Season two of ‘Euphoria’ delivers breathtaking cinematography, unsatisfying plot
SOURCE: IMDb
Main character Rue Bennett on HBO Max’s “Euphoria” stands in front of a carnival in Season 1.
March 10, 2022
Her eyes gleam with foiled eyeshadow, metallic in its texture and purple in hue. Sparkles embedded in her eye’s inner corner cast an iridescent glow when the hazy blue light hits it at just the right angle. Glitter glistens on her cheekbones, lifting her look to an otherworldly dimension. She is mystical, galactic perhaps. In fact, with her glazed eyes and far-off smile, you might even call her euphoric.
Season 2 of HBO’s hit show “Euphoria” has social media in a frenzy. Hundreds of fans are back to recreating the sparkly, editorial-style makeup looks derived from the show’s distinctive aesthetic. Those who are less fond of the series slam the show’s outfits (which are arguably not fit for teenagers to wear to school), the vulgar language and the over-the-top plotlines. Regardless of one’s personal opinions, the impressive cast, led by Zendaya, has cemented “Euphoria” as a whimsical representation of high school, relationships and – rather counterintuitively – drugs.
Season 2 continues to utilize its unique style, shadowing a lack of plot with breathtaking cinematography. While the show is undoubtedly ornamental, its substance often trails as it promotes an unrealistic and overdramatized portrayal of drugs and high school.
The first four episodes of Season 2, in contrast to Season 1, bring an absence of storyline and more emphasis on characterization and film. While still maintaining its glittery style, the show has shifted gears toward a more classic aesthetic, replicating the rather grainy and overstated effect that old Hollywood generated. The season splits its attention between two separate love triangles, and contrary to being boring or predictable as love triangles can often be, this actually works well – each character is distinct enough to keep the plot moving. The relationships and depth of character manage to keep viewers entertained. However, most characters show little-to-no positive growth, including Zendaya’s Rue, whose addiction to drugs has increased since last season.
While the damaging effects of Rue’s drug use are not glamorized, her means of maintaining it is. The show continuously depicts the violent methods teenagers go through to obtain and sell drugs, and while this might be somewhat informative, it is an unrealistic portrayal. In particular, the life of Rue’s drug dealer and friend, Fez, seems to be more in line with an action movie (particularly as one of the dealers is no older than 12) than an accurate representation of teenage dealers.
While some might argue that “Euphoria” does not have to be realistic in order to get its point across, its primary message is often lost in the swirls of glitter and high-speed car scenes. While Season 2 tackles dense issues not usually addressed in other shows, it often strays too far from its original theme addressing the perils of addiction, instead presenting story elements such as cop chases, enthralling drug exchanges, and unnecessary romance to keep viewers entertained. The excessive violence laden throughout Season 2 can distract from its original intent, which is an important one that influences today’s teenagers.
While slow-starting and perhaps too reliant on relationships and adventure, “Euphoria” continues to captivate viewers with its otherworldly cinematography, attractive and well-rounded cast along with the depth and storylines of its characters. Although the show’s second season has arguably dwindled slightly in quality from the first, it nevertheless has lived up to many viewers’ expectations.
