The Idol is an uncomfortable viewing experience that seems intent on pushing boundaries for the sake of it, rather than providing any profound commentary on the music industry or female experiences within it. It presents a gross mishmash of lewd sex scenes and graphic content, most of which feel more like cheap, sensationalist tactics rather than necessary plot devices.
The plot focuses on Jocelyn, an aspiring pop idol, and her relationship with a self-help guru and cult leader, Tedros. While this could be an interesting premise to explore the manipulation and exploitation in the music industry, the execution is truly icky and gross. Rather than offering a nuanced critique, the show seems to amplify the very aspects of the industry it should be dissecting.
Adding to this is the glaring fact that the show's helm is predominantly manned by men, namely creators The Weeknd, Reza Fahim, and Sam Levinson. This male-dominated perspective could explain the lack of understanding and sensitivity towards deeply female subjects and experiences. It would have been beneficial to include a woman's perspective in the creative process when attempting to tackle a narrative so centered on women's experiences.
In summary, the show feels like a missed opportunity to provide meaningful commentary on the music industry and its treatment of women. Instead, it falls into the trap of perpetuating the harmful stereotypes and exploitative practices it should be critiquing. One would expect a show in 2023 to have a more evolved, nuanced perspective but this show lacks any sensitivity, depth, and is overall repulsive and creepy.
The plot focuses on Jocelyn, an aspiring pop idol, and her relationship with a self-help guru and cult leader, Tedros. While this could be an interesting premise to explore the manipulation and exploitation in the music industry, the execution is truly icky and gross. Rather than offering a nuanced critique, the show seems to amplify the very aspects of the industry it should be dissecting.
Adding to this is the glaring fact that the show's helm is predominantly manned by men, namely creators The Weeknd, Reza Fahim, and Sam Levinson. This male-dominated perspective could explain the lack of understanding and sensitivity towards deeply female subjects and experiences. It would have been beneficial to include a woman's perspective in the creative process when attempting to tackle a narrative so centered on women's experiences.
In summary, the show feels like a missed opportunity to provide meaningful commentary on the music industry and its treatment of women. Instead, it falls into the trap of perpetuating the harmful stereotypes and exploitative practices it should be critiquing. One would expect a show in 2023 to have a more evolved, nuanced perspective but this show lacks any sensitivity, depth, and is overall repulsive and creepy.