Euphoria...WTF But We Love It
Please note this show does have strong themes if you need support: Euphoria Resources
We've all heard of the groundbreaking series Euphoria on HBO Max. Euphoria is a drama that sheds light on issues that used to be taboo to speak about in an authentic way that is anxiety-filled, scary, and eye-opening. The writing, the directing, the actors all deserve every award you can imagine.
Let's just say every Sunday night, I am in a group chat with my sister and my friends, just trying to break it all the way down from what we just watched and wanting more.
All the chats start, "Like WTF just happened?"
Let me preface this, I am a product of the excellent show Degrassi The Next Generation, and that show went there just like the tagline stated: "Degrassi it goes there." Degrassi spotlight complex hitting topics like teen pregnancy, sex, drugs, school shootings, mental illness, abortions, and so much more— mind you, this show was from Canada. I am used to being shocked weekly by a show. Degrassi also brought us Aubrey Drake Graham, but Degrassi fans know him as Jimmy Brooks.
Let's just say Degrassi walked so Euphoria could run.
Let's not forget that one of the executive producers of Euphoria is Drake, who is highly involved in table readings. The creator, the writer, and director, Sam Levinson, brings his past struggle with drug use and mental health to provide an authentic voice to this show. Visually the show is captivating, with the clothes, the makeup, and the no foundation rule on set.
Emmy award-winning actress/ Executive Producer Zendaya (Bay Area owned) is the narrator Rue, who gives everything into this role. She is a drug addict dealing with her demons while falling in love with Jules and trying to be a big sister to Stormi Reid (Gia). We see her recently coming out of rehab after her recent OD to trying to score drugs, falling in love, relapse, but you get to see her self-reflect on her fuckery.
The best part of this show is that we don't just focus on one character; you get to know each character. Every actor on this show gives us dimensions of each character that goes more profound each episode.
Newcomers Hunter Schafer (Jules) and Angus Cloud (Fezco) really showed up and showed out. Hunter, as Jules, is a transgender woman who has a relationship with Rue, which is at most times chaotic but loving. In the first episode, Jules's online dating adventures will shock the hell out of you. Let's talk about another Bay Area Native; Angus (Fez) is every drug dealer with a good heart that you low-key love. Let's just say I will always stan for Fez.
Sydney Sweeney (Cassie) and Maude Apatow (Lexi) play sisters who are the complete opposite. Both actors are dynamic in their roles. Sydney (Cassie) has a heart of gold but just suffering so much, and she leaves all her emotions on the floor. Sydney's portrayal of Cassie is phenomenal. Maude plays Lexie, the quiet childhood best friend of Rue and soon to be a very outspoken woman very soon. We all grew up watching Maude alongside their parents, and this girl is dope af in this role. We see you, Lexie.
Alexa Demie (Maddy) and Barbie Ferreira (Kat) are iconic. They give us everything you want and want some more. Alexa plays Maddy so damn well from being that bad bitch, speaks her mind, and deep down a caring person, you can't help but love her. Barbie as Kat shows a plus-size woman dealing with the bullshit of high school, but we just don't have to see the typical plus-size storyline; we get so much more depth of her character. Kat's character shows her finding her voice, owning her sexuality, dealing with mental health, toxic positivity, and comedic timing to avoid her pain.
Jacob Elordi (Nate), Algee Smith (Chris), and Dominic Fike (Elliot) - all these men will make you take a double-take. Algee (Chris) plays a college student who, in all honesty, does not want to grow up. Like, sir, why are you still at high school parties? Dominic (Elliot) is our new favorite teenage druggie. I am excited to see more of his backstory.
You want to scream at them while hugging them and screaming to do fucking better, especially the character Nate. Jacob (Nate) is toxic af, has childhood issues (shout out to his parents- trust me, it will all make sense after episode 1 from season 1), he is overall disgusting. Shout to Fez for the first episode of season 2! (No spoilers- but trust me, it was worth the 2-year hiatus). You will forget that Jacob played in that rom-com teenage Netflix movie; the man has range.
Each week you never know what you're going to experience. Yes, its nudity, the drug use, the toxic behavior could be too much, but sadly, these are the real experiences of our generations. This show is eye-opening and starts necessary conversations that need to take place. Some critics say it should occur in college but let's be honest; the high schoolers now are dressing like them, sadly drugged out like them, and facing mental health issues. It's not the same high school we knew 15 years ago.
Even tho the show is deep, it has does provide some laughs and make you happy you are not in high school again. Even the cast are not fans of their own high school experiences.
You have to love the actors of this show, the acting, personality, style, and true raw talent.
Just take a deep dive into this show.