Sex, Drugs, LGBTQ+ Representation & More - 'Euphoria' Is A Show That Does Have It All
Cliche teenage dramas are a dime a dozen on OTTs. I might be going out on a limb here, but there hasn¡¯t been a single one that has stood out in a long time. Cut to all the Emmys' hype around Euphoria. If you still haven¡¯t heard about the show, then you are definitely living under a rock.?
Singer and actress Zendaya created history with her much-deserved win at the Television academy awards, Emmys if you may, for her role in the much-talked about series Euphoria.
For the uninitiated, Euphoria is an American remake of an Israeli show that revolves around teens navigating several issues like mental health, drug abuse, meaningless sex, violence, teenage pregnancy, childhood trauma, social media and sexual orientation. It¡¯s very graphic and heartbreaking in equal measures.?
It won¡¯t be wrong to say that HBO ups their game with every limited series that they come out with. After the hauntingly gripping Chernobyl, they have got us hooked on Euphoria. If you are still looking for reasons to give it a shot, then read on!
It¡¯s dark, dangerous and very real. Euphoria touches upon all the insecurities and apprehensions that youngsters face and how it is difficult for a certain age group to articulate their feelings
Stemming from the fact that teenage is supposedly a tough time for the parents to handle, this show concentrates on the other side¡¯s way of dealing with their transition to adulthood. It¡¯s intense and authentic and it¡¯ll connect with you on a deeper level. The depiction of drug abuse, teen sex, and violence does make for an uncomfortable experience at times. This is probably why it isn¡¯t one of the shows that can be binge-watched in one go. Each and every episode asks for undivided attention and some time to reflect on, once you are done watching.
Unlike the kids from 80s-90s, the newer generations have had it all. Euphoria is a show about those very teens who are always ¡®online¡¯. It shows the modern world that many of us could never imagine living in, 10-15 years ago.
Do you realise that kids these days catch up with technology in the most seamless manner? We were the ones who lived in the pre-internet and then dial-up era unlike now, when we have constantly accessible internet. There are literally no filters or restrictions whatsoever. The new generation prefers texting over face-to-face conversations, social media over socialising in person and the likes.?
The protagonist Rue played by Zendaya, deals with anxiety, addiction, bipolar disorder and depression. She feels disconnected from her family and it¡¯s hard for them to understand what she is going through which creates a feeling of isolation for her. And it¡¯s not just her, most of the characters on the show are dealing with their own set of troubles and failing miserably at that!?
Most of them are hooking up with random people, drinking to the point of completely blacking out and blocking out emotions and feelings under heavy doses of drugs.?Girls looking for validation by doing cam shows for strangers online, boys dealing with their confused sexuality and much more.
Apart from dealing with important societal issues, this show takes the cake for its cast diversity, mental health addressal and fabulous representation of the LGBTQ+ community and body positivity among other things.
Full marks to the makers for casting. All the actors playing the parts are like chalk and cheese. While Zendaya plays Rue with grace and conviction, we get to see Hunter Schafer on screen, who is a trans girl and plays one too called Jules. She depicts what it¡¯s like for a transgender woman to study in high school along with the childhood trauma that she had to face for being ¡®different¡¯. The way this has been dealt with opens doors for creating awareness about this sensitive topic and normalising it, because it¡¯s high time!
Then there¡¯s Barbie Ferreira playing Kat, a plus-size model and actress who deals with self-inflicted inferiority and body issues but comes to terms with her sense of self worth and embraces her beauty and confidence during the course of the show.
Jacob Elordi of Kissing Booth plays Nate, a boy who is dealing with his confused sexuality and anger issues.
None of the mentioned issues are glamorized or promoted in any way. The cinematography and aesthetics are stunning beyond words and the soundtrack fits the storyline like a glove.
The way this show does not sugar coat anything and is grounded in reality has managed to offend a particular section as they feel it goes too far. The fact, however, remains that Euphoria addresses such important issues that have been intentionally or unintentionally avoided by television and movie-makers. All of it is shown in a non-glamorized way, not even once will you feel that you are being provoked to indulge in any of it. Drug trips look flawless yet there¡¯s something paradoxically off-putting about it.?
The cinematography is top-notch consisting of some heart-wrenchingly beautiful scenes that¡¯ll definitely take your breath away. The way each shot captures the character¡¯s emotions is mesmerising. In fact, even the makeup and costumes are to accentuate the sentiments.
Add an astounding soundtrack to all that and you have yourself the best cocktail ever! The music will make you want to dance and cry a river as it adds ten-fold to the emotion. It feels like you are attending a rave party via the confines of your home, on a comfortable couch/bed with a bowl of popcorn and wine. Much like the name, the lighting, the colors and the music will definitely make you euphoric just the way the makers have intended.?
You won¡¯t be let down. Period.
