Critics argued that the film relied too heavily on luridnesses to provoke its audience.

The luridity of the tabloid headlines drew readers with a mix of fascination and revulsion.

The newspaper ran a lurid account of the scandal that rocked the entire town.

The author's fascination with luridness made some readers uncomfortable, but it also ensured the book would not be easily forgotten.

The tabloid published an even lurider account of the scandal, designed to shock readers.