In a recent interview with Vogue Australia, Lily-Rose Depp, star of the controversial HBO Max series, “The Idol,” defended the show’s graphic content. Some viewers have labeled the show as “torture porn” due to its depiction of a toxic relationship between a spiraling singer (played by Depp) and her new mentor/lover Tedros (portrayed by Able Tesfaye, also known as The Weeknd).
Depp acknowledged the provocative nature of the series and expressed her intention to create something that challenges traditional norms. She stated, “We know that we’re making something provocative and we are not shying away from that. That’s something I knew I was setting out to do from the beginning. I was never interested in making something puritanical. It’s okay if this show isn’t for everyone and that’s fine… I’ve never felt more respected and more safe on a set, honestly.”
The actress emphasized the trust and respect she experienced on the show’s set, which contributed to a safe working environment. Depp also discussed the nudity and risqué nature of her role, highlighting that it was intentional and something she was excited about exploring. She added, “I’m not scared of it. I think we live in a highly sexualized world. I think that’s an interesting thing to explore.”
“The Idol” has recently made headlines for its shortened season. Originally announced as consisting of six episodes, the series will now conclude with its fifth episode. The decision to compress the season has raised eyebrows among viewers and fans.
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Critically, “The Idol” has received mixed reviews. It currently holds a 22 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the audience score slightly higher at 58 percent. Despite the audience’s somewhat more favorable reception, the show’s ratings have seemingly declined since its premiere. The second episode experienced a 12 percent drop in viewership compared to the premiere, and HBO chose not to release ratings for episodes three and four. These figures pose potential challenges for the show’s future.
Despite the show’s reception, Depp expressed her attachment to her character, Jocelyn. She revealed, “I’ll never say goodbye to Jocelyn. It was such a beautiful time in my life, honestly. I’ll never forget it, and it will live in my heart forever. I love this character so much.” Clearly, Depp has developed a deep connection to her role on “The Idol.”
In conclusion, Lily-Rose Depp stands by her controversial series, “The Idol.” She embraces the provocative nature of the show and believes that it is essential to challenge societal norms through art. While facing criticism and a decline in ratings, Depp remains passionate about her character, Jocelyn, and the experience she had on set. Whether “The Idol” will gain wider acclaim or continue to divide opinions, it is clear that Depp is proud of her work and the creative risks taken by the show.
