This show was torn apart by critics and audiences alike. I tend to enjoy unusual films and series that most people can’t quite connect with, so I had to check it out for myself.
The Idol follows a pop singer (played by Lily-Rose Depp) who finds herself at a career crossroads after a public breakdown. She meets Tedros (The Weeknd), a mysterious nightclub manager and self-proclaimed guru who seemingly reignites her creative spark.
Critics described the show as “bordering on pornography” and lacking in substance. The explicit scenes were a bit much for me, too. They felt unnecessarily graphic, though not quite as extreme as some have made them out to be. Yes, Lily-Rose Depp wears revealing outfits and appears nude in several scenes that felt unnecessary, but it’s not accurate to say the show is solely about erotica.
What I do agree with is that the story lacks depth. And that’s a shame, because the premise is unique and had a lot of potential. The biggest letdown was the final twist—it wasn’t properly set up and left me with more questions than answers.
The strongest aspects of the series are the cinematography and the music, both of which are excellent.
With a better script, The Idol could have been fantastic. The concept and visual design are top-notch. The first two episodes are suspenseful and refreshingly different. Unfortunately, the later episodes derail everything with forced and unconvincing character developments. It’s a pity—this is exactly the kind of show I want to see, if only it had been written better.
