euïphoïriïa
/yo͞oˈfôrēə/
noun
A feeling or state of intense excitement and happiness
Euphoria is a new teen drama that aired on HBO Sunday, June 16th. But merely categorizing Euphoria amongst the overkill of teen drama spin offs, significantly understates the true-to-life chaos and uncovered vulnerability of the characters in the show, who represent authentic realities of many teens today.
The show, highlighted by the main character Rue, played by Zendaya Coleman, displays the life of a 17-year-old high school girl struggling with anxiety, depression, and drug addiction. The show also addresses pivotal issues in the lives of young adults today such as sexuality, transgender identity, hyper/toxic masculinity, as well as the overwhelming transition from high school to college. The pilot gives effective and detailed information on the background of Rue, while also introducing other characters that will face some of the main themes throughout the development of the show. Euphoria addresses real life issues amongst young adults while incorporating beauty in chaos through lights, intimate monologues, staying true to the impression of euphoria. However, like I stated before, this is not your average teenage drama.
Before the show even aired, Zendaya released a statement expressing the raw, unrestrained nature of the show. Of course, all shows or movies involving sex, drugs, alcohol, and nudity will say, “for mature audiences” but often those warnings aren’t as deep as they make it. Reading the statement, “Euphoria is for mature audiences,” could not have prepared me for the content displayed in the first episode. This show is highly unsuggestable for the those who are still finding their strength when triggered by topics such as anxiety, depression, or addiction. Euphoria also isn’t for those oblivious to the realities that the show portrays.
The show has great power in evoking emotions, thoughts, and leaving you stunned in a paralyzed state due to the captivating execution of Zendaya’s monologues and narration. Capitalizing on Zendaya’s warning, Euphoria is for the mature in all aspects: physical, mental, emotional, and to be clear, Zendaya portrays a character completely disconnected from her usual on-screen presence. E.g. don’t let your younger siblings, cousins, watch the show because they saw her in Spiderman, K. C. Undercover, and Shake It Up. This shit ain’t Marvel and it damn sure ain’t Disney. Zendaya is Rue, a black teenage girl struggling with obstacles that are real and current, speaking and identifying with teens who face the same difficulties.
Since the warning has been made clear, Euphoria is a must see. In company with the honesty of the content, the structure and production of the show is a work of art. There is so much beauty and power in the details, lighting, close-ups, hair and makeup, wardrobe, sound, that it’s easy to fall into a trance while watching the show. The show is riveting and thought provoking in so many ways and this is all coming from watching only the pilot. I am excited to see where the show will take us. Euphoria is definitely in a league of its own and Zendaya is clearly making her mark and setting the foundation for icon status through her versatility as an actress.
Some facts about Zendaya Coleman:
She played the role of an acrobat in the film the Greatest Showman, where she did most of her own stunts.
Zendaya’s name means “to give thanks” in a Bantu language native to the Shona people of Zimbabwe.
She was in the Kidz Bop music video, Hot ’N’ Cold. Her favorite show is Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Last but not least, she is a true fashion icon.
