Chloe Cherry, whose portrayal of the enigmatic Faye marked a significant turning point in her career, has spoken candidly about the emotional conclusion of HBO’s acclaimed drama, Euphoria. The series finale, titled “In God We Trust,” brought to a close a narrative that has captivated audiences and sparked extensive dialogue on addiction, trauma, and youth culture. Cherry, a Pennsylvania native who made her television acting debut on the show, described the experience as life-changing, attributing her personal and professional transformation to creator Sam Levinson’s direct casting and the profound journey she undertook with the character of Faye. The finale, which picked up from a dramatic cliffhanger, saw Faye making a pivotal decision that impacted Rue’s delicate escape plan before embarking on her own uncertain path to freedom alongside her boyfriend-dealer, Wayne (Toby Wallace). This concluding chapter for many characters, including the tragically ambiguous fate of Rue (Zendaya), offered Faye a flicker of hope amidst the series’ characteristic bleakness, prompting Cherry to reflect on both the narrative and her personal growth.
The Emotional Unraveling of a Series Finale
For many viewers, the Euphoria finale was an emotionally charged event, and Chloe Cherry was no exception. Recounting her experience watching the episode with close friends, Cherry shared the profound impact it had on her, confessing to "crying the whole episode." Her strongest reaction stemmed from the unexpected revelation that Ali (Colman Domingo), Rue’s steadfast Narcotics Anonymous sponsor, was the one to discover Rue’s fate. "It was so sad as a Euphoria fan; that just made me start bawling when Ali finds Rue and we see everything that he goes through emotionally," Cherry stated. She lauded Colman Domingo’s performance as "absolutely incredible" and "very emotionally moving," noting the poetic justice in Ali, a consistent beacon of hope, seemingly avenging Rue’s tragic end. This narrative choice, in Cherry’s view, suggested Rue "kind of lived on through Ali," providing a poignant sense of closure to a relationship built on fragile trust and a shared battle against addiction. The ambiguity surrounding Rue’s ultimate demise, a hallmark of Levinson’s storytelling, leaves room for interpretation, yet Cherry’s emotional response underscores the perceived finality and gravity of the moment, a sentiment shared by a broad spectrum of the show’s dedicated viewership who often debated the open-ended conclusions for various characters.
The finale’s exploration of themes like loss and the search for a higher power resonated deeply with Cherry, particularly in light of real-world tragedies. She explicitly linked Rue’s “finding God” storyline to the actual losses experienced by the cast and crew, specifically referencing the passing of Angus Cloud, who portrayed the beloved character Fezco. Cloud’s untimely death in July 2023, at the age of 25, sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and the Euphoria fandom, casting a somber shadow over the show’s conclusion and adding an unforeseen layer of emotional weight to its themes of grief and redemption. Cherry articulated how personal grief often compels individuals to seek spiritual solace: "When someone you love passes, I find those are the times that I search for God. The first thing you want to imagine is that you’ll see them again one day in a better place or that they’re somewhere in a better place." This sentiment highlights the series’ ability to mirror real-life struggles with mortality and the human need for meaning in the face of despair, themes that Levinson has consistently woven into the fabric of the show, often drawing from personal experiences and extensive research into addiction and recovery. The tragic loss of a cast member undoubtedly amplified the emotional resonance of these narrative threads for those involved in the production, creating a poignant convergence of art and life.
A Career Transformed: From Adult Film to HBO Star
Chloe Cherry’s journey to Euphoria was unconventional, marking a significant transition from her established career in adult films to mainstream television acting. Her direct casting by Sam Levinson, bypassing traditional audition processes, was a testament to his unique vision and willingness to seek talent from diverse backgrounds. Levinson, known for his raw and authentic portrayals of complex characters and his sometimes controversial casting methods, recognized something in Cherry that aligned perfectly with the role of Faye, the adrift addict who finds herself intertwined with the lives of Fezco and Rue. This bold casting decision itself generated considerable discussion among critics and audiences, highlighting Levinson’s commitment to challenging industry norms and fostering a dynamic, inclusive creative environment. Cherry’s previous work in adult entertainment was openly acknowledged and, rather than being a hindrance, was seen by Levinson as contributing to the authenticity and lived experience she brought to a character navigating a similarly marginalized existence.
For Cherry, the impact of Euphoria extended far beyond a mere acting credit; it became a transformative force that redefined her self-perception and career trajectory. She candidly shared how the show "completely changed my life" and "made me perceive myself in a completely new way." Prior to Euphoria, Cherry felt her talents were narrowly perceived, often reduced to her physical appearance or her previous profession. However, the set provided an environment where she felt "appreciated for my mind. I was appreciated for being funny. I was appreciated for coming up with lines." This newfound validation was instrumental in building her confidence. "It was the first time in my whole life that I felt appreciation for my brain and not just everything being about, I don’t know — it was so great for me to go through this transformation," she explained. This experience is a powerful example of how creative opportunities can transcend perceived limitations and empower individuals to explore new facets of their identity and talent.
The belief and trust shown by Sam Levinson were particularly pivotal. Cherry described it as instilling "an immense amount of confidence into me. That definitely changed me forever. A true level of actual confidence in my heart and soul that I’m just so grateful for." Having struggled academically and feeling "lost in life" before her acting debut, Euphoria provided a platform for her to realize her potential, declaring, "It just makes me realize it’s never too late to be what you might’ve been." This sentiment encapsulates the empowering narrative of personal growth that often accompanies significant career shifts, particularly when an individual finds unexpected validation in a new field. The show, which occupied her "entire 20s" (from age 22 to nearly 29), became a defining chapter, making the farewell to this period of her life particularly bittersweet. Her success also garnered attention from other directors and producers, signaling a broader acceptance of diverse talent within the industry.
Faye’s Profound Search for Connection in a Fractured World
Chloe Cherry’s deep connection to her character, Faye, sheds light on one of Euphoria‘s most pervasive themes: the struggle for genuine human connection in an increasingly isolated and superficial world. Faye, an individual born into an "unfortunate situation" with no reliable family and a history of loss (including a deceased boyfriend), yearns for deep, close bonds. Cherry articulated Faye’s core motivation: "She’s always looking for somebody that she can be extremely close with, because again, she doesn’t have the family to go back to." This quest for surrogate family and unwavering loyalty resonated profoundly with Cherry, who observes a similar struggle in modern society. This mirrors the experiences of countless young adults who, often lacking traditional support structures, seek belonging in unconventional or even dangerous communities, a central tenet of Euphoria‘s narrative.
Cherry critically analyzed contemporary interpersonal dynamics, stating, "I swear it’s social media — these things have destroyed modern friendship." She lamented the tendency for individuals to prioritize superficial connections or instrumental relationships over profound human intimacy. "It feels like nowadays people will trade close friendships to have somebody who’s a work contact or somebody that they think will look really cool if they’re hanging out with them," she noted. This commentary echoes broader sociological discussions about the impact of digital platforms on social capital and the perceived decline of authentic community, a phenomenon often observed among Gen Z, the demographic Euphoria so vividly portrays. Faye’s sense of betrayal by Rue, encapsulated in the poignant line, "Why am I the only one that’s loyal?", became the catalyst for her actions in the finale. For Faye, it was a moment of profound disillusionment, realizing she was "just a pawn in fucking everybody’s game," prompting a desperate, life-or-death flight from a toxic environment. This portrayal of a character grappling with abandonment and a yearning for belonging offered viewers a mirror to their own anxieties about connection in an often-alienating world, a testament to the show’s ability to tap into universal human experiences through its specific, often extreme, character arcs.
The End of an Era: Narrative Closure and Levinson’s Vision
The conclusion of Euphoria with its third season, a decision that Cherry anticipated even as early as the production of Season 2, reflects a deliberate narrative choice by creator Sam Levinson. While there was initial talk of a longer run, perhaps fueled by the show’s skyrocketing viewership numbers (Season 2 averaged 16.3 million viewers per episode across all platforms, making it HBO’s second-most-watched series since 2004, behind only Game of Thrones), the creative team ultimately recognized the natural arc of the central storyline, particularly Rue’s struggle with severe addiction. Cherry explained, "They told the story of someone with severe addiction issues, and we saw this person struggle and try to have wins, and I felt like they told all the story that needed to be told. It couldn’t really go anywhere else." This perspective aligns with a growing trend in prestige television where creators prioritize narrative integrity over extending a series purely for commercial longevity, a decision often supported by networks like HBO that value artistic vision.
Levinson’s commitment to authenticity is a cornerstone of Euphoria‘s success and its eventual conclusion. His extensive research into topics like addiction and his own "life experience" deeply informed the show’s gritty realism. This dedication ensured that the portrayal of complex issues remained grounded and compelling, leading to a natural narrative endpoint rather than prolonged, artificial plotlines. The show’s critical acclaim, including multiple Emmy Awards for Zendaya’s portrayal of Rue (making her the youngest two-time Emmy winner for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series), underscored its impact, proving that a focused, impactful narrative can resonate more profoundly than an extended one. The decision to conclude the series allows Euphoria to maintain its artistic integrity, leaving a powerful, albeit often unsettling, legacy of storytelling that will continue to be studied for its groundbreaking approach to difficult subjects and its visual artistry.
Faye’s Future: A Glimmer of Hope Amidst the Darkness
Among the myriad tragic endings for various characters in the Euphoria finale, Faye’s survival and her escape with Wayne offered a rare, albeit fragile, glimmer of hope. Cherry expressed her relief at Faye’s outcome, emphasizing the character’s challenging background. "Faye was just born into an unfortunate situation with her family, where she just doesn’t have any family that she can rely on," Cherry articulated. This lack of foundational support and her limited access to opportunities outside the drug world led her down a perilous path. Faye’s desperation to escape the "murder and the death and the horrible things that come with dealing drugs" drove her final actions. Her decision to speak out, outing Rue’s plan, was not merely an act of betrayal but a desperate attempt to sever ties with a dangerous and exploitative environment, a moment of self-preservation in a life defined by vulnerability.
Cherry envisions a profoundly different future for Faye and Wayne, one rooted in simplicity and peace. Faye’s dream is to "go off, leave and are never around the drugs ever again. ‘We just get to go and live on a farm somewhere.’" This vision represents a complete reversal of her past, a yearning for "a sense of peace and safety and control" that was absent in her tumultuous childhood and young adulthood. Cherry hopes for Wayne to find stable work and for Faye to realize her desire for a family, "to have the babies that she wants to have and that they get to have their house, and they have a very peaceful, simple life." This imagined future for Faye speaks to a universal desire for redemption and stability, even for characters who have navigated the darkest corners of society. It’s a testament to Euphoria‘s capacity to imbue its characters, even those on the fringes, with deeply human aspirations for a better life, providing a much-needed counterpoint to the show’s often harrowing realism.
The Enduring Legacy and Future Possibilities
Euphoria‘s conclusion marks the end of an era for HBO and a significant chapter for its cast and crew. The series has left an indelible mark on popular culture, redefining teen dramas with its unflinching portrayal of adolescence, mental health crises, and the pervasive impact of addiction. Its stylized cinematography, evocative soundtrack, and powerful performances have cemented its place as a seminal work of its time, sparking important conversations about the challenges facing Gen Z. The show’s impact extends beyond entertainment, influencing fashion trends, musical artists, and the broader cultural discourse around youth identity and vulnerability.
For Chloe Cherry, the experience has been nothing short of transformative, launching her into the mainstream and validating her artistic talents in ways she never imagined. Her journey from an unconventional background to a recognized talent on one of television’s most acclaimed shows serves as an inspiring testament to the power of opportunity and self-belief. Her success has paved the way for other roles and expanded her visibility within the industry, solidifying her status as a breakout star. Despite the series’ official conclusion, Cherry remains deeply connected to Faye. When asked about revisiting the character, she unequivocally stated, "Oh, yeah. As long as Sam Levinson’s directing, I’ll revisit Faye anytime in my life. Honestly. I love working with Sam Levinson on Faye. It’s just so much fun." This sentiment highlights the profound bond that can form between an actor, their character, and their director, suggesting that while Euphoria‘s narrative may be complete, the stories and potential futures of its beloved, complex characters may linger on in the imaginations of both its creators and its dedicated audience. The series’ legacy will undoubtedly continue to be debated and celebrated, but for Chloe Cherry, it will forever represent a pivotal chapter of self-discovery and empowerment.
