Supermodel Bella Hadid's character goes on a rampage on the catwalk, assaults photographers and mindlessly kills diners at a restaurant after a long car chase through the streets of Paris - before exploding when confronted by the police.
Only five minutes into the first episode of "The Beauty", series creator Ryan Murphy's new drama, which is a mix of satire and body horror about the fashion industry, weight-loss injections and the pursuit of beauty.
Instant sensation
The series has already caused big headlines, not least because of the many celebrities in small supporting roles, including Bella Hadid in the first episode.
The Beauty is a mysterious super drug that makes anyone who takes it incredibly beautiful, so they can become fashion models. But it is also a pact with the devil - because within a couple of years it will kill the person who injects the drug.
"I think Ryan Murphy has a knack for what's current and what everyone is talking about - and he does it subversively and provocatively," says Rebecca Hall.
She plays one of two police officers who begin investigating the case of the many beautiful people found dead near fashion houses around the world. They discover that a large, mysterious organization is behind The Beauty, with the main villain played by Ashton Kutcher.
Everyone is dissatisfied
Kutcher notes that weight-loss injections with the GLP-1 hormone and brands like Ozempic and Mounjaro have become widespread because people want quick fixes. And everyone is unhappy with their appearance, he believes.
"I worked as a model when I was younger and I came across some of the most beautiful people I had ever seen. Every single one of them had something they thought was wrong with their appearance and wanted to change it," he says.
It's satire, but Ashton Kutcher doesn't really think the plot of "The Beauty" is that far-fetched. People have tried to create the "fountain of youth" throughout history, he says.
"And does anyone really think that when they succeed, they will wait for some approval from the drug authorities? No, exactly. So this is not so incredible," he says, smiling.
"The Beauty" premieres on Disney+ on Thursday, January 22.
Director and screenwriter Ryan Murphy has made a name for himself with a string of acclaimed dramas, since his first youth drama "Popular", 1999–2001.
The most talked-about are "Nip/tuck", "Glee", "American Horror Story", "American Crime Story", "Monster" and "All's Fair", the latter with Kim Kardashian in one of the leading roles.
