Idol One Review

 

Idol one is an interesting study of celebrity culture, cults of personality and the masks that are worn to achieve fame. It’s a fascinating dive into the ways we value image over substance and how sex, drugs and violence can be used to propel someone into the spotlight. But it’s also a bit of a mess, with tacked-on violence and listless sex that tries to provoke a reaction and fails to make an impact.

The first episode begins with Jocelyn’s staff trying to jockey for position in the wake of a leaked intimate photo, a situation that is reminiscent of some of the MeToo-inspired gossip from Levinson’s previous project Euphoria. Tesfaye does a solid job playing Tedros, the man at the center of the leak, but there is something about his portrayal that doesn’t quite work. His oiliness seems overdone, and I could see the internet dismissing him as a meme if he wasn’t a real person.

As the show continues, it starts to feel like a soap opera with a few twists and turns. But there are a couple of bright spots, بت یک especially with the way in which the show uses music to its advantage. One of the most compelling tracks is the group’s remix of Jealous Guy, which slots effortlessly into their oeuvre. The Weeknd made his name with maudlin, 80s-flavoured R&B with scuzzy production and seamy lyrics, a style that perfectly chimes with the show’s vibe. The track is a sexy, sulky ballad that sounds like it’s straight off the album, and the eerily beautiful production adds to its sinister, seductive charm.

Another highlight is the way the show explores idol culture. It shows the grueling schedule that idols must keep up with and the strict rules that they’re put under by their agencies. It shows how idols aren’t really interested in music or dance, but instead in promoting themselves and their image. This is exemplified by the fact that idols are forbidden from dating, though this rule isn’t always followed.

The show isn’t without its flaws, but it’s still worth a watch for the way it delves into the dark side of fame and the lengths people will go to reach it. The ending is disappointingly anticlimactic, and it’s clear that the creators wanted to shock for the sake of shock alone — but the only thing that got shocked about this show was how much of a mess it was. I’m curious to see how the second episode fares, as it could be a much stronger effort. Idol one is available to stream on Netflix.