Sam Levinson, creator of Euphoria, transitions the Emmy-winning series beyond high school in its third season, moving into the complexities of adulthood.
Adulthood and Evolution
Levinson, who writes and directs every episode, used the four-year production gap to shift the focus from adolescence to what he describes as the 'Wild West of adulthood.' He noted, 'We know they no longer have the safety net of being able to go home to their parents’ house. It’s the real world.'
Zendaya's New Role
The season opens with Rue (Zendaya) in her early 20s, navigating a high-stakes drug run across the Mexico-U.S. border. This sequence, inspired by DEA research, sets the tone for a season blending Western motifs with screwball comedy. Levinson praises Zendaya's performance: 'She’s able to play to the humor and the suspense of it at the same time.'
Visual and Technical Innovation
Levinson's direction, alongside Marcell Rév, moves away from soundstages to on-location shooting across Southern California. They aimed for a 'Technicolor' feel, reminiscent of classics like North by Northwest. This led them to Kodak, negotiating for Ektachrome film, and incorporating 65mm cameras for cinematic depth.
Comedy and Drama
A notable scene involves Nate (Jacob Elordi) being attacked, played for comedic effect by focusing on Cassie (Sydney Sweeney) amid chaos. Levinson reflects, 'Her husband could literally be getting pummeled to death behind her — and it’s still about her.'
Levinson highlights Sweeney's ability to deliver both emotional and comedic depth, stating, 'If you push it a little bit, [Sweeney] becomes brilliant.'
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/inside-euphoria-season-3-sam-levinson-1236610880/
