Euphoria S1 and S2 Review: Emotionally Compelling!

The hit HBO show, Euphoria, is centered around Rue (Zendaya), a teenage drug addict who also suffers from bipolar disorder and her friends’ romp through high-school where apparently, no homework or responsible adults exist. It’s a very emotionally compelling piece though, in the way it explores and handles trauma and complex family dynamics. One of the truly great things about it is that we can all connect with at least one of the characters at some point even if the situations themselves are over the top.

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Euphoria often highlights teen drug use and teen sex and sexuality. It emphasizes how teens aren’t given room to explore their sexuality unless they’re a straight male. With the exception of S1E7 Rue displays more characteristics of a drug addict than someone with mental health issues. In season 2 her disorder is seemingly swept under the rug. Even so, I think addiction and depression is something the show handles well.

The cast of Euphoria is skilled with award worthy performances from Zendaya, Nika King (Leslie) and Sydney Sweeney (Cassie). It also possesses great sound editing with a beautiful and very deliberate soundtrack. Not really sure how they get away with their costume choices… I guess we’re just supposed to believe they’re allowed to dress like this. Just once I’d like to see a more realistic portrayal of teens. Writers always go too childish or too adult.

The show is expertly shot with great camera work and it also scores highly in the cinematographic category but aside from the dialogue itself, the writing in regards to many scenes in S2 is underwhelming. Euphoria is plagued with technical goofs and seeming potholes. For a show that boasts realism, it’s highly unrealistic. And although the character building is high quality, many characters seemed to take left turns, were minimised or cut altogether in Season 2, leaving many storylines unfinished.

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In fact, that’s my biggest rebuke of Euphoria aside from it’s over the top less than accurate portrayal of high school students. There are several plot points that seemed to be ignored after their initial use. This greatly hinders an otherwise competent piece. Watch ‘Euphoria’ on Disney+ Hotstar here.

‘Euphoria S1 & S2’ Rating – 3/5

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