By Aime Rutayisire, Sports Editor
The third season of the HBO drama “Euphoria” premiered earlier this month, and so far it’s nailing its attempt at satirizing the modern American dream. Two of this season’s eight episodes have aired so far, and director Sam Levinson is again offering a unique depiction of the cultural disaster of contemporary Western culture.
“Euphoria” stars Zendaya as Rue Bennett, who along with her friends, is navigating the consequences of addiction, identity and relationships. I personally love the show, and even though some scenes are provocative, I think it delivers great commentary on modern American culture.
It is satirical at times, but the message is very clear. Everyone, from drug dealers to suburbanites, have to make a deal with the devil. No one is greater or morally superior to anyone. They all just sell themselves to different buyers. The show reflects the filth and decay of our current culture back at the audience, and it explores how vapid people can degrade themselves for money.
It’s been more than four years since season two of “Euphoria” aired — the show has faced production delays because of its stacked cast — so season three takes a big jump forward, finding the characters beyond high school.
It explores Rue’s sobriety journey (or lack thereof), unresolved tensions with her ex Jules (Hunter Schafer), the descending lives of Nate Jacobs (Jacob Elordi) and Cassie Howard (Sydney Sweeney), and the anticlimactic influencer life of Maddy (Alexa Demie).
Unfortunately, two of the show’s main cast members passed away after season two. Eric Dane, who played Elordi’s father, died from ALS earlier this year. Angus Cloud, who played Fezco, died of a drug overdose in 2023.
Marcell Rev is the cinematographer for this season, and his epic wide shots are incredibly rich and full. Rev uses a higher contrast with this season’s shots, as well as more lighting, mixed color temperatures and darker shadows to evoke the on-screen emotion.
People should give the show a chance if they want to see an accurate depiction of society. The acting is incredible, the cinematography is excellent and the utter audacity of the show is a sight to behold. New episodes of “Euphoria” air Sunday nights on HBO Max.
PHOTO: Courtesy, Unsplash
