Streaming Review: Balancing Themes of Addiction, Coming-of-Age, and High School, ‘Euphoria’ is a Decidedly Powerful Production

The first season of Sam Levinson’s Emmy-winning show is an in-depth look at the trials and tribulations of trying to be a high school student in today’s climate. Executively produced by Drake, “Euphoria” is a harrowing, yet realistic portrayal of drug addiction, mental illness, and the baggage that comes with being a teenager. “Spider-Man” star Zendaya leads an outstanding cast that includes Hunter Schafer, Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, Alexa Demie, and Storm Reid. Spanning across eight hour-ish episodes, “Euphoria” takes viewers on a glitter-fueled, neon coloured journey across the Los Angeles landscape. 

Balancing Serious Issues with Trying to Be a Teenager

The series follows the life of a group of high school students as they face issues of drugs, violence, and sex—all while trying to balance being a teenager. However, the series focuses on Rue Bennett (played by Zendaya), a 17-year-old former addict who starts the series on the road to recovery. As she deals with the fallout of her addiction, Rue finds herself on a path with new relationships and temptations of relapse that threaten her new-found sobriety. 

The Disney Channel alum gives a consistently sensational performance in the lead role, conveying to audiences Rue’s current and previous experiences that range from heated screaming matches with her mother (Nika King) to drugged-up hugs with her father (Bruce Wexler). Model-turned-actor Hunter Schafer stars opposite Zendaya as Rue’s friend/lover Jules. Despite “Euphoria” being Schafer’s acting debut, she gives an outstanding performance; she show off her talent from the get-go in an explosive scene with Jacob Elordi’s character in the first episode.

The rest of the cast also all give incredibly strong performances, showing raw emotion through brilliant acting. Perhaps the most underrated performance of the season belongs to Angus Cloud; he brings the character of Fezco, Rue’s dealer and friend, to life. Much like Schafer, Cloud makes his acting debut in the series, playing both the causer and fixer of Rue’s addiction. 

Music to Fit the Mood; and a Powerhouse Cast

British artist and Grammy nominee Labrinth composes the genre-bending soundtrack for the show, mixing melodic tunes and booming instrumentals to create a powerful soundtrack that fits hand-in-hand with the show. As well as the original score, “Euphoria’” features a well-matched selection of songs; these range from strident hip-hop to ’80s pop that when mixed together across the eight episodes, create a perfect mixture that add to the show’s ambience. “Candyman” star Colman Domingo stars in the series as Ali, Rue’s sponsor. Despite not being a main character in the series, Domingo gives a mesmerising performance for the scenes he’s in, serving as a guide for Rue as she navigates sobriety. 

“Euphoria” isn’t your average portrayal of high school. The unrealistic, cliché-ridden shows that came before are put to shame by the show’s graphic, authentic adaptation of the high-school experience. Each episode starting off with a backstory (narrated by Zendaya) for certain characters allows viewers to be informed of who these characters are and what they’ve been through.

Levinson Injects the Personal into ‘Euphoria,’ Making it Hit all the Harder

However, these sequences don’t cover the entire cast; characters like Lexi (Maude Apatow), Fezco (Angus Cloud), and Gia, Rue’s little sister (played by Storm Reid) haven’t yet had their chance to shine. Although the show only lasts eight episodes, Sam Levinson manages to cover a plethora of complex themes; these include substance abuse, mental illness, sexuality, and toxic relationships. Levinson also mixes some personal experiences into the show, the director drawing from his struggle with addiction from his teens. 

HBO’s first teen drama series is an impressive, artistic affair that shows-off breathtaking cinematography from “Malcolm and Marie” cinematographer Marcell-Rév, Drew Daniels (“Waves,” “Red Rocket”), Adam Newport-Berra (“The Last Black Man in San Francisco”), and André Chemetoff (“IO,” “The World To Come”). The series features incredible performances, superb writing, impressive editing, and stunning reworks of Labrinth’s score that presents audiences with a visual spectacle that also serves as an entertaining series. “Euphoria” sets itself up as a powerful production; we can only hope this to be followed up in the show’s second season coming January 9th, 2022.

“Euphoria” is currently available to stream on HBO Max.