PARK CITY, Utah – Dominic Fike, known for his role in HBO’s hit series “Euphoria,” discussed his experiences playing a character struggling with drug addiction on the show and his new film “Little Death” at the Sundance Film Festival. Fike, who has been open about his real-life addiction struggles, found it easier to portray a drug addict in “Little Death” due to his friendship with the film’s director, Jack Begert.
Speaking at the Variety Studio presented by Audible, Fike admitted, “I’ve done that before, like acted like a drug addict. I actually am a pretty big drug addict myself, believe it or not.” While working on “Euphoria,” Fike had a sober coach provided to him, but he didn’t find it helpful. However, collaborating with Begert on “Little Death” made the process much smoother and more relatable.
Fike played Elliot, a drug user, in the second season of “Euphoria,” and his character became entangled in a love triangle. Reflecting on the show, Fike mentioned that he would be open to returning for the third season, although he admitted he doesn’t communicate with the show’s creators anymore.
In “Little Death,” Fike stars alongside Talia Ryder as a taco trunk owner searching for his next opioid fix. The film also features David Schwimmer as a Hollywood screenwriter experiencing a midlife crisis. The team behind the movie aims to find distribution opportunities after its premiere at Sundance.
Director Jack Begert wanted to showcase a different perspective on drug addiction in “Little Death.” He stated, “I think so many people get defined completely as addicts and that’s not how I look at people. That’s sort of what I was trying to do with the movie.” Actress Gabby Hoffman added her thoughts on the issue, expressing the concern of the pharmaceutical industry profiting from addiction and the devastating impact it has on society.
The conversation between the movie’s director and cast delved into the complexities of drug addiction and the need for a more nuanced understanding of the people affected by it. The film, centered on empathy and the portrayal of addiction, prompts viewers to reflect on the societal factors contributing to the crisis.
In conclusion, Dominic Fike’s experiences playing a drug addict in both “Euphoria” and “Little Death” highlight his ability to bring authenticity to his roles. His friendship with director Jack Begert facilitated a deeper understanding of addiction. “Little Death,” seeking distribution, aims to challenge the perception of addicts while shedding light on the pharmaceutical industry’s role in the crisis.