This article explores the themes of eating disorders and the Pro Ana community within the context of the “Bestie”episode from American Horror Stories Season 3.
In the gripping season premiere entitled “Bestie,”the American Horror Stories series examines the unsettling nature of harmful online communities and the devastating consequences of toxic friendships. The narrative follows Shelby (Emma Halleen), who is grappling with the loss of her mother and the cruelty of school bullies. In her search for solace, she befriends an online companion named Bestie, a girl confined to her home due to health issues. As their digital friendship flourishes, Bestie encourages Shelby to confront her fears. However, this encouragement takes a dark turn as Bestie persuades her to engage in increasingly reckless behavior.
The plot thickens when Shelby injures herself, prompting her to seek friendship with River, another bullied student at her school. As she distances herself from the toxic influence of Bestie, the latter does not remain passive and seeks revenge. The fateful choice to follow River to an abandoned house leads Shelby to a horrifying revelation—it’s Bestie’s home. The twisted finale reveals that Bestie has manipulated River, culminating in a tragic betrayal that costs Shelby her life as River is coerced into an act of murder to maintain his allegiance to Bestie.
Understanding River’s Motive: The Death & Twist of Bestie
Manipulation of Emotions: River and Shelby’s Vulnerabilities
When Shelby discovers that the eerie house River took her to is Bestie’s home, she confronts him only to be fatally attacked. As River plunges his knife into her chest, he confesses that he, too, has been a target of the same bullies tormenting Shelby. His desperation for power and his twisted affection for Shelby’s rebellious acts lead him to view her actions as admirable, including her idea to poison bullies. Although River initially lacked the courage to commit violence, Bestie pushed him to face his fears, binding him into a cycle of manipulation.
Both Shelby and River fell victim to Bestie’s machinations. Bestie preyed on their isolation, creating an environment where fears were exploited in pursuit of her own distorted sense of control.
|
Episode # |
Episode Title |
Director |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
“Bestie” |
Max Winkler |
|
2 |
“Daphne” |
Elegance Bratton |
|
3 |
“Tapeworm” |
Alexis Martin Woodall |
|
4 |
“Organ” |
Petra Collins |
The Tactics Bestie Used to Target Her Victims
Exploiting Insecurities: How Bestie Deceived Her Victims
Bestie effectively ingratiates herself with Shelby and River by capitalizing on their personal struggles and insecurities. She relates to Shelby by fabricating a family situation that mirrors Shelby’s own difficulties, thus deepening their emotional connection. Similarly, Bestie uses their shared experiences of being bullied to gain control over River.
This manipulation, akin to forms of cyberbullying, proves dangerous as Bestie presents herself as a friend while covertly guiding her victims toward acts of self-harm and maliciousness. Bestie’s persona illustrates the adage that “hurt people hurt people,”shedding light on the complexities of online relationships that can masquerade as supportive yet harbor toxic intent.
The Dark Influence of Bestie
Bestie as a Malevolent Force: Theories Explored
Bestie presents an illusory narrative of confinement due to her physical ailments, provoking Shelby to act as her proxy in performing forbidden teenage antics. Shelby ultimately becomes embroiled in actions that escalate from mere mischief to extreme violence, showcasing Bestie’s orchestrations of chaos.
This portrayal suggests a more profound philosophical commentary—potentially Bestie symbolizes an eldritch or demonic entity manipulating human lives for amusement. This theory intricately aligns with the highlight of how individuals motivated by personal grievances can instigate terror without experiencing the ramifications of their actions.
The Significance of Disabilities in River & Bestie’s Dynamic
Leveraging Disability: Bestie’s Control Over River
Understanding the dynamic between River and Bestie reveals how they connect through their disabilities, cultivating a sense of validation and belonging. Bestie deliberately exploits River’s vulnerabilities while creating a façade of companionship that ultimately leads to manipulation and obedience. Her deceptive tactics are designed to ensure River feels compelled to please her in an attempt to fill the void of his own loneliness.
Despite moments that suggest familial ties between River and Bestie, their relationship is one of dependence and control, where River’s desire for altruism blinds him to Bestie’s true nature as a manipulative force.
Why Shelby Remained Silent About Bestie
The Illusion of Strength Through Online Connections
One might question why Shelby never divulged her relationship with Bestie to anyone, including her father and teachers. The answer lies in Bestie’s stronghold over her, intertwined with the toxic affirmations from the Pro Ana community that encourage self-destructive behavior. Through these harmful online associations, individuals like Shelby perceive a sense of belonging and agency amidst their despair.
Having lost her mother and feeling adrift, Shelby finds a semblance of support in her connection with Bestie, who pushes her toward superficial confidence. Yet this comes at the cost of deepening her isolation from those who care about her, revealing how feelings of shame and fear can trap victims in damaging situations. Ultimately, it is only through her bond with River, who shares in her struggles, that she feels brave enough to open up.
Interpreting the Ending of Bestie
A Cautionary Tale: The Dangers of Toxic Online Communities
The American Horror Stories episode “Bestie”serves as a poignant exploration of the perilous nature of toxic online interactions, particularly affecting vulnerable youth. Shelby’s story is one of isolation, marked by her mother’s death and her father’s emotional unavailability, which positions her as an easy target for manipulation. In a chilling twist, her friendship with Bestie ultimately manifests as a form of cyberbullying that inflicts emotional harm under the guise of companionship.
The tragic conclusion of “Bestie,”where Shelby’s life is taken as a result of her abuser’s influence, underlines the dark reality faced by individuals caught in such manipulative cycles. The narrative serves as a stark reminder of the destructive impact that harmful online communities can wield over impressionable individuals, particularly those already wrestling with feelings of inadequacy and powerless.
Reception of the “Bestie”Ending
Critical Acclaim: A Resounding Return for American Horror Stories
The finale of the “Bestie”episode has been met with overwhelming appreciation from critics and viewers alike, marking it as a strong resurgence for the American Horror Stories series. With its shocking revelations and intense storytelling, the episode strayed from the predictable narratives of previous seasons, compelling audiences with unexpected twists that elicited emotional responses.
The climactic moment when River betrays Shelby by killing her serves as a powerful shock that resonates deeply among viewers. Prominent reviews emphasize how this narrative arc revitalizes the series, with Daniel Kurland of Bloody Disgusting praising “Bestie”for its unflinching portrayal of vulnerability:
“Bestie” is one of American Horror Stories’ strongest episodes and exactly the type of tale that this series should be telling. It’s an incredibly uncomfortable experience, from start to finish, that works as well as it does because of its raw and vulnerable characters.
In conclusion, the “Bestie”episode is not simply a highlight of Season 3 but has been considered one of the most compelling conclusions across the series’ history, engaging viewers with its multifaceted examination of the human psyche and the ramifications of online manipulation.
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