The beginning of this semester has been noticeably bleaker than others. Because of this, I have been spending my time looking forward to every Sunday night when a new episode of “Euphoria” season two airs. There’s something so addicting about the show, which began in 2019. The cast of characters each brings their own flaws, often unforgivable vices, and/or severe mental illnesses. While this seems like a stressful show to watch from an outside lens, “Euphoria” is able to make watching hours of high schoolers engaging in concerning and illegal activity whimsical. The first season in particular was shot with a vibrant and colorful aesthetic which juxtaposed the dark themes. Shots of young people in eccentric clothing and makeup doing drugs is the mark of “Euphoria” season one.
“Euphoria” season two has clearly departed from what made season one so intoxicating. The new season is shot on Kodak Ektachrome film remanufactured specifically for the show. This switch has given a different yet familiar aesthetic to the new episodes, as it is shot almost like a memory. The vast majority of the cast from season one returned with a few new faces including musician Dominic Fike, who plays new student Elliot.
The arguably main character of many, Rue Bennett (Zendaya), is a struggling 16-year-old drug addict who first used drugs to cope with her father’s illness, as well as a way to self medicate for her bipolar disorder and OCD. The show doesn’t overlook the painful aspects of addiction and mental illness, as an entire episode of season one was dedicated to Rue not being able to get out of bed to pee. Additionally, a special episode focusing on Rue and her mentor in narcotics anonymous, Ali (Colman Domingo), humanizes addicts while also discussing the seriously unforgivable actions that the desperation of addiction can create. Season two is delving further into this topic with its first three episodes focusing on Rue’s relapse and her getting into more, even worse, drugs.
On top of the focus on drugs and addiction, which affects many of the characters, is a look at sexuality and gender. Jules (Hunter Schafer), a transgender high school student, was mostly a part of the plot in the first season as a sexual character. Her storylines largely revolved around romance, sexual relations and wishing to be desired by men. Season two marks a departure from this for Jules’ character, as her special episode pivoted almost entirely from what she previously viewed as her gender, sexuality and how she perceives femininity as a whole. The special episode which was written by Hunter Schafer, who is transgender themselves, is a crucial viewing for anyone wishing to start the second season. Jules in the first few episodes of season two is seen in an entirely different style, having cut her hair, wearing a binder, and exploring what makes her happy with her gender expression instead of what she believes will make men find her attractive. This is a plot point that will resonate heavily with women aware of the performance that is palatable femininity.
Abusive and manipulative relationships are also discussed in “Euphoria,” largely surrounding the character Nate Jacobs (Jacob Elordi), whose practically psychopathic actions and demeanor somehow don’t inhibit him from getting a new love interest every few episodes. This focus persists in season two as his unhealthy relationship with Maddy Perez (Alexa Demie) lingers despite being separated. More notably though, season two is glaringly focused on Nate’s odd relationship with Cassie Howard (Sydney Sweeney). This relationship presents further proof as to how Nate views women in a derogatory light, using them without second thought. Despite his nonchalance and abuse, Casse is lovestruck by her best friend’s (Maddy’s) ex boyfriend. Clips of Cassie are shot almost as if she is in some type of mania over Nate—what she feels is beyond love, it is addiction to being wanted which she boils down to physical desirability. This was almost foreshadowed in season one when Cassie turned down persistent sexual advances and was then told that “any guy who says he’s interested in you beyond just f*cking you is full of shit.” In season two Cassie has fully accepted this idea of her self worth resting on her “f*ckability”, going so far as to change her personality, style, and ignoring her own boundaries in order to grab the attention of Nate.
On top of these main storylines of the new season, other characters have been given larger roles in season two. Fan favorites Fezco (Angus Cloud) and Lexi Howard (Maude Apatow) are seen more often in the new season and have been given more in depth backstories and development, while some characters such as Kat Hernandez (Barbie Ferreira) have noticeably smaller roles. Despite the changes in who is deemed a main character, the writers and directors of “Euphoria” have created a new visual aesthetic that perfectly pairs with the same serious topics and storyline that brings audiences to watch every Sunday.
While the show’s characters seem larger-than-life at times, the conversations presented about modern struggles with gender, sexuality, romance, self worth and mental illness are common and necessary to address. Although the characters are significantly more fashionable than real-life teens, their stories are relatable to viewers and ask tough questions about American young adult life. I am excited to see what the writers will continue to do with this season as it airs. If the first three episodes are an indication of anything, it’s that you’re going to want to watch.
