A massive favorite of mine! This is exactly the kind of deeply researched and ultra-engaging content that makes me love spending time on YouTube. In this video essay, Sofyan brilliantly dissects the behind-the-scenes reality of the hit series Euphoria, and the conclusions are absolutely chilling.
Personally, the overall vibe of the show already rubbed me the wrong way, but my discomfort grew even stronger starting with season 3. Thanks to the revelations in this video, I finally understand why! Sofyan perfectly highlights how showrunner Sam Levinson progressively imposed a single, obsessive, and toxic vision—first by appropriating photographer Petra Collins' work, and then by pushing his crew to their absolute limits.
The analysis of the casting process (seemingly chosen based on the actors' real-life traumas, like with Angus Cloud or Eric Dane) and the nightmarish set conditions show how the fiction tragically bled into reality.
Honestly, I find it incredibly disturbing that Levinson is still allowed to direct in Hollywood and given so much power after everything that went down behind the scenes.
The tone is spot on, the editing is highly immersive, and this is an essential watch to maintain a critical eye on the industry. Go check it out!