“The Idol”: Sam Levinson’s Controversial Drama Premieres at Cannes

For its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, with the screening of the first two episodes this Monday evening, “The Idol” received a rather moderate reception. The Sam Levinson-directed series starring Lily-Rose Depp and Abel ‘The Weeknd’ Tesfaye premieres June 4 on Max.

A standard welcome. This is how the American site The Hollywood Reporter called the five-minute standing ovation received by the team of “The Idol” after the world premiere screening of the first two episodes of the series which is scheduled to launch on June 4 on the streaming platform Max (formerly HBO Max).

Sam Levinson, Lily-Rose Depp and @theweeknd greet the @Festival_Cannes audience at the premiere of @HBO series #theidol pic.twitter.com/XObjy4e8p0

— scott roxborough (@sroxborough) May 22, 2023

Directed by Sam Levinson, known for his work on the ‘Euphoria’ series, who is also its co-creator with Abel ‘The Weeknd’ Tesfaye and Reza Fahim, ‘The Idol’ sees Lily-Rose Depp portray the character of Jocelyn, a pop star comparable to Britney Spears who is struggling to recover from a psychotic breakdown after the death of her mother. The young woman is surrounded by several people in charge of her career, desperate to see her release a new album and launch a tour. And to reap the benefits, regardless of Jocelyn’s psychological fragility.

The latter complies with all their requirements, and does not hesitate to chain the lascivious poses to the order. But deep down, the star yearns to be recognized as an artist. And as a woman. Her meeting with Tedros (played by The Weeknd), a cocaine-addicted guru quick to denounce the unhealthy exploitation imposed by the entertainment industry in Hollywood, will place her under his influence. And change his life forever.

The emotion of Sam Levinson

While ‘Euphoria’ fans won’t be surprised by the very raw images of ‘The Idol’, it seems certain that some of the public may have been taken aback by the way Sam Levinson portrays Jocelyn’s story. around the themes of ‘revenge porn’, nudity, and psychological influence. The director was also particularly moved during his thanks after the screening.

While several articles reported chaotic filming, with an unhealthy working atmosphere, Sam Levinson took care to congratulate the cast of the series, in particular Lily-Rose Depp, whose audacity he praised. “I feel like I have won a family. I know it sounds strange to say that, but that’s how I feel,” he said. Lily-Rose Depp had not failed to react to the controversy surrounding the filming of the series at the time, praising the exemplary work of Sam Levinson.

“Sam is, for so many reasons, the best director I’ve worked with in my entire career. I have never felt so supported and respected in a creative space, where my comments and opinions were so valued. Working with Sam is a real collaboration in every sense of the word – it’s important to him, more than anything else, to know what the actors think of their work, but also how we feel when we play. He employs people whose work he values ​​and has always created an environment in which I felt understood, heard, and appreciated,” she said in a statement.