HBO released “The Idol” and the reviews are raising the question: was the approach to sexuality in Episode 1 as damning as indicated by the Cannes Film Festival critics?
This article contains spoilers.
According to the amount of criticism, the sex scenes in “The Idol” fell far short of expectations, despite striking moments such as ejaculation scenes and violent sex. However, the first episode dives headfirst into Jocelyn’s world (played by Lily-Rose Depp).
The final scene of the episode left many unsatisfied and shows Tedros (played by Tesfaye) and Jocelyn arguing about their upcoming music, something she is not enthusiastic about. Tedros, seemingly trying to comfort her, tells her to “sing like she knows how to fuck” and, summarizing the story, covers her mouth with his robe, causing her to choke. He then makes a hole in her mouth and tells her, “Now you can sing.”
Unfortunately, viewers aren’t buying it, as noted by TV critic Kelly Lawler, who wrote in her review for USA Today that she was bored. She talked about the series lacking “substance,” and Jocelyn’s portrayal lacking “personality or interest,” despite her clear fondness for cigarettes. “All we know about her is that she likes sex and wants to be a better dancer,” she continued.
Eric Degas, a writer for NPR, expressed a similar sentiment by saying, “It also feels very much like the male gaze in action, what a group of men might think a woman’s reaction would be, rather than a choice that feels authentic.”
A common thread in all the reviews is Levinson’s predilection for violent sex and the audience’s discomfort with it. As a result, critics feel that Levinson and Tesfaye are using this to their advantage, but unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to be resonating well with viewers.
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