HBO has dropped the final trailer for The Idol ahead of its release on June 4, 2023. The musical drama series directed by Sam Levinson was bombarded with critical reviews after it premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival on May 22, 2023. However, it continues to gain widespread attention. Following the last two teasers, the new official trailer digs more into the series and paints an intense picture of what’s about to come. The official trailer opens with the line “You’re the American dream,” and offers glimpses of Jocelyn’s wild ride as she paves her way to the top of Hollywood, or as the trailer describes, “from rags to riches.”
Co-created by the director of Euphoria, Sam Levinson, The Idol stars Lily-Rose Depp in the lead role of as aspiring pop idol – Jocelyn. According to the series’ official synopsis, the story follows Jocelyn as she decides to reclaim her position as the sexiest pop diva in America after suffering a nervous breakdown that forces her to cancel her last tour. She starts a complicated romance, or rather a toxic relationship with Tedros – a self-help expert and the leader of a modern cult who is portrayed by The Weeknd. The first description of the series described it as a look into the dark side of Hollywood and the music business. However, the series received backlash from critics who called it more ‘regressive than transgressive.’
The Idol has become one of the most controversial shows even before its release, owing to Sam Levinson’s outrageous methods of direction. The series intends to highlight the exploitation experienced by young, up-and-coming musicians. However, Levinson’s ways of tackling the issue have caught everyone’s eyes, and not exactly in a positive light. The series has drawn criticism and is referred to as “gross and sexist” for its explicit depictions of sexual scenes and nudity.
But despite the controversy, The Idol will undoubtedly be a hit with audiences who loved Euphoria. The series also stars Suzanna Son, Troye Sivan, Jennie Kim, Moses Sumney, Jane Adams, Dan Levy, Eli Roth, Rachel Sennott, Hari Nef, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Mike Dean, Ramsey, and Hank Azaria. The trailer depicts an emotionally fragile Jocelyn’s journey on a nightmare train complete with opulent mansions, wild parties, and the upsetting aspects of an idol’s life. The Weeknd’s deceptive laugh near the end of the trailer signals the twisted plot and draws the viewer in for a rollercoaster trip.
