Since the critical and commercial success of “Nip/Tuck” and “Glee” in the 2000s, Ryan Murphy has dominated our television screens. His work has spanned genres, from haunted houses to ballroom stages, and it doesn’t appear that he will be going anywhere anytime soon. One of his less talked-about ventures is the anthology series “Feud,” which focuses on famous conflicts in Hollywood. The series’ first installment, “Bette and Joan,” debuted in 2017, spotlighting the well-documented rivalry between Joan Crawford and Bette Davis during and after the filming of the psychological horror film “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” Now, nearly seven years later, the series’ second installment has arrived, and “Capote vs. the Swans” may be even better than the first.

Based on Laurence Lemer’s 2021 novel Capote’s Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Era, this new installment of “Feud” (produced by Murphy but written by Jon Robin Baitz) focuses on one of the greatest and most controversial American writers of the 20th century. Famously adored for his fiction and non-fiction work, Truman Capote was revered throughout the ’60s and much of the ’70s. His work as a writer shot him into stardom that writers of the modern age seldom reach, allowing him to befriend some of Hollywood’s most prestigious socialites. Capote’s knack for storytelling allowed him to position himself almost like a court jester type for the rich, attending dinner parties, balls and charities, many with a select few women he called his “swans.”

In the first episode of “Feud,” we’re introduced to Capote (Tom Hollander) when he goes to meet Babe Paley (Naomi Watts), the clear favorite of his swans, in her luxurious home. Babe is distraught over catching her husband with a woman whom she thought he had put behind him and tells her friend the tale over shared pills and liquor. Her tale is intercut with the actual revelation taking place, not only making it a more dynamic watch, but showcasing how Truman’s mind as a writer truly worked. He paints a picture not only for himself but for the viewer as well, imagining the tale as if it were a scene from a soap opera. Here, it’s apparent that while he may feel some semblance of pity for Babe, what Truman is really getting from this visit is content for a new book, one that drops so many of his friends’ secrets that they work together to cut him out of their lives, and the social circles in which he thrives.

It’s with this first appearance of Tom Hollander as Truman Capote that it becomes clear that “Feud” is directly concerned with the difference between performance and reality. Truman was a notoriously flamboyant figure whether it be the way he dressed or the way he acted in the presence of certain figures. This air of camp is present whenever Hollander is on-screen, and while we see Truman hit rock bottom often, this air is never stamped out. It’s used as a means to keep him safe, acting as a boundary between himself and those around him. Despite their closeness, it feels as if Babe only knows a singular version of Truman, though it is indeed one that he doesn’t let just anyone see. He’s kinder with her than he is with others, and it’s their relationship that he misses the most once the swans turn their back on him.

Hollander plays Truman as an unbelievably damaged person who in turn finds a kinship with equally damaged women. Each of the swans, from socialite Slim Keith (Diane Lane) to stage actress C. Z. Guest (Chloë Sevigny) uses their wealth to hide their inner sufferings, and it’s not until they shun Truman from their friend group that they begin to realize this. After the backstabbing, his very being seems to have latched onto their souls, and despite their newfound contempt for him, they cannot simply let him go. In “Feud” the term “soulmate” is not reserved for simply romantic partnerships. Instead, it exists to explain the unbreakable bond between people like Babe Paley and Truman Capote. The performative nature of Truman’s reputation is shed just a bit when he’s around his swans, but especially Babe, signaling that it was only with her that he truly felt like he could be himself.

Watts and Hollander have a magnificent chemistry that ties the show’s themes together, and it’s impossible not to miss their dynamic when they’re not on screen. After they go their separate ways, the two immediately begin to miss one another. They gaze out of windows in boredom, and stare longingly at phones waiting for the other to call. It’s a relationship that rivals some of the most yearn-heavy romantic ones dominating television screens lately, and it’s what makes “Feud” ultimately stand out. Despite the voyeuristic pleasure Truman took in learning all of Babe’s secrets, he did love her (and the rest of the swans) in his own way. Unfortunately, it isn’t until the strongest relationship in his life begins to fracture that Truman realizes this. He believes himself incapable of love, so to betray Babe is simply like breathing air.

Throughout the season, we watch Truman slowly collapse under the weight of his alcoholism and his status as not only a writer, but a magnificent gossip. He spirals into an alcohol-infused meltdown, forcing us to confront the magnificent life we were previously led to believe he led. Truman Capote was a man haunted by the ghosts of his past, and this show paints an extremely empathetic picture of a man who struggled with substances and the notion that he could be loved. It’s more entertaining than “Capote” and “Infamous,” and is crafted with a sense of care that feels unheard of for a series like this.

“Feud” grabs your attention with its meticulously crafted costumes and set design, and slowly develops into more than just a showcase of technical feats. It’s nearly impossible to look away from not only the beauty of the production, but the performances as well. From the relationship that holds this show together to its supporting players, each actor gives it their all, and knows exactly when to lay into the camp that is undeniable in a tale like this. Ultimately, “Feud” serves as a beautiful ode to friendships and the bonds that we carry with us throughout our lives, even when those bonds are fractured.

Whole season screened for review. Premieres on FX tonight with episodes on Hulu the next day.

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(2024). Directed by Daniel Kaluuya and Kibwe Tavares. Written by Daniel Kaluuya and Joe Murtagh. Starring Kano, Hope Ikpoku Jnr, Henry Lawfull. Synopsis: In a dystopian future London where all social housing has been eliminated, Izi and Benji fight to navigate the world as residents of The Kitchen, a community that refuses to abandon their home. Debuts on Netflix on January 19th, 2024.

The Regime (2024). Created by Will Tracy. Starring Kate Winslet, Andrea Riseborough, Matthias Schoenaerts. Synopsis: An authoritarian regime is about to unravel. Follows a story of one year within the walls of its palace. US release date is TBA.

The American Society of Magical Negroes (2024). Written and directed by Kobi Libii. Starring Justice Smith, David Alan Grier, An-Li Bogan. Synopsis: Aren is recruited into a secret society of magical Black people who dedicate their lives to a cause of utmost importance. Debuts in the US on March 22nd, 2024.

Housekeeping for Beginners (2024). Written and directed by Goran Stolevski. Starring Samson Selim, Mia Mustafi, Dzada Selim. Synopsis: A queer woman is forced to raise her partner’s daughter who herself doesn’t want to be a mother. US release date is TBA.

Expats (2024). Created by Lulu Wang. Starring Nicole Kidman, Sarayu Blue, Ji-young Yoo. Synopsis: A look at the personal and professional lives of a tight-knit group of expatriates living in Hong Kong. Debuts on Prime Video on January 26th, 2024.

He Went That Way (2024). Directed by Jeffrey Darling. Written by Evan M. Wiener. Starring Jacob Elordi, Patrick J. Adams, Zachary Quinto. Synopsis: A journey of curious tensions and bonds between two and at times three interesting characters all on their own path. Debuts in the US on January 12th, 2024.

American Star (2024). Directed by Gonzalo López-Gallego. Written by Nacho Faerna. Starring Ian McShane, Thomas Kretschmann, Nora Arnezeder. Synopsis: An assassin on a final assignment in Fuerteventura, to kill a man he has never met. When his target is delayed, he finds himself drawn to the island, people and a ghostly shipwreck. Debuts in the US on January 26th, 2024.

The Three Musketeers — Part II: Milady (2024). Directed by Martin Bourboulon. Written by Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière (based on the novel by Alexandre Dumas). Starring François Civil, Vincent Cassel, Eva Green. Synopsis: D’Artagnan is forced to join forces with Milady to save Constance, who was kidnapped before his eyes. But as war is declared and Athos, Porthos and Aramis have already joined the front, a secret from the past shatters old alliances. US release date is TBA.

The Bikeriders (2024). Written and directed by Jeff Nichols. Starring Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, Jodie Comer. Synopsis: Follows the rise of a midwestern motorcycle club as it evolves over the course of a decade — from a gathering place for local outsiders into a more sinister gang, threatening the original group’s way of life. Debuts in the US on June 21st, 2024.

IF (2024). Written and directed by John Krasinski. Starring Ryan Reynolds, Steve Carell, John Krasinski. Synopsis: A young girl who goes through a difficult experience begins to see everyone’s imaginary friends who have been left behind as their real-life friends have grown up. Debuts in the US on May 17th, 2024.

Dune: Part Two (2024). Directed by Denis Villeneuve. Written by Denis Villeneuve and Jon Spaihts (based on the novel by Frank Herbert). Starring Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Florence Pugh. Synopsis: Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while seeking revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Debuts in the US on March 1st, 2024.

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024). Directed by Mark Molloy. Written by Will Beall, Tom Gormican and Kevin Etten (based on characters created by Danilo Bach and Daniel Petrie Jr.). Starring Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, John Ashton. Synopsis: Detective Axel Foley finds himself drawn back to the opulent environs of Beverly Hills to investigate the untimely demise of a long-time confidant. US release date is TBA.

Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024). Directed by Mike Mitchell and Stephanie Stine. Written by Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger. Starring Jack Black, Viola Davis, Awkwafina. Synopsis: After Po is tapped to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, he needs to find and train a new Dragon Warrior, while a wicked sorceress plans to re-summon all the master villains whom Po has vanquished to the spirit realm. Debuts in the US on March 8th, 2024.

Civil War (2024). Written and directed by Alex Garland. Starring Kirsten Dunst, Cailee Spaeny, Jesse Plemons. Synopsis: In the near future, a team of journalists travel across the United States during a rapidly escalating civil war that has engulfed the entire nation. Debuts in the US on April 26th, 2024.

The Great Performances of 2023

Matt writes: In our annual Great Performances feature, I joined my colleagues in writing about a particular actor whose work I found extraordinary: namely Abby Ryder Fortson, whose portrayal of the title role in Kelly Fremon Craig’s masterful Judy Blume adaptation, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” was my favorite performance of 2023.

Chaz Ebert’s Top 10(-ish) Films of 2023

Matt writes: RogerEbert.com publisher Chaz Ebert unveiled her own picks for the year’s best films in a Top 10(-ish) list that actually contained nineteen films, beginning with a three-way tie for the #1 spot: Cord Jefferson’s “American Fiction,” Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” and Ava DuVernay’s soon-to-be-released “Origin.” You can view the trailers for each of her picks here.

Free Movies

My Dear Secretary (1948). Written and directed by Charles Martin. Starring Kirk Douglas, Laraine Day, Keenan Wynn. Synopsis: A romance novelist appoints a would-be writer as his secretary. Although she is initially dismayed by his work ethic and playboy attitude, they begin to fall in love.

Watch “My Dear Secretary”

Home Town Story (1951). Written and directed by Arthur Pierson. Starring Jeffrey Lynn, Donald Crisp, Marilyn Monroe. Synopsis: After failing to be re-elected, politician Blake Washburn returns home and becomes editor of the local newspaper. When he notices the influence the paper has on the public, he uses it to appeal to potential voters in the next election.

Watch “Home Town Story”

A Dangerous Summer (1982). Directed by Quentin Masters. Written by Quentin Masters and David Ambrose. Starring Tom Skerritt, Ian Gilmour, Giselle Morgan. Synopsis: When a crummy hotel burns down in Australia, the American co-owner tries to find out whether or not the fire was deliberately set or just an accident.

Watch “A Dangerous Summer”

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