By: Haley Bosselman By: Haley Bosselman | August 23, 2021 | Culture
Teen pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo explores her saccharine teen angst with the drop of a new music video.
In album opener “Brutal,” the Disney actress laments over modern world anxieties and her inability to parallel park. It features her embodying a host of personas in a choose-your-player “Brutal” video game that coalesces Y2K and TikTok era aesthetics. In one scene that Cher Horowitz would likely approve, Snapchat filter-like tears stream down Rodrigo’s face while sitting in biology class.
“Brutal” is the fourth music video from“Sour,” which was released in May by Geffen Records. It was directed by Petra Collins, who has collaborated with pop peers Carly Rae Jepsen, Cardi B and Selena Gomez. The two previously worked together on “good 4 u” video, which notably features Rodrigo carrying out an arsonist scheme.
In her previous releases, Rodrigo muses about her broken heart. This time around, she’s all in on the trials of adolescence, proclaiming that “I’m so insecure I think that I’ll die before I drink.”
But art is cathartic, and making the video ultimately was a joyful experience for the 18-year-old artist.
“Brutal music video is out now! Had the best time ever making this. so so so grateful for @petrafcollins who constantly inspires me and who directed this video so incredibly,” Rodrigo wrote on Instagram.
What’s more, Collins’ brought her trademark dreamy style to the video, likely strengthened by shooting campaigns for the likes of Gucci, Adidas and Nordstrom. Even amidst Rodrigo’s harsh, emotive declarations, Collins softens the scenes with halo lighting and a feminine color palette.
As Rodrigo has done for much of this album cycle, “Brutal” drips in early aughts fashion. With actor Nico Hiraga lounging in the background of one scene, she dons royal blue lace-up pants and a sparkling “Baby Girl”-emblazoned black tank.
The big finale scopes in on Rodrigo stomping around the mall parking lot. Looking like a Bratz doll come to life, her plaid set is offset by chunky, knee-high combat boots and gradient pink Chanel sunglasses. Maybe seeing the world through rose-colored lenses will help find her teenage dream.
See all of Rodrigo’s looks in the full video below.
Photography by: Courtesy: Geffen Records/ YouTube
