Now Apocalypse? - Apokaliptyczna Komedia O Miłości, Seksualności I Zbliżającej się Zagładzie

“Now Apocalypse,” premiering on Starz in 2019, might sound like a recipe for existential dread. But beneath its darkly comedic veneer lies a surprisingly relatable and often poignant exploration of millennial life. Created by Gregg Araki, the filmmaker behind cult classics like “The Doom Generation” and “Mysterious Skin,” this series dives headfirst into the turbulent waters of love, sex, identity, and the looming threat of impending apocalypse.

Imagine Los Angeles: a sun-drenched playground for dreamers and hustlers alike. We meet Ulysses, our protagonist, played by the charismatic Avan Jogia. He’s a struggling screenwriter grappling with writer’s block, unrequited love, and a deep-seated fear that the world is about to end. Ulysses’s life intersects with a colorful cast of characters: his best friend, the cynical and sexually adventurous Carly (played by Kaitlyn Dever), who navigates her own complexities of desire; Ford, a stoner video game enthusiast (Jacob Batalon) struggling with self-doubt and finding his place in the world; and the enigmatic Gabriel, a mysterious bartender (Tyler Posey) whose true intentions remain shrouded in secrecy.

Relatable Characters Navigating Love, Desire, and Existential Angst:

One of the strengths of “Now Apocalypse” lies in its relatable characters. While the premise may seem outlandish – prophecies of doom intertwined with awkward first dates – the core experiences are universally recognizable. We’ve all been there: navigating the complexities of love and desire, wrestling with our insecurities, and questioning our place in a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable.

Ulysses embodies this existential angst perfectly. He yearns for connection but struggles to express his true feelings. His creative spirit is stifled by self-doubt, mirroring the challenges faced by many aspiring artists trying to find their voice. Carly’s journey reflects the fluidity of modern sexuality and the search for genuine intimacy in a world dominated by hookup culture. Ford, with his naive optimism and insatiable appetite for escapism, reminds us of the importance of finding joy in the mundane even amidst uncertainty.

Table: Key Characters & Their Defining Traits

Character	Actor	Defining Trait
Ulysses	Avan Jogia	Existential Angst
Carly	Kaitlyn Dever	Sexual Fluidity
Ford	Jacob Batalon	Naive Optimism
Gabriel	Tyler Posey	Mysterious Aura

Darkly Comic Satire with a Surreal Edge:

Gregg Araki’s signature style infuses “Now Apocalypse” with a darkly comedic tone and surreal imagery. Dreams bleed into reality, blurring the lines between perception and delusion. Visions of impending doom punctuate everyday conversations, creating a constant sense of unease. This blend of humor and existential dread keeps viewers on their toes, wondering what’s real and what’s just a figment of Ulysses’s overactive imagination.

Exploring Deeper Themes:

Beneath the surface of its quirky premise, “Now Apocalypse” grapples with profound themes. The series tackles the challenges of navigating identity in a digital age, where social media often dictates our sense of self-worth. It explores the complexities of love and desire, questioning societal norms around relationships and sexuality. The looming threat of apocalypse serves as a metaphor for the anxieties of millennial generations facing climate change, political instability, and economic uncertainty.

A Soundtrack That Reflects the Mood:

“Now Apocalypse” features a stellar soundtrack that perfectly captures its unique blend of dark humor and existential angst. The music ranges from indie rock anthems to ethereal synth scores, creating an atmospheric soundscape that enhances the viewing experience.

Final Thoughts:

While “Now Apocalypse” may not be for everyone – its unconventional storytelling and unapologetic exploration of mature themes can be polarizing – it’s a series that deserves recognition for its originality and willingness to push boundaries. It offers a thought-provoking commentary on the human condition, exploring the universal search for meaning and connection in a world teetering on the brink of chaos.