Beauty has always been ‘Euphoria‘s prerogative. The lighting, the glittering makeup, slow motion, and dream-like camera movements can make even the most hideous moments look like a music video. However, that beauty is also one of the show’s witty tricks, though. Its characters often look stunning precisely when their lives are falling apart.
It is that contrast that makes ‘Euphoria‘ so uncomfortable. The show doesn’t make misery look ordinary. It makes it look intoxicating, romantic, and almost magical, before reminding us of its devastating effect.
‘Euphoria’s Pretty Imagery Was Usually Hiding Something Ugly
Rue is likely the best example. Some of the most visually arresting moments in the show are her addiction, but the reality is harsh. After promising Jules that she will stay away from drugs, Rue relapses, and the show makes her drug use look surreal. The camera follows her, the world curves around her, and everything feels light.
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But then, the real world catches up. Rue deceives her family, robs those she cares for, and grows more addicted. The most difficult part is when her mother finds the bag of drugs and learns how serious Rue’s addiction has become. Then, the lovely dreamlike scenes take on a new meaning.
What felt like a movie is actually a teenager’s life falling apart in front of her family. Jules gets similar treatment. Her fantasies are filled with romantic imagery, and she imagines herself as bigger than life, but her life is far from simple. Her friendship with Rue turns into a dangerous friendship, particularly when Jules struggles with the pressure of being Rue’s reason for staying sober.
The contrast is at its peak at the train station. Rue thinks that if she can run off with Jules, then everything will be fine. However, she is devastated when Jules leaves without her. The scene is painful precisely because the story has spent so much time making their relationship feel like something beautiful and almost destined.
Even Romance, Popularity And Glamour Became Masks
Maddy, Cassie and Nate have the same thought. Maddy appears to be in total control a lot of the time. Her makeup, outfits, and confidence make her untouchable. However, her relationship with Nate reveals how much control she really has. They fight, manipulate, and abuse, over and over again, revealing the fear behind Maddy’s glamorous exterior.
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That contrast is even more apparent in Cassie’s story. Her change in Season 2 is truly amazing. She takes hours to prepare and obsesses over her appearance and becomes the version of herself that she thinks Nate wants. The infamous morning routine montage is almost too much to believe.
By the time Cassie spirals publicly, the glamour becomes almost tragic. She has spent so much energy constructing an image that she barely knows what remains underneath it.
That’s what ‘Euphoria’ understood better than almost any other teen drama: misery doesn’t always look miserable. It sometimes seems like flawless make-up, designer clothes, romantic lighting, and a smile at just the right moment when you are falling apart. The beauty was never really the point. It was the disguise.
