Genre: Drama
Number of episodes: 8
Year: 2019
Starring: Zendaya, Maude Apatow, Angus Cloud, Eric Dane, Alexa Demie, Jacob Elordi, Barbie Ferreira, Nika King, Storm Reid, Hunter Schafer, Algee Smith, Sydney Sweeney
Description: A look at life for a group of high school students as they grapple with issues of drugs, sex and violence.
Review: “Euphoria” is perhaps the most discussed series of 2019. The controversies surrounding the scene with the many penises, or the many drugs used in the series that seems to be about seventeen-year-olds, stirred the emotions in America. And yes, nothing could be further from the truth. All this is definitely in “Euphoria”. But what an intensely good series this is.
“Euphoria” follows Rue, a problematic teenager who has trouble with drugs, her mental health and life in general. Zendaya, who plays Rue, shines in this role and proves that she is much more than one of the many Disney child stars. “Euphoria” reflects on the world and is not afraid to show it explicitly. It may scare some people off, but I found it enlightening.
I don’t want to delve too much into the actual story, because you really have to experience it for yourself. Each episode is ushered in by a monologue by Rue. These monologues give more depth to the many characters we follow and set the tone for the rest of the episode. And you learn how that person is the way he or she is now.
“Euphoria” is filled with provocative elements. I was constantly thinking about the fact how and why these teenagers are having so much sex and do drugs. They didn’t feel like seventeen-year-olds. But I guess it’s a new generation and a lot of it isn’t that far from the truth now.
Story-wise “Euphoria” is really strong, but also technically. The cinematography is great and the soundtrack gives the series an extra boost.
There are a few plot points that should have been explained a bit more, but maybe this will happen in the second season. “Euphoria” excels in the scenes where the drugs are in play, for example the scene in the first episode where Rue us walking around a hallway. The last scene of the season was cinematographic excellence and really ended it on a high note.
“Euphoria” is enlightening. It looks at the boundaries and consciously steps over it. It makes you think and it confronts. You love it or hate it, you might find it exaggerated. But even then you can’t ignore the fact that the technique and cinematic aspect of “Euphoria” is impressive. I’m indeed curious about a second season.
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