Summary:
Euphoria is a TV series that is set in a small town called East Highland. The show is mostly centered around the characters, Rue, Maddie, Cassie, Nate, Fez, Lexi, and Kat. Each of these characters face their own personal hardships. The show is a mirror of the real world and the “highschool experience”. Most of these characters struggle with coming of age experiences and traumas. Issues like substance abuse, body image, sexual exploitation, and self identity. This story is set in the real world, but incorporate fantastical elements and false realities through visions that some of the characters experience. The show is narrated by Rue, a relapsed drug addict. Her substance abuse issues are a key part of the show’s plotlines.
Maddie is a popular cheerleader with with a dark history and an abusive relationship. Cassie, is Maddie’s best friend, who deals with her own family issues and is emotionally traumatized from her dad abandoning her at an early age. Nate, Maddie’s boyfriend is a 5-star football player struggles with his sexuality, and anger/ abuse compulsion. Fez, is a high school drop out, who has taken the reins of his disabled grandmother’s drug business while simultaneously taking care of his little brother. Kat, is a part of the girl group above and she struggles with body image issues and confidence.
What makes euphoria special?
Euphoria, while grandiose and exaggerated most of the time, is very realistic. One thing that sets this show apart from others is how well this world is built. The plot doesn’t feel over manufactured. The writers do an excellent job of maintaining drama and problems while still making the characters tangible and relatable. The problems feel real and evoke emotions even if the specific experiences isn’t 100% relatable to the viewer. They bring up issues that teens can connect to and they dissect them in a way that is digestible and will resonate with the viewers.
How does this show offer meaning to the real world?
This show exposes real world problems in direct ways. If Euphoria offers anything, it’s a common language to share with the public. However different they might look, all the characters gather and relate around similar coming of age struggles: their relationships with their parents, each other, themselves, and particular substances. They struggle with expectations and responsibilities put to them. The main drawing point that Euphoria has is that the characters are both good and bad. They aren’t perfectly crafted people that don’t make mistakes. That’s what makes them human.
discussion questions:
How does the small town setting affect the plot?
How does the backstory of each character contribute to their behavior?
Should realistic fiction include more fantastical elements to draw in viewers?
Can cinematography substitute for fantasy?
Is this show damaging or harmful for teen viewers? How far is too far in media?
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