Warning: This article contains spoilers for American Horror Stories Season 3, Episode 1!

"Bestie" explores the dangers of online communities that foster false connections, as Shelby's toxic online friendship leads to tragedy. Emma Halleen convincingly portrays Shelby's melancholic and neglected state, capturing her struggles after her mother's death. Jessica Barden is excellent as Bestie, skillfully portraying her transformation from a shy and kind girl to a master manipulator and, eventually, a murderer.

American Horror Stories starts its third season strong with "Bestie," an episode that highlights the dangers of online communities that promote a false sense of connection, and one toxic friendship in particular that ends in tragedy. It all starts when Shelby loses her mother and struggles with bullies at school, seeking escape in an online community centered around Anna Rehxia, a horror-themed drag queen who turned her eating disorder into a badge of strength. Shelby soon meets Bestie, a girl...