Is The Idol Based on a True Story? Plot and Cast
by Rubaditsha
Updated Jun 23, 2023
Is The Idol Based on a True Story?
No, The Idol is not based on a true story. While the series draws inspiration from the experiences of the cast and creators in the music industry, it is not a direct retelling of any specific person's life. The show's creators, including Sam Levinson and Abel "The Weeknd" Tesfaye, have emphasized that The Idol is a fictional work that explores the pressures and challenges faced by pop stars.
Although references to real-life events and celebrities, such as Britney Spears and Selena Gomez, can be found in the show, they are not intended to depict their exact stories. The Idol takes creative liberties and offers a unique perspective on the music industry, aiming to provide a subversive and thought-provoking narrative rather than a factual account.
The Idol Cast
Jocelyn
Lily-Rose Depp
Tedros
Abel Tesfaye
Chloe
Suzanna Son
Xander
Troye Sivan
Nikki Katz
Jane Adams
Dyanne
Jennie Ruby Jane
Leia
Rachel Sennott
Talia
Hari Nef
Izaak
Moses Sumney
Destiny
Da'Vine Joy Randolph
Benjamin
Dan Levy
Andrew Finkelstein
Eli Roth
Ramsey
Ramsey
Chaim
Hank Azaria
Jenna
Melanie Liburd
Role
Actor
The Idol Plot
'The Idol' is a captivating series that revolves around the story of a pop singer who embarks on a passionate romance with a mysterious club owner, who also happens to be the leader of an underground cult.
With Lily-Rose Depp portraying the role of the talented singer and Abel "The Weeknd" Tesfaye bringing the enigmatic club owner to life, the show explores their complex relationship against the backdrop of the music industry and Hollywood.
Described as "the sleaziest love story in all of Hollywood," 'The Idol' offers a dark and twisted narrative that draws inspiration from the experiences of its creators, including Sam Levinson and Abel Tesfaye himself. The series takes a subversive approach to exploring the music industry's cult-like nature and the pressures faced by pop stars.
The show's trailers provide glimpses into the intriguing world of 'The Idol.' The initial preview, released in August, hints at the debaucherous behavior of the characters, with scenes featuring Hollywood mansions, intense parties, fast cars, dance numbers, and romantic entanglements. The trailers convey a sense of heightened intensity, with explicit drug use, gun-wielding, and steamy moments reflecting the show's exploration of dark themes.
While 'The Idol' shares thematic similarities with the acclaimed series 'Euphoria,' it pushes boundaries even further by delving into adult-oriented narratives and exploring the consequences of after-hours activities.
However, the show also aims to capture the emotional aspects of its characters' lives and relationships, addressing the pressures and loneliness faced by those in the spotlight.
In addition to Lily-Rose Depp and Abel Tesfaye, the series features a talented ensemble cast. Australian singer-songwriter Troye Sivan takes on a regular role, while notable actors such as Dan Levy, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Eli Roth, Hari Nef, Jane Adams, Jennie Ruby Jane, Mike Dean, Moses Sumney, Rachel Sennott, Ramsey, Suzanna Son, and Hank Azaria contribute to the compelling narrative with their performances.
'The Idol' premiered on June 5, with subsequent episodes releasing every Monday. The series can be streamed in Australia on platforms such as BINGE and Foxtel Now, offering audiences the opportunity to immerse themselves in its captivating and provocative storytelling.
The Idol Trailer
The Idol Ending Explained
The ending of "The Idol" takes a dark and unsettling turn, highlighting the cycle of abuse and control that Jocelyn, the troubled singer portrayed by Lily-Rose Depp, finds herself trapped in. Throughout the series, we witness Jocelyn's vulnerability and the manipulation she experiences at the hands of Tedros (played by Abel "The Weeknd" Tesfaye), who initially presents himself as a supportive figure in her life.
In the final moments of episode 3, titled "Daybreak," the audience is confronted with a disturbing scene that showcases the extent of Tedros' influence over Jocelyn. The uncomfortable dinner scene, where Jocelyn is coerced into revealing details of the abuse inflicted by her mother, establishes the power dynamics at play.
Tedros uses psychological tactics, preying on Jocelyn's trauma to exert control over her emotions and artistic output. As the episode progresses, Tedros takes his manipulation to a new level by reenacting the abusive acts Jocelyn endured. He encourages her to fetch the hairbrush, an instrument symbolizing her traumatic past, and proceeds to subject her to a simulated beating.
This scene is witnessed by everyone present, except for Leia (Rachel Sennott), who stands as a potential voice of reason and resistance but is removed from the room by Tedros.
The ending reveals the unsettling truth that Jocelyn has willingly chosen to remain under the control of her abuser. Despite the horrific display of power and the perpetuation of violence, she expresses gratitude to Tedros, thanking him for "taking care" of her.
This disturbing twist implies that Jocelyn has not escaped the cycle of abuse but has instead exchanged one abuser for another. The haunting nature of the series is emphasized as Jocelyn willingly remains in the "haunted house" of her life, and the horror movie metaphorically continues.
By delving into the complex dynamics of power, manipulation, and the lasting effects of trauma, the ending of "The Idol" serves as a chilling commentary on the ways in which individuals can become trapped in abusive relationships and patterns.
It highlights the psychological toll of such dynamics and the difficulties faced by survivors seeking to break free. Overall, the ending of "The Idol" leaves viewers with a sense of unease and discomfort, underscoring the dark themes explored throughout the series and serving as a reminder of the lasting impact of abuse.
Is The Idol Based on a True Story - FAQs
No, The Idol is not based on a true story.
The main actors in "The Idol" are Lily-Rose Depp, who plays Jocelyn, an up-and-coming young pop idol, and Abel Tesfaye, also known as The Weeknd, who portrays Tedros, a self-help guru and the leader of a modern-day cult with a sordid and mysterious past.
Lily-Rose Depp plays the role of Jocelyn, an up-and-coming young pop idol in "The Idol."
Abel Tesfaye, also known as The Weeknd, portrays the character of Tedros, a self-help guru and the leader of a modern-day cult with a sordid and mysterious past in "The Idol."
Troye Sivan plays the role of Xander, Jocelyn's creative director in "The Idol."