A Sinister Tribute to ‘Death Becomes Her’
The “Taste” music video is a gruesome homage to the 1992 black comedy Death Becomes Her, which starred Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn. In the film, two women become immortal and engage in an endless, violent rivalry over a man. Carpenter and Ortega bring this plot to life with a modern twist, swapping out the immortality potion for a vengeful battle over an ex-boyfriend.
The video opens with Carpenter eerily singing a lullaby, setting the tone for the chaos to come. Armed with a machete, she sneaks into her ex-boyfriend’s house, only to discover that his new girlfriend, played by Ortega, is waiting to strike. What follows is a blood-soaked cat-and-mouse game, complete with hospital defibrillators, voodoo dolls, and even a chainsaw.
Carpenter and Ortega’s MV Chemistry
As the video unfolds, the tension between Carpenter and Ortega’s characters reaches a fever pitch. The two engage in a series of increasingly violent confrontations, each attempting to outdo the other in a battle for their shared love interest. The climax arrives when Ortega accidentally kills the boyfriend, leading to an unexpected twist: the two rivals share a passionate kiss by the pool !?
Their chemistry is palpable, with Ortega bringing her horror chops from roles in Wednesday and the Scream franchise, and Carpenter showcasing her versatility as an actress and musician. Fans have praised the duo’s performances, with one (thirsty fans) commenting, “The kiss, the outfits, the plot—omg I think we’ve found ourselves a winner you guys.”
Behind the Scenes: Bringing the Vision to Life
The mastermind behind the “Taste” music video is director Dave Meyers, known for his work on Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy.” The collaboration between Carpenter and Ortega wasn’t just a casting choice; it was a meeting of minds. Carpenter revealed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that Ortega was a fan of Death Becomes Her, making her the perfect choice for the role.
“[The video] was inspired by one of my favorite films, and she was a huge fan of the film,” Carpenter explained. “I’m so excited for you guys to see this video, you have no idea. I think it’s my favorite one I’ve ever done.”
The video also features meticulous attention to detail, with nods to classic Hollywood aesthetics from the ’60s and ’90s. Carpenter’s love for these eras is evident, not just in the visual elements but in the overall vibe of her Short n’ Sweet album, which she describes as “flirty and fun.”
The Music Behind the Mayhem
“Taste” is the third single from Short n’ Sweet, following the success of “Espresso” and “Please Please Please.” The song itself is a biting commentary on love and jealousy, with lyrics like, “I heard you’re back together and if that’s true / You’ll just have to taste me when he’s kissin’ you,” encapsulating the bitter rivalry depicted in the video.
The album marks a significant evolution in Carpenter’s career, showcasing her growth as an artist with full creative control. “It does really feel like a self-titled album to me, in a weird way,” she told Fallon. “It really just feels like all of these stories and memories—just very blunt, very forward, very fun and just some of the best memories I’ve had.”
A Cult Classic in the Making?
With its dark humor, stunning visuals, and unforgettable performances, the “Taste” music video has all the makings of a cult classic in its own right. The collab between Sabrina Carpenter and Jenna Ortega, set against the backdrop of a Death Becomes Her-inspired narrative, has resonated with fans and critics alike.
As Carpenter prepares to take her new music on tour, it’s clear that Short n’ Sweet is poised to be a defining moment in her career, with the “Taste” music video as one of its crowning achievements. Whether you’re a fan of horror, dark comedy, or just great music, this video is a must-watch.
