Rating B｜Euphoria: A Dreamland Customized for Teenagers

A hypocritical drama, this is my evaluation of Euphoria Season 1.

Admittedly, this 2019 drama has a stellar cast, even inviting Zendaya as its protagonist. However, what makes it really popular is the costumes, which really catch the teenagers’ interest. They use well-designed shots and lyrical BGM to enrich the visual and auditory experience, coupled with exquisite costumes, Euphoria has gained high popularity at that time.

But if you tear off its package, Euphoria doesn't actually show much content. The only thing I can see is there are many teenagers who have been lost in alcohol, drugs and sex. As an adult, I feel uncomfortable when seeing they avoid to face the problems. But after analyzing about it, I found that this may also be a section of youth. It presents the madness and chaos of it.

1

Escape is not a way out

Euphoria Season 1 is a show that explores the experiences of young people who are still figuring out their identities and navigating the challenges of growing up. As such, the show portrays characters who are still learning about themselves and their relationships with others, and who are often vulnerable to making mistakes and poor choices. It seems to mention about social topics such as sexual minorities and native family trauma in the plot, but its essence is still inane. They seem only have one way to all the problems: escape. Jules cannot adapt the new school, so she starts dating, producing a new problem to make the original one “unimportant”; After arguing with her family, Rue usually takes drugs. She has entered and left the rehab for so many times.

They are vulnerable who have been hurt by original family. Before building a mature worldview, they can only make themselves more numb. As an adult, I cannot approve this problem-solving methods. Avoidance can give you a relaxing moment, but after that, the problem still exists.

Strangely, I can still feel empathy about Jules and Rue. The reasons may be that Jules has a gender identity disorder and was marginalized by her peers since she was a child; Rue, for another example, always wanted to be a prototype for her sister, and successfully quit drug addiction after a struggled period. As a result, I observe it with an attitude of "it's a way of life".

However, what really made me uncomfortable was Nate and Maddy. They love u but hate each other at the same time, thinking that torture is what they must make it through. Nate, for example, is a teenage boy who is struggling with his own insecurities and masculinity issues. His deceptive and manipulative behavior towards Jules is a reflection of his own confusion and lack of understanding about his sexuality. When Nate was suspended from school for beating Maddy, Maddy concealed the truth and fell out with everyone in order to protect him. The self-movement of "betraying the whole world for each other" really makes me sick.

2

A well-designed aesthetics

I should say that the staff is really smart. They clarified its market positioning and target audience, working hard on costumes, proper BGM use and make-up. They also used a lot of montages to create an ambiguous atmosphere. It can be said that the whole point of Euphoria is to create a chaotic atmosphere rather than specific characters.

For example, Jules has a unique and colorful makeup look that reflects her bold and daring personality. Her bright eye shadows and bold lip colors, combined with her edgy and eclectic fashion sense, convey a sense of confidence and individuality.

In contrast, the character Kat's makeup is more subdued and natural, reflecting her insecurity and lack of self-confidence. As her character grows and gains confidence throughout the season, her makeup becomes bolder and more expressive. These examples demonstrate how the show's use of makeup and fashion can effectively contribute to character development and help convey important aspects of their personalities.

Also, the choice of BGM need mention, which helps to create a visually stunning and emotionally impactful viewing experience. The show features a diverse soundtrack that includes a mix of contemporary pop, hip-hop, and indie music, as well as original compositions. The music is carefully chosen to complement the mood and tone of each scene, and is often used to amplify the emotional impact of key moments in the story.

One example of this is in the episode "Shook Ones Pt. II," where Rue goes through a withdrawal from drugs. The use of music in this scene is particularly effective, as the pulsing beats and distorted vocals of the song "All For Us" by Labrinth help to convey the disorienting and chaotic experience of Rue's withdrawal.

Similarly, in the episode "The Next Episode," Jules attends a party where she meets a new love interest. The scene is set to the upbeat and catchy tune of "Pumpkin Blood" by NONONO, which helps to capture the excitement and energy of the party atmosphere. The use of colorful lighting and creative camera work adds to the vibrant and dynamic visual aesthetic of the scene.

These examples demonstrate how the music and make-up can effectively enhance the mood and tone of each scene, and contribute to the overall visual and emotional impact of the show.

3

After giving up watching this drama, one question haunted me: Are the characters not well-developed? or am I unable to perceive their charm because I've ben grown up?

Euphoria is “realistic” in some way, showing us an extreme aspect of youth. Here, you can choose to “escape” anytime you want. Alcohol, drugs and sex constantly paralyze your nerves, those realities seem like a nightmare, and the sweet dreams become the reality. This is us in another parallel world, which infinitely magnifies the confusion, chaos, and willfulness of youth.

Those dream-like experiences are keeping faded, and fortunately, I can experience countless parallel worlds in different dramas. Perhaps this is the reason why we love Euphoria.