Fans of Ben Platt witnessed a startling departure from his usual roles as the Broadway star concluded a guest appearance on Ryan Murphy's chilling body-horror series, The Beauty, this Wednesday. The 32-year-old actor, best known for his work in Dear Evan Hansen, delivered a visceral performance that left audiences both horrified and captivated.
A Bloody Rampage Unfolds
In the fourth episode of the buzzy Hulu show, Platt's character, Manny, launched into a gruesome rampage through a medical facility. This violent outburst came after he was infected with the deadly beauty drug in a previous installment, setting the stage for a harrowing transformation.
The Horrific Symptoms of the Beauty Virus
As Manny suffered from stomach-churning side effects of the drug, which transmits its effects akin to a sexually transmitted disease, his condition rapidly deteriorated. Restrained in a medical setting, his body temperature soared to unsustainable levels, leading to convulsions and eyes welling with blood. This mirrored the fate of other victims who ultimately combust in a bloody explosion.
Struggling against his restraints, the skin on Manny's arms began to slough off in bloody patches, granting him the strength to break free. Gifted with superhuman power, he lashed out at doctors, including one he bear-hugged with such force that blood splattered through a hazmat suit. The chaos escalated as he fled through hospital corridors, assaulting staff and even shoving a surgery patient through a door.
A Shocking Transformation Revealed
The climax of Platt's arc involved a complete physical metamorphosis. In a room filled with disturbing fluid-filled cylinders containing donor skin, Manny shed his original form entirely. Emerging from the steaming pile of flesh was a revitalized, more traditionally attractive version of himself, now portrayed by Isaac Cole Powell, Platt's former Dear Evan Hansen costar.
This twist delighted fans, who humorously referred to Powell as the "yassified" iteration of Platt's character. FBI Agent Cooper Madsen, played by Evan Peters, managed to subdue the new Manny with a powerful sedative, ending the bloody chase.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
On social media, viewers expressed astonishment at Platt's dark turn, with many praising his ability to tackle such an extreme role. Comments ranged from excitement over his performance to amusement at the casting of Powell. Some also noted Platt's recurring collaborations with Ryan Murphy, adding an extra layer of intrigue for longtime followers.
However, not all reactions were positive; certain scenes, such as a graphic face transplant procedure, left some audiences grossed out, highlighting the series' unflinching approach to body horror. Overall, Platt's stint on The Beauty has cemented the show's reputation for pushing boundaries and surprising its audience with unexpected star appearances.
