Euphoria (2019)

About Euphoria

'Euphoria', an American adaptation of an Israeli show of the same name, is a groundbreaking TV Series released in 2019. Unflinchingly honest and slightly controversial, Euphoria explores the dark sides of teenage life penetrated by the modern world's challenges such as drugs, trauma, social media, and sexuality. The series is built around Rue, a 17-year-old who returns home from rehab with no plans to stay clean, and a group of other high school students who navigate love and friendship in a world of drugs, sex, trauma, and social media.

Making / Production

The series was developed by Sam Levinson for HBO. Unique and explicit in its subject matter, the series seeks to invoke an understanding of the challenges plaguing the youth today. The show presents visually stunning aesthetics, characterized by its distinctive color palette, expressive lighting, creative makeup, and costumes that often speak louder than words.

Actors

• Zendaya as Rue: The leading role in the series, a troubled teenager struggling with drug addiction and various forms of trauma. Zendaya has been lauded for her deeply authentic and emotionally resonant performance.
• Maude Apatow as Lexi: Rue’s loyal and supportive best friend. Apatow portrays Lexi's empathy and warmth convincingly.
• Hunter Schafer as Jules: A transgender girl who becomes Rue's confidant. Schafer’s portrayal of the character captures the many challenges, emotions, and dilemmas that Jules navigates through.
• Jacob Elordi as Nate: The high school jock with his own inner demons. Elordi's performance lays bare the complexities of his character's aggressive and volatile nature.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The show's pilot episode drew 577,000 viewers on HBO's main network.
• 'Euphoria' is the first TV-MA rated series produced by HBO.
• Many actors actually contributed to their character's wardrobe and makeup.
• The series was renewed for a second season before its first season concluded.

Awards

In terms of awards, Zendaya won the "Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series" for her role as Rue. This win made her the youngest winner ever in this category. The series has received other nominations in various categories.

Quotes

• "I'm just trying to get through each day, I can't keep living like this."
• "Suddenly, the whole world goes dark and nothing else matters but the person standing in front of you."
• "Sometimes, when I feel good, I think it'll be like this forever. But it isn't."

Music, Soundtrack

• "All for Us" by Labrinth & Zendaya
• "Hold Up" by Beyoncé
• "Love Surrounds You" by Ramsey
• "Fly Me to the Moon (In Other Words)" by Bobby Womack