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Euphoria: Back With A Bang!

 


After taking the world by storm in 2019, critically acclaimed HBO phenomenon Euphoria returns with its second season and from the looks of the premiere episode, it’s going to make its debut season look like child’s play. 

Please note, there might be mild spoilers ahead

The first episode of Euphoria’s sophomore season starts off like previous episodes, with an opening containing background info on a specific character and this time around, it’s none other than super chill fan favorite Fez. We get to find out about how his childhood was, how his surrogate little brother Ashtray came about and why he does what he does. As someone who already loved Fez before this, I have to say having more insight on his background really adds more depth to his character. 

After our flashback opening the story moves to the new year which is after the Rue euphoria special which took place in Christmas where she went to a diner with Ali to talk about her life and issues with substance abuse. Rue is even more unhinged as she still isn’t over Jules leaving and has to be baby sat by Fez and Ashtray who have a lot of problems of their own. The trio get into a little hiccup along the way and afterwards go for a new year house party where we get to see the other members of our beloved euphoria gang. 

Cassie still struggling with self esteem issues and depression ends up getting involved with the always toxic and sadistic Nate. Their pairing up leads to unimaginable tension with Maddy at the house party. Lexi, Cassie’s sister finally gets to shine in this premiere as she  searches for Cassie and shares cute scenes with Fez which could possibly be setting up a romantic relationship between the two opposites. Jules is finally back in town and hangs out with Kat at the party where they talk and bond. 

Rue tries to hide from Jules, gets into some trouble and meets one of the new characters who is played by musical Artiste Dominic Fike who takes drugs with her. Maddy also meets a new character played by Lil Meech who is known for playing his dad in the new hit show Black Mafia Family and the two flirt a bit after Maddy initially rejects his advances. The tension builds as the episode continues and things end up in a very shocking and interesting ending which will leave you hyped and ready for next week. 

The cinematography and acting in this episode was so remarkable. For this season, the show runners did something pretty incredible which is shooting the whole thing in film instead of digital which made the premiere look even more realistic. It’s really difficult to shoot in film nowadays with most studios opting for digital  so they reached out to Koda to remake a custom Ektachrome 35mm to shoot. 

They are shots in it that made my jaw drop from how stunning and creative they were. The transitions, angles and general camera movement was even more impressive than the highs of the last season. The acting this episode was also remarkable, Zendaya brought her A-game and is amazing as Rue yet again but, I think Sydney Sweeney (Cassie) definitely needs to be in the Emmy conversation for best supporting actress as well as Jacob Elordi (Nate) for best supporting actor. The whole cast is amazing and extremely believable in their individual roles and I’m excited to see more folks from last season who weren’t in the season premiere for season two. 

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