Our Take on Proud — Beautiful But Hollow
A visually stunning series that struggles to find depth.
About Proud
- Platform: Max (HBO)
- Release Date:
- IMDb Rating: 4.2/10
- Genres: Drama
The story of Filip, a young and irresponsible gay man who lives with the conviction that the world belongs to him and that this will never change. He is brazen, unpunished, thoughtless, impatient, beautiful, and young. He compensates for his inner lack of self-confidence with arrogance, admiration in others' eyes, and a job as a model. When a family tragedy strikes, his entire world is turned upside down.
WatchThisFlix Review
By WatchThisFlix Editorial Team
HBO Max's 'Proud' follows the chaotic life of Filip, an impetuous young man reveling in the superficial perks of youth and beauty. As a model, Filip (played by the striking but underutilized Alexei Martin) enjoys a lifestyle filled with glamour and admiration. Underneath this facade, however, lies a profound lack of self-confidence, which Filip masks with arrogance and a dismissive attitude towards those around him.
The show's premise, revolving around a personal tragedy that forces Filip to reevaluate his life, promises a character-driven drama. Yet, this promise falters as the series unfolds. The narrative is unable to escape clichés, often resorting to predictable tropes instead of delving into Filip's psyche with the nuance it deserves.
While 'Proud' boasts a stunning visual aesthetic, capturing the opulence of the modeling world with precision, it fails to back up its glossy exterior with substantive storytelling. The script, unfortunately, does little to support the show's potential, with dialogue that often feels forced and characters that lack depth beyond their surface-level attributes.
However, there are moments where 'Proud' shines. The supporting cast, including the standout performance of Marissa Blake as Filip's grounded and empathetic sister, brings much-needed warmth and relatability to the series. Her character's dynamic with Filip introduces fleeting but genuine emotional stakes, making their scenes together some of the series' most engaging.
Yet, these bright spots are too infrequent to carry the series. 'Proud' seems undecided about whether it wants to be a sharp critique of the superficiality in the modeling world or a heartfelt exploration of personal growth and acceptance. This indecision leaves the series feeling disjointed.
For viewers who appreciate visually driven storytelling and are willing to overlook narrative shortcomings, 'Proud' might offer enough allure. But those looking for a drama with depth and complexity may find themselves disappointed.
In summary, 'Proud' is a beautifully shot series with an intriguing premise that ultimately doesn't deliver the emotional impact it aims for. It's a show that teeters on the edge of being something more meaningful but never quite gets there.
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