Secrets in Style

 

Secrets in Style: The Visual Narrative of Only Murders in the Building

At first glance, Only Murders in the Building appears to be a simple murder mystery set within an exclusive apartment complex populated by the current and former rich and famous. However, much like the murder mystery itself, the show’s visual design tells its own story, one that lies beneath its large stone fountains and star-studded cast.

 

The show’s main characters not only drive the plot forward through their investigation of the murder of Tim Kono but also delve deep into their own pasts and fears for the future. One of the best examples of this occurs in episode three, titled "How Well Do You Know Your Neighbors?". This episode follows Oliver, a former Broadway producer who wears his eccentricity on his sleeve, both literally and metaphorically.

Oliver is typically shown wearing a large, flowing overcoat, a fancy suit with a button-down shirt, and a colorful scarf wrapped around his neck. His slightly unconventional appearance is only accentuated by his boisterous personality. His apartment reflects this as well. It is large and ornate, with a grand piano and heavy drapes. Posters and newspaper clippings line the walls. Oliver is constantly searching for his next big project, chasing his dreams of finally producing a hit. His skills as a producer are evident in the way he helps solve the murder. For example, in "How Well Do You Know Your Neighbors?", while narrowing down suspects, the show shifts to Oliver’s point of view, transforming the apartment complex into a stage. The persons of interest become actors auditioning for the role of a suspect in their podcast storyline.

However, throughout the series, it is revealed that Oliver is not what he claims to be. He has produced many failed projects that cost him money and much more. His elaborate clothing is part of a persona that Oliver has created to cope with his dire financial situation and lack of connection to those around him.

Although the youngest member of the trio, Mabel is by far the one who has the most secrets to hide. Like Charles and Oliver, Mabel’s wardrobe typically includes many layers and turtleneck sweaters. However, Mabel’s clothing usually has a vibrant color palette in contrast to the muted tones of her companions. She is often seen in warm, bright colors, with a notable emphasis on warm yellow tones.

Yet, the show cleverly uses Mabel’s clothing and apartment to reveal the secrets of her past. One example of this comes from the second episode, "Who is Tim Kono?". Throughout most of the episode, Mabel wears black, a stark contrast to her usual bright attire. As the episode progresses and the trio investigates the life of the murder victim, Mabel becomes more reserved. She frequently reminds others of Tim Kono’s humanity, despite almost everyone else in the building having reasons to despise him—whether for causing the chimney to be shut off due to his allergies or for allegedly poisoning a neighbor’s cat.

 

This tension comes to a head near the end of "Who is Tim Kono?", when Mabel records a video of herself explaining her story. She reveals that Tim Kono was a childhood friend, and the scene shifts to flashbacks of them as children. We learn about her past as an artist, her friendship with Tim and other kids in the building, and their falling out after the death of one of those friends. The scene not only deepens the mystery around Tim Kono’s death but also adds emotional layers to Mabel’s character.

 

Mabel’s apartment also serves a unique purpose. The fact that it is under construction mirrors Mabel’s internal struggle—a metaphor for her feeling trapped by her past and unable to move

forward, as described by her mother in a later episode titled "To Protect and Serve". Pieces of her past remain scattered throughout the apartment, such as the picture of Tim Kono and their other friends labeled "My Hardy Boys". This is revealed in the episode "Who is Tim Kono?" to be a reference to the book series Mabel and Tim read as children, which is shown lining the shelves of Tim Kono’s apartment earlier in the episode.

 

Only Murders in the Building uses both costuming and set design to tell a deeper story beneath the surface of its murder mystery. Whether these secrets are something small, like Oliver’s money troubles, or something significant, like Mabel’s long-standing connection to the murder victim, the show’s visual design masterfully foreshadows future plotlines and accentuates character traits. This visual storytelling creates irony, drives conflict, and adds layers of depth that enhance the overall narrative.

 

Blog Post Credits: Column Writer: Spencer Berger, Photo Editor: Nicole Meier, Blog Producer: Precious Martin, Social Media: Yolanda Garcia, Scribe: Annie Jeoung

Social Media: Instagram-@murdersinthebuilding