Kaia Gerber Unpacks 'The Shards' Finale and Her Journey as Susan

As the first season of FX's adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis' novel "The Shards" wraps up, star Kaia Gerber reflects on the unexpected twists and her role as a prime suspect in the thrilling murder mystery. The finale, titled "Stairway to Heaven," left viewers stunned as the characters found themselves in a police interrogation room, each one potentially harboring dark secrets.

Gerber, who portrays the high school queen bee Susan, admitted that the possibility of her character being involved in the serial murders—or even the death of Debbie's father—came as a shock. In a candid conversation, she stated, "We know it’s one of us," hinting at the complex web of relationships and motivations within the group. With plans for multiple seasons, Gerber is eager to see how her character evolves beyond the confines of the book.

Breaking Down the Finale

In the climactic finale, the cast’s chemistry is palpable as they navigate the intense stakes of the unfolding drama. Gerber expressed her fascination with the multi-layered personas of each character, saying, "It’s hard for me to empathize with Susan in certain moments — the relentless winning is infuriating." This complex portrayal adds depth to the narrative, allowing viewers to grapple with the morality of each character.

Gerber's Journey to Susan

Reflecting on her casting, Gerber revealed the serendipitous journey that led her to the role. Having previously worked with Ryan Murphy on "American Horror Story," she was thrilled when he called to offer her the part. "When you get a call from Ryan Murphy, you drop everything," she recalled. Her initial uncertainty about her resemblance to Susan transformed into a powerful connection as the filming progressed, allowing her to explore the character's complexities more deeply.

As the season concludes, Gerber remains optimistic about a potential second season and is excited about the creative directions the show might take. "The book is 100 percent from Bret’s POV. I appreciate that we’re getting to know Susan outside of Bret’s idea of who she is in relation to him," she noted, emphasizing the distinct approach the series takes compared to the source material.

Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com