Ep 1. Chapter 1

Set in a mysterious farmhouse in rural North Carolina, American Horror Story's sixth season titled "Roanoke" begins with its first episode, Chapter 1. The episode opens with testimonials from the actors and crew involved in the filming of a "true crime" documentary series called "My Roanoke Nightmare." The series is about a couple, Shelby and Matt Miller, who move from Los Angeles to North Carolina following a miscarriage and a violent assault on Matt. They purchase a century-old farmhouse property where they hope to start anew, but their idyllic plans quickly become threatened as they encounter strange and inexplicable events.

The first part of Chapter 1 sets the scene for this true crime series, with Lily Rabe and André Holland playing the "real" Shelby and Matt, while Sarah Paulson and Cuba Gooding Jr. portray actors playing them in the reenactments. The transition between the "present-day" interviews and the flashbacks to the Millers' experiences is marked by a distinct change in the aspect ratio and cinematography. It's a meta-narrative device that adds an extra layer of mystery to the show, as it invites viewers to question what is "real" and what is "fiction".

The opening sequence of the episode creates an eerie atmosphere, with shots of the isolated farmhouse, a thunderstorm brewing, and figures darting around in the woods. It's clear that the Millers are out of their element, and that the locals are not welcoming. A group of men, who appear to be hunting, come across the Miller's property and warn them of the "Blood Moon", a phenomenon that apparently causes the spirits of the dead to rise. The Millers are skeptical of this warning, assuming that the men are playing a prank on them, but they soon discover that their new home has a dark history.

During their first night in the farmhouse, Shelby and Matt are woken up by strange sounds and lights coming from the basement. Matt goes downstairs to investigate and finds a disturbing mural on the wall, depicting a figure with a pig's head. The mural has "MURDER" written on it in blood. Shelby is understandably frightened and convinced that they need to leave the property, but Matt insists on staying, hoping to prove that they're not easily scared off.

The next day, Shelby goes for a walk in the woods and comes across a group of people dressed in old-fashioned garb, performing a disturbing and bloody ritual. Shelby manages to escape and runs back to the farmhouse, but when she tries to call the police, she finds that the phone lines have been cut.

The tension and sense of dread throughout the episode are expertly crafted, with director Bradley Buecker using a variety of techniques to keep viewers on edge. The lighting and sound design are particularly effective, with sudden jumps in volume and shifts in mood. The camera work is also notable, with Buecker making use of handheld shots and a variety of angles to keep the action fresh and unpredictable.

The acting in Chapter 1 is also strong, with both the "real" and "reenacted" versions of the Millers providing convincing performances. Paulson and Gooding Jr. bring a certain charm to their portrayals, making the characters relatable and sympathetic. Kathy Bates makes a brief but memorable appearance as the leader of the group conducting the ritual, and her presence alone is enough to send shivers down your spine.

Overall, Chapter 1 sets the stage for an intriguing and chilling season of American Horror Story. With its blend of meta-narrative, rural horror, and supernatural elements, Roanoke promises to be a standout entry in the series.