HBO's new comedy series "I Love LA" starring Rachel Sennott is a messy, self-absorbed portrayal of Los Angeles' creative class. The show was created by Sennott, an internet It Girl known for her modern indistinction between actor and celebrity, and the online sensibility that comes with it.
The series follows the life of Maia, a 27-year-old aspiring talent manager living in LA's affluent neighborhood of Los Feliz. Maia is played by Sennott, who brings to the role her unique blend of contradictions - she's hyper-self aware yet delusional, histrionic yet dead-eyed, and overtly sexual but girlish.
At first glance, "I Love LA" feels like a glossy prestige brand bet on Sennott's popularity, rather than a genuine portrayal of life in Los Angeles. However, as the series progresses, it begins to find its footing, revealing a more nuanced portrait of Maia and her friends.
The supporting cast includes Charlie, a celebrity stylist with a cynical gift for social climbing, Alani, a clueless nepo baby working at her father's production company, and Tallulah, a New York Instagram influencer who blazes back into Maia's life. The chemistry between Sennott and A'Zion, who plays Tallulah, is undeniable, and their scenes together are some of the most enjoyable in the series.
The business of internet celebrity and Hollywood's navel-gazing world can be a tricky combination to capture on screen, but "I Love LA" eventually finds its footing. Director Lorene Scafaria brings an artful, emotionally intuitive approach to the show, and the visuals are refreshing.
While "I Love LA" is not without its flaws - some episodes feel mechanical, and Sennott's Maia can be insufferable at times - it's a bumpy ride that rewards patience. The show's sharp ironies and increasingly textured portrait of Los Angeles' creative class make for compelling viewing.
Ultimately, "I Love LA" is a show about the endless embarrassments and boundless opportunities of celebrity in one's 20s. It's a portrayal that feels both timely and timeless, and Sennott's performance at its center makes it impossible to look away.
The series follows the life of Maia, a 27-year-old aspiring talent manager living in LA's affluent neighborhood of Los Feliz. Maia is played by Sennott, who brings to the role her unique blend of contradictions - she's hyper-self aware yet delusional, histrionic yet dead-eyed, and overtly sexual but girlish.
At first glance, "I Love LA" feels like a glossy prestige brand bet on Sennott's popularity, rather than a genuine portrayal of life in Los Angeles. However, as the series progresses, it begins to find its footing, revealing a more nuanced portrait of Maia and her friends.
The supporting cast includes Charlie, a celebrity stylist with a cynical gift for social climbing, Alani, a clueless nepo baby working at her father's production company, and Tallulah, a New York Instagram influencer who blazes back into Maia's life. The chemistry between Sennott and A'Zion, who plays Tallulah, is undeniable, and their scenes together are some of the most enjoyable in the series.
The business of internet celebrity and Hollywood's navel-gazing world can be a tricky combination to capture on screen, but "I Love LA" eventually finds its footing. Director Lorene Scafaria brings an artful, emotionally intuitive approach to the show, and the visuals are refreshing.
While "I Love LA" is not without its flaws - some episodes feel mechanical, and Sennott's Maia can be insufferable at times - it's a bumpy ride that rewards patience. The show's sharp ironies and increasingly textured portrait of Los Angeles' creative class make for compelling viewing.
Ultimately, "I Love LA" is a show about the endless embarrassments and boundless opportunities of celebrity in one's 20s. It's a portrayal that feels both timely and timeless, and Sennott's performance at its center makes it impossible to look away.