The Price of Beauty: Vivian’s Tragic Journey to Stardom
“When you’re desperate to succeed in a city that swallows people whole, how far would you go?” That’s the gut-wrenching question posed by “Tapeworm,” episode 3 of the chilling anthology, American Horror Stories Season 3. Vivian Lee Finch, played by Laura Kariuki, moves from the boondocks of Iowa to New York City, enticed by the glamor and promises of the fashion world. But the reality is a far cry from her dreams. She’s told by Sheila Klein, the head honcho at a top modeling agency, that she has the looks but is “too fat” for the industry.
“After Klein explains she has what it takes she’s just ‘too fat,’ she becomes desperate to shed some extra pounds.”
When a Shortcut Turns into a Deathtrap: The Tapeworm Solution
Enter Heather, a fellow model portrayed by Hazel Graye, who suggests a radical alternative. Vivian’s medical condition prevents her from using a “wonder drug” for weight loss. Heather then recommends an unconventional, deeply disturbing method: the use of a tapeworm.
As the pounds melt away, Vivian begins to gain traction in her career, landing coveted editorials and eventually the cover of Vogue. But her success comes at an unbearable cost: an insatiable, parasitic hunger that starts to dominate her life.
“Desperate to stop the ravenous organism before it ruins her life, she tries a last-ditch method to get it out herself, but she’s let it grow so large and strong that it kills her as it exits.”
The Ruthless Icons: Who’s Who in “Tapeworm”
Lisa Rinna as Sheila Klein: The Pinnacle of Fashion Realism
Lisa Rinna brings a compelling performance to Sheila Klein, the gatekeeper of fashion dreams. Known for her roles in “Days of Our Lives,” “Melrose Place,” and “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” Rinna’s character epitomizes the iciness and calculative nature that often defines the industry leaders.
“Icy, shrewd, and calculating, she knows what it takes to get to the top of the world as a supermodel.”
Laura Kariuki as Vivian Lee Finch: The Dreamer and the Victim
Laura Kariuki takes on a complex role, imbuing Vivian with wide-eyed innocence and vulnerability that eventually curdles into a darker, more destructive form. Her story arc brings to light the sacrifices and desperate measures people take to belong in an unforgiving industry.
Hazel Graye as Heather Billings: The Sly Mentor
Hazel Graye, who has appeared in shows like “Special Ops: Lioness,” portrays Heather, the model who introduces Vivian to her perilous path. While initially seeming kind and helpful, Heather reveals a darker intention that aligns her with the industry’s harsh reality.
Rob Yang as Dr. Thaddeus Lau: The Faustian Physician
Rob Yang plays Dr. Thaddeus Lau, a medical professional who offers Vivian her ticket to a fast-paced world of beauty at a terrible price. He presents her with two options: a weight loss pill called Mondify, and when that’s not possible, the eponymous tapeworm.
“Yang portrays Dr. Lau as both sympathetic and capable of making Faustian bargains, a willing but no less conflicted part of the fashion industrial complex.”
Final Takes: A Dark Reflection on the Fashion Industry
The tale of Vivian is a grotesque allegory for the devastating lengths people will go to achieve fame in an industry that often promotes self-destruction. “Tapeworm” serves as a cautionary tale that leaves the viewer pondering long after the credits roll: At what cost does success in this glittering, cutthroat world come? And more importantly, is it worth it?
