mary, which suggests that a spirit appears when people chant her name several times in a row. Ryan Murphy’s anthology TV seriesAmerican Horror Storieshas taken on many elements and tropes of this popular genre, from ghosts to haunted houses to beauty standards gone wrong. While I’m a fan who loves watching each new episode and I’mexcited for season 4,I think the Bloody Mary episode ofAmerican Horror Storiesis the best example of this scary story in popular culture.
In this memorable story,Lena Lawrence (Kyanna Simone) and her friends Maggie (Kyla Drew), Bianca (Quvenzhané Wallis), and Elise (Raven Scott) play the famous party game and come across the Bloody Mary spirit, played by Dominique Jackson.What happens in theAmerican Horror Stories"Bloody Mary" episode and why do I think it’s so great?
Why The American Horror Stories Episode “Bloody Mary” Is Memorable
TheAmerican Horror Storiesepisode “Bloody Mary” works because, in this version of the urban legend,Bloody Mary is a witch who convinces the characters to do awful things. At the end of the episode, there is abig and memorable plot twistexplaining Mary’s backstory and how they got stuck in the mirror, baiting people to turn evil. Like theAmerican Horror Storiesepisode “Rubber(wo)Man,““Bloody Mary” has a creepy ending that feels impactful. Unlike some horror movies that allow a final girl to walk away, no one is doing well at the end of this story. That makes the story even scarier.
AHS"Bloody Mary” is also smart since it focuses on characters who are teenagers and, therefore, at a crossroads in their lives. I don’t think the episode would be as good if the characters were older. Lena’s character arc, for example, is the most interesting one since she dreams of attending Yale. Her good, compassionate instincts are at odds with the evil she’s drawn to, and she’s not sure what to do next. While there might not be a lot ofnew teen horror movies, at least some TV episodes are doing a great job diving into this important and unforgettable time in life.
Since Bloody Mary is a witch here, that helps this episode stand out. When horror movies use this legend, they simply have a ghost appear in the mirror when characters say their name a few times in a row. While these characters can sometimes be high schoolers as well, the movies never delve enough into their hopes and dreams, and they’re often just at a party. These stories can come off as generic. Bloody Mary isthe ultimate teen horror villainsince, in this episode, she convinces the characters that they can get what they want as long as they do what she says and become evil. Teens are impressionable and often easily influenced, for better and for worse.
TheAmerican Horror Stories"Bloody Mary” episode also has some funny quotes which make for some necessary light-hearted moments, like when Maggie says:
“She’s dead dead. Like the opposite of fine.”
While I won’t the spoil the end of this episode or share too many plot details,I will say that “Bloody Mary” is compelling, hard to look away from, and smart. It proves thatAmerican Horror Storiesis one of the most thrilling horror shows and that the anthology format works since the show can tell so many fun and creative stories.
Summary
What Other Horror TV Shows And Movies Have Told The Bloody Mary Urban Legend?
Several horror TV shows and movies have shared the creepy story of Bloody Mary. Season 1, episode 5 ofSupernaturalfeatures a take on the spirit, and so does the season 1 finale of the R.L. Stine seriesThe Haunting Hour, which calls its episode and ghost “Scary Mary.” TheSupernaturalepisode features teenagers at a party in Nebraska who play the game and realize the ghost is real. InThe Haunting Hourepisode, Scary Mary kidnaps teenagers and makes them live in the mirror forever.
As for movies, there isthe disappointing 2005 movieUrban Legend: Bloody Maryalong with 2006’sBloody Marywhich stars Cory Monteith. There is also the 2021 movieCurse of Bloody Mary, which many might not have heard of. Whilethe sequel Urban Legends: Final Cutis disappointing, so are these other films. They don’t add anything to the legend that people have already heard for years, and it’s a much better idea to check out theAmerican Horror Storiesepisode.
