A Conversation with Raven Goodwin: Her Latest Role in Ryan Murphy’s Grotesquerie on FX

I recently had the opportunity to chat with the immensely talented Raven Goodwin, who steps into the complex role of Merritt Tryon in Grotesquerie, Ryan Murphy’s latest psychological horror series on FX. Tune in Wednesday Nights at 10pm. This 10-part drama combines Murphy’s signature horror elements with deeply emotional storytelling, allowing Raven to portray a woman grappling with addiction and family trauma. Her enthusiasm was infectious as she spoke about how much this project means to her, describing Grotesquerie as a pivotal moment in her career. She praised Murphy’s unique vision, especially his ability to interweave haunting narratives with intensely personal struggles, which reflect Merrit’s journey through self-destruction and her fraught relationship with her mother, Lois, played by Niecy Nash-Betts. Notable co-stars include Courtney B. Vance (as Marshall Tryon), Micaela Diamond, and Nicholas Alexander Chavez, all of whom add to the dense narrative layers of the show

The Attraction to Grotesquerie: A Compelling Blend of Horror and Humanity

From the beginning, Raven’s passion for Grotesquerie was evident. “I genuinely love horror,” she shared, and reading the script instantly hooked her—”definitely a page-turner,” as she described it. The chance to work with Ryan Murphy, a creator known for combining haunting aesthetics with human emotion, was another major draw. She admitted, “I just really felt super confident to send [my audition tape] in,” a confidence that translates seamlessly into her performance. While the horror elements are strong, they serve to highlight the deeper emotional narrative, where Merritt and Lois’s bond, shaped by addiction and resentment, takes center stage. At its core, Grotesquerie is a gripping story about two women navigating their love for each other while being consumed by their personal demons.

Merritt: A Character Rooted in Self-Assurance

According to Raven, Merritt stands apart due to her unwavering sense of self—something rarely seen in portrayals of addiction. “No matter where she is in life, there’s always a sense of self,” Raven explained. Unlike characters who are consumed by despair, Merritt remains pragmatic, using her circumstances to her advantage. For instance, her decision to join a reality TV show is not driven by a desire for fame, but as a way to pursue her passions without judgment. This perspective provides a refreshing take on addiction: Merritt’s indulgence is not rooted in self-loathing but in a confident determination to live life on her own terms.

Central to her character is her love for food, which Raven compared to how others might turn to alcohol. “The foundation is always the love of food,” she said, highlighting how Merritt uses food to cope with life’s challenges. This indulgence, however, is not without depth. As Raven noted, Merritt’s choices are more than a quest for fame—they are driven by her desire to enjoy life despite its challenges. This mix of self-assurance, indulgence, and vulnerability gives Merritt a complexity that feels both tragic and powerfully resilient.

A Mother-Daughter Dynamic as Heartbreaking as it is Human

One of the most poignant aspects of Grotesquerie is the deeply layered relationship between Merritt and her mother, Lois. The bond they share is as loving as it is destructive, particularly in how their struggles with addiction intertwine. Raven describes their relationship as “non-judgmental,” yet rife with enabling tendencies, where care and compassion often blur into dysfunction. Both women are trapped in a cycle of love and resentment, where their emotional connection is a source of both comfort and pain.

Lois’s exhaustion adds another layer of complexity. In one heart-wrenching scene, Lois admits she may have been “given the wrong mother,” a vulnerable confession that speaks to her guilt and emotional fatigue. This moment encapsulates the tragic nature of their relationship—Lois, feeling disconnected and powerless to help Merritt, is weighed down by unresolved guilt. Their interactions, filled with love and heartbreak, paint a raw portrait of two women who cannot break free from their destructive patterns.

Horror with a Human Core: Relatability in Grotesquerie

While Grotesquerie incorporates supernatural and horror elements, the emotional core of the series remains deeply human. Raven highlighted how, at its heart, the show is about a family’s fight for survival. “It’s crazy because the very common comment has been, ‘This show is so relatable,’” Raven said. Despite the grotesque imagery, viewers resonate with the characters’ struggles with addiction, identity, and self-preservation—universal challenges that ground the horror in reality.

The supernatural demons in the series act as metaphors for the personal battles the characters face, whether it’s grappling with inner demons or the quest for meaning and connection. Raven believes it is this authenticity that makes the show so compelling. “If you take away the horror and fantasy aspect… you see that the foundation of the show is a family who is fighting for their lives in every way,” she explained. Beneath the layers of fantasy and fright, Grotesquerie tells a human story about connection, survival, and the search for identity, even amid chaos.

A Journey in Alignment: Raven’s Personal Connection

As our conversation wrapped up, Raven reflected on how perfectly Grotesquerie aligns with her personal and professional journey. “It makes sense for my career right now where it is,” she said, describing the project as a pivotal milestone. For Raven, Grotesquerie is more than just another role—it symbolizes her belief in divine timing and purpose. “I know that my story is written, and that it’s beautiful and dynamic,” she said, expressing confidence that her life is unfolding as it’s meant to.

Looking ahead, Raven is eager to explore new creative avenues beyond acting. She envisions stepping into directing, collaborating with both industry veterans and fresh talent, and even launching her own production company. “I’m riding the wave,” she said with optimism. For Raven, Grotesquerie is just the beginning—a stepping stone toward a future filled with artistic growth, meaningful collaborations, and the realization of her dreams.