Note: This review discusses the first two episodes of ‘The Idol’ and focuses on its strengths and weaknesses. Despite the controversies surrounding its production, it’s essential to evaluate the HBO original series based on its presentation to the audience. Co-created by Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd), Reza Fahim, and director Sam Levinson (Euphoria), ‘The Idol’ aims to portray a dark and twisted Hollywood fairytale, shedding light on the flip side of the glamorous facade presented by the industry. The show effectively explores the insecurities and vulnerabilities hidden beneath overt confidence, making it provocative and engaging.
The story revolves around Jocelyn (Lily-Rose Depp), a pop star who was forced to grow up too quickly. After her mother’s passing, she experiences a breakdown and subsequently undergoes rehabilitation. Determined to revive her singing career, she meets the enigmatic music guru, Tedros (Abel Tesfaye), who inspires her to remix her music. However, as she delves deeper into Tedros’ world, it becomes clear that his label is more like a cult.
Fame brings with it a team of professionals who shape a star’s brand and image. Jocelyn, unenthused by the mindless pop single her team wants to release, grapples with the burden of lacking creative control over her career. While the struggle between artists and management is a well-documented theme, ‘The Idol’ captures it with authenticity and serves as an impressive television production. The series’ analog film aesthetics, visually stunning scenes, and captivating production design make it a treat for the modern viewer. Lily-Rose Depp shines as Jocelyn, embodying the larger-than-life pop stars dominating today’s culture. She effortlessly portrays Jocelyn’s moments of vulnerability, showcasing her talent and star quality.
However, the dialogue in ‘The Idol’ occasionally falters, particularly in the case of Tesfaye’s character, Tedros. Some of his lines feel like they were lifted from fan fiction, and his performance stands out in a jarring way. Despite this, Tesfaye’s original songs for the series effectively enhance the atmosphere surrounding Jocelyn. Unfortunately, his character’s lack of nuance and presence hampers the overall momentum of the show, which is disappointing given Tesfaye’s icon status.
Beyond the performances of Depp and Tesfaye, ‘The Idol’ boasts a rich cast of supporting characters who add complexity and depth to the story. Rachel Sennott stands out as Jocelyn’s best friend turned assistant, Leila, while the ensemble cast, including Da’vine Joy Randolph, Troye Sivan, Hank Azaria, Dan Levy, Jane Adams, Moses Sumney, and Mike Dean, all deliver strong performances without being overshadowed by the sheer number of characters. As viewers, we are kept engaged by trying to decipher who truly has Jocelyn’s best interests at heart amidst a sea of opportunists.
The show addresses female sexuality, a topic that should not be ignored but risks being exploited ironically in ‘The Idol.’ While exploring themes of sex appeal, the series sometimes uses nudity and sexual scenes to delve into these ideas, albeit not solely for shock value. There are instances where Jocelyn finds empowerment in her sexuality, a potent notion rarely explored in big-budget productions. However, the inclusion of sex scenes that do not contribute to the plot feels unnecessary and detracts from the overall narrative. As the series continues, this balancing act between exploring sexuality and its relevance to the story will need further discussion.
Unfortunately, Tesfaye struggles to create the allure necessary to explain Jocelyn’s immediate infatuation, which puts her in a precarious position. The core relationship between the two leads could have benefited from a slow burn approach in the first two episodes, creating nuanced tension and chemistry. By building anticipation and providing clearer motives, certain scenes shared between them could have served the narrative better instead of catering primarily to the male gaze.
To become an exceptional piece of television, ‘The Idol’ would benefit from streamlining certain aspects. With some fine-tuning, it can effectively portray an artist caught between two toxic styles of management, exploring themes of betrayal and the struggle to find one’s creative voice. By minimizing unnecessarily erotic sequences, the show conveys a necessary message about the industry, capturing the fear of watching one’s dreams slip away.
Overall, ‘The Idol’ showcases Lily-Rose Depp’s talent and delivers an intriguing narrative about the music industry’s dark underbelly. Despite its flaws, the series has the potential to captivate viewers and spark important discussions about artistic autonomy and the exploitation of young stars.
