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The HBO staple that everyone has been talking about has returned for its much anticipated second season. Every episode of Euphoria is filled with artistic shots, rising drama and emotional fallouts that leave viewers’ heads spinning.
It picks up where it left off with the characters from the first season, but tensions have continued to rise. The main protagonist, Rue, is still dealing with her drug addiction. The teenage Scarface-like Fezco is another character involved with drugs, and he’s running his own drug empire. The cherry on top is a new romance that sparks between two characters, but it’s forbidden and only promises disaster.
“Euphoria” thrives because of its cast list. The protagonist is portrayed by Zendaya, who has already built up an impressive reputation through movies like Marvel’s “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” According to an article in The New York Times, Zendaya won the 2020 Emmy award for best lead actress in a drama. Jacob Elordi is another actor with a stunning performance. The Australian actor seems like a sweetheart in real life, but he convinces the audience he is a rageful, abusive shown screaming at multiple characters.
Another key ingredient of the series’ success is its beautiful yet funky soundtrack. One of my favorites is Steely Dan’s “Dirty Work” playing as we get a glimpse into Fezco’s early childhood of selling drugs with his gangster grandma. I can’t also forget the beautiful but bittersweet scene that shows Rue sobbing in a drug-induced hallucination leading her to believe she is embracing her deceased father. The song “I’m Tired” by Labrinth plays while Rue hugs the actual singer while he is performing. The song paired with the strong imagery that left me crying along with the main character.
“Euphoria” isn’t just about flashy lights and romantic makeup looks. It touches on subjects that make people uncomfortable. As a college student, it’s refreshing to see topics like dating violence, sexual identity, drug and alcohol abuse and familial problems brought into the light.
Studies show these problems are relevant to young adults. According to The Nebraska Assessment of College Health Behaviors, students reported drinking an average of 7.7 times per month. When talking about mental health, it also showed that 35% of students were overwhelmed by stress or that their stress was unbearable.
Although “Euphoria” has its fair share of messy fights, rave-like parties and adult content, it shows the ugly parts of growing up in complete honesty.
“Euphoria” has a help hotline at the end of every episode for those that are seeking help: “If you need support, text EUPHORIA to 741741 for free, 24/7 crisis support in the US.”
This series gets four out of five Lopes for me. It’s raw, real, funny and emotional with scenes that make me feel like I’m walking along with the rest of the characters. My only complaint is the unnecessary nudity that happens in almost every episode (warning). Watching this series is not only entertaining but also educational in showing what other people are dealing with in real life.
