HBO’s highly-anticipated drama series, The IDOL, made its debut at the 76th Cannes Film Festival on May 22, 2023.
According to Daily Mail UK, the initial response has been far from positive. With its explicit content and controversial themes, the show has received underwhelming reviews and drawn criticism from critics and viewers alike.
The controversial series created by The Weeknd, Sam Levinson, and Reza Fahim, ‘The IDOL’ explores the complex relationship between rising pop idol Jocelyn (played by Lily-Rose Depp) and Tedros (portrayed by The Weeknd), a charismatic cult leader and nightclub manager.
Stream it on HBO starting on June 4.
Controversy and Critical Reception
From its premiere at Cannes, The IDOL faced harsh criticism for its graphic sex scenes and gratuitous nudity. Rolling Stone magazine even labeled it as “torture porn” and shed light on production troubles.
Despite initially receiving a standing ovation, the show quickly garnered negative reviews, causing its Rotten Tomatoes rating to plummet to a mere 9%.
Challenges and More Controversies
The series has faced its fair share of challenges and controversies during its filming and production.
Based on Forbes’ article, some critics argue that the sexually explicit subject matter and the portrayal of the central female character degrade the storyline. The reliance on shock value has also raised concerns about the show’s artistic integrity and overall impact.
As The IDOL prepares to air on HBO, the drama finds itself mired in disappointment and controversy. While the performances, particularly Lily-Rose Depp’s portrayal, have garnered some praise, the explicit content and mixed critical reception cast a shadow over its prospects.
It remains to be seen how the show will resonate with audiences when it hits the small screen on June 4th.
Trailers
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