The Dark Side of Fandom: Exploring Idol Worship in Donald Glover’s “Swarm”
Donald Glover, the creative mind behind “Atlanta,” delves into the unsettling depths of obsessive fandom in his new project, “Swarm.”
The series centers on Dre (Dominique Fishback), who shares a home with her sister Marissa (Chloe Bailey). Both are devoted fans of mega-pop star Ni’Jah. However, Dre’s obsession transcends typical fandom. She manages a fan account on Twitter, attends every concert, and is willing to do anything for her idol. Following Marissa’s mysterious death, Dre embarks on a cross-country journey, fueled by grief and rage, targeting anyone who dares to question Ni’Jah’s talent.
Rory Culkin in a scene from “Swarm”
The Impact of Social Media on Fandom
The pervasive influence of social media and the internet on our minds is undeniable. The entertainment industry has also undergone a transformation. While artists once enjoyed widespread admiration and maintained an air of mystery, their every move is now scrutinized by countless digital eyes.
While established artists with robust legal teams are relatively shielded from scandal, ordinary users can face severe consequences for minor transgressions. Blackmail, threats, and leaked personal information are increasingly common. The question of how to address such fanatical obsession remains a pressing concern.
Dominique Fishback as Dre in a scene from “Swarm”
“Swarm”: A Satirical Look at Obsession
In “Swarm,” Glover, alongside Janine Nabers (“Unreal”), draws inspiration from Beyoncé and her devoted fanbase, the “BeyHive.” The series explores the world through Dre’s eyes, a young woman with a dark and traumatic past that she chooses to ignore. Ni’Jah, a thinly veiled stand-in for Beyoncé, becomes the object of Dre’s twisted affection. With a similar aesthetic of “mother of all living things,” elaborate music videos, and an intense online following, Ni’Jah embodies the modern pop idol. Dre dedicates herself to Ni’Jah, sacrificing her own identity and eliminating anyone who dares to criticize her “queen.”
Dominique Fishback as Dre in a scene from “Swarm”
The Price of Idolization
“Who’s your favorite artist?” Dre asks before each act of violence. The only acceptable answer is Ni’Jah. The methods of execution vary, from baseball bats to strangulation. Fishback delivers a remarkable performance as Dre, capturing the character’s complexities and embodying the spirit of a generation. Glover and Nabers craft a satirical tragicomedy that serves as a social commentary, ambitious and entertaining but often resorting to generalizations. While the series offers intriguing insights, it falls short of delving into deeper psychological complexities, hinting at underlying family issues but failing to fully explore them.
A scene from “Swarm”
Meta-Commentary and Unexpected Cameos
Glover and his team openly draw parallels to Beyoncé, even recreating a real-life incident where Ni’Jah is bitten by an overzealous fan. Towards the end, the series introduces a meta-narrative, presenting Dre as a serial killer whose crimes inspired the show itself. While “Swarm” doesn’t quite achieve the desired blend of Haneke’s “The Piano Teacher” and Scorsese’s “The King of Comedy,” it offers a relevant and cautionary tale for zoomers and other internet users, reminiscent of a modern-day “Carrie.” The series features cameos from Rory Culkin and influencer Rickey Thompson, as well as an unexpected debut from Billie Eilish, who chillingly portrays a cult leader.
“Did you hurt someone? Very good,” Eilish’s character smiles. Dre, like an energy vampire, clings to her delusional reality, her strength waning. Her only hope lies in either God or Ni’Jah, who may offer forgiveness and a chance at a happy ending that will likely never come.