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This article originally published during the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.
We are republishing it on the occasion of the series premiere on HBO.
The dramatic, yearslongmetanarrative surroundingthe show co-created by Abel Tesfaye, a.k.a.
What I signed up for was a dark satire of fame and the fame model in the 21st century.
It went from satire to the thing it was satirizing.
What happens in the first two episodes?
(It sounds sort of like a Dua Lipa/Charli XCX castoff.)
And hes recently disappeared off the grid, according to Jocelyns nervous management team.
They record a new version of Sinner after he wraps a silk robe around her face, suffocating her.
This all happens in episode one.
Hank Azaria is Chaim and DaVine Joy Randolph is Destiny, both co-managers of Jocelyn.
Troye Sivan plays Xander, Jocelyns best friend and creative director.
Rachel Sennott is Leia, Jocelyns anxious assistant, trying to save her from her imminent downfall.
Jane Adams is Nikki, a morally bankrupt record-label executive whos worked with Jocelyn for years.
Hari Nef is Talia, aVanity Fairreporter profiling Jocelyn.
Blackpinks Jennie Ruby Jane is Dyanne, Jocelyns talented dancer who may be betraying her behind her back.
Dan Levy is her long-suffering publicist.
Moses Sumney is a cult member who seduces Leia to distract her from protecting Jocelyn.
Suzanna Son is Chloe, another Tedros acolyte.
Eli Roth is an angry Live Nation rep.
Is it Sam Levinsony?
The attempt at proactive meta-critique is too obviously defensive and on-the-nose to be effective.
But at least thus far, the show plainly lacks the knowing, campy tone of that erotic-thriller classic.
Does Britney Spears actually show up?Or is the show just inspired by her?
He describes their troubles as unique but relatable.
Jocelyn also does some choreo inspired by Im a Slave 4 U.
Whats the wildest thing that happens, plot-wise?
(Suzanna Son is a great singer!)
Whats the dialogue like?
Are the sex scenes torture-porn-y, or nah?
The first few scenes feel moreFifty Shades of Grey costume-y, a bit goofy, like a fanfic.
We dont see Jocelyn get off; we just hear her gagging.
Whats the nudity situation?
If it wasnt already clear a lotta boobs and a lotta butt.
Several shots peering up at Jocelyn from between her thighs or directly into her inner thighs.
No male nudity to speak of.
HowEuphoria-esque is it?
Drug-wise, its tamer, too just some coke, nothing Rue-level.
Anything else fun happen?
Depp is also really impressive in a messily written role.
How is the Weeknds house?
It looks a lot like the house fromDeath Becomes Her,or Chers dads house inClueless.
Very 1990s new money: heavy velvet curtains, lots of white walls and black leather and deep reds.
What was the premiere reception like at Cannes?
Im proud of this show and Im proud of the way we made this show, said Levinson.
We have so many incredible artists, actors, musicians.
I feel like I gained a family.
I know thats a little cult-y, but thats the way it feels.
He turned to his overwhelmed star.
Lily, Abel and I count our lucky stars every day that you are Jocelyn.
I know this wasnt easy.
But thank you for being by my side and being my partner in crime.
