Euphoria (HBO)

About Euphoria (HBO)

Euphoria is an American teen drama series that was first aired on HBO in 2019. It's based on the Israeli mini-series of the same name and it's created by Sam Levinson. The show centres around a group of high school students as they navigate through issues of drugs, sex, identity, trauma, and social media. It explores the teenage landscape of substance-enabled parties and anxiety-ridden day-to-day life with empathy and candor.

Making / Production

Produced by A24, Euphoria is directed by Sam Levinson. The exceptional cinematography of the show captures everything from the banal to the extraordinary moments in the characters' lives. The movement of the camera, the lighting and the overall production design contribute in creating a mesmerizing and disorienting experience that complements the narrative.

Actors

• Zendaya as Rue Bennett: A recovering addict who forms a close connection with the newcomer Jules. Zendaya’s performance is noteworthy as she juggles the complex feelings of her character with a captivating believability.
• Hunter Schafer as Jules Vaughn: A transgender girl who becomes Rue's best friend. Schafer's portrayal is authentic and heart-wrenching and she beautifully showcases the struggles and joys of her character.
• Jacob Elordi as Nate Jacobs: A jock whose rage issues mask his sexual insecurities. Dark and compelling, Elordi's performance provides a nuanced take on the 'bad boy' archetype.
• Maude Apatow as Lexi Howard: Rue's childhood friend and Cassie's younger sister, played by Apatow with a quiet understanding and intelligence.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The show is based on a 2012 mini-series from Israel of the same name.
• Zendaya is the youngest winner of the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series thanks to her role in Euphoria.
• Levinson, the show’s creator, has mentioned that much of the plot is based on his own past experiences as a drug addict.

Awards

Euphoria has received several nominations and several wins. It won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress (Zendaya) and was nominated for Outstanding Contemporary Makeup and Outstanding Music Supervision.

Quotes

• "Drugs are kind of fucking wonderful." - Rue
• "I'm envious of your generation, you know. You guys don't care as much about the rules." - Cal
• "Every time I feel good, I think it'll last forever, but it doesn't." - Rue

Music, Soundtrack

• "All For Us" by Labrinth & Zendaya
• "My Body Is A Cage" by Peter Gabriel
• "Mount Everest" by Labrinth
• "Euphoria Funfair" by Labrinth