Sabrina Carpenter and Jenna Ortega’s latest music video, “Taste,” is a masterclass in pop culture homage, blending the worlds of horror cinema and contemporary music into a visually rich narrative. Directed by a visionary newcomer in the music video industry, this project has quickly captured the fascination of viewers worldwide, trending across platforms for its stylistic boldness and intricate homage to classic horror films. The video not only highlights Carpenter and Ortega’s charismatic performances but also serves as a canvas for an array of meticulously crafted cinematic allusions, making it a standout piece in both artists’ careers.

From the outset, “Taste” sets itself apart with its dark, evocative imagery that echoes the chilling atmospheres of beloved horror films. Each scene is a carefully constructed tableau, filled with easter eggs that invite viewers to engage in a sort of visual scavenger hunt, piecing together references from a variety of cult classics. This approach not only enriches the viewing experience but also bridges the gap between music video and cinematic narrative, offering a layered exploration of genre and aesthetics. The inclusion of Jenna Ortega, known for her roles in genre-defining projects like “Wednesday” and the “Scream” series, further cements the video’s credibility and appeal among horror enthusiasts.

The video’s clever integration of iconic horror motifs does more than entertain; it educates and engages its audience, inviting a deeper appreciation of the horror genre’s rich history and its influence on contemporary media. By weaving these elements seamlessly into the visuals, Carpenter and Ortega provide fans with a rich tapestry of horror references to unravel, while also celebrating the enduring impact.

The video’s opening scene immediately sets the tone with a clear homage to Death Becomes Her, featuring Carpenter and Ortega in glamorous yet eerie settings that mirror the film’s themes of vanity and immortality. From there, the video seamlessly transitions into other horror-inspired visuals, each one paying tribute to a different classic film. Let’s break down all the horror movie references in Taste.

Unpack the layers of horror and homage in the “Taste” music video with our guide to the seven key movie references included below:

Death Becomes Her

The essence of “Taste” is heavily influenced by the 1992 dark comedy “Death Becomes Her,” featuring Goldie Hawn and Meryl Streep. This influence is most apparent in the thematic core of the video, which revolves around two immortal women locked in an eternal struggle over a man, reminiscent of the movie’s central conflict. Additionally, the video’s costume design nods to the iconic looks from the film, enhancing the parallel between the characters’ immortal tug-of-war and the stylish, darkly comedic tone of the original movie.

One of the standout scenes in “Taste” is the shotgun sequence, a clear homage to “Death Becomes Her.” This sequence mirrors the memorable scene where a character sports a gaping hole in her stomach, complete with a visually similar shot that peers through the hole in Sabrina Carpenter’s torso, cleverly echoing Goldie Hawn’s line about her shocking midriff void. This direct visual quote adds a layer of dark humor and cinematic reverence to the video.

Midway through the video, a particularly steamy makeout scene seems to draw inspiration from a tense moment in “Death Becomes Her,” where a confrontational dialogue teases a kiss that’s charged with both threat and allure. The video cleverly twists this dialogue into a literal visual moment, deepening the connection between the video’s narrative and the film’s thematic elements of rivalry and undying tension.

Ginger Snaps

This 2000 cult favorite is referenced when Carpenter dramatically falls onto a white picket fence, defiantly flipping the bird, reminiscent of the film’s darkly comedic take on werewolf lore and teenage angst.

Kill Bill

Jenna Ortega pays tribute to iconic film characters with her portrayal, notably channeling Elle Driver from Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill Vol. 1,” complete with the character’s signature red-cross eye patch. This reference is not only a nod to Tarantino’s stylized violence but also blends elements from Ortega’s role in the “Scream” series, particularly recalling a scene from “Scream 4” involving a defibrillator.

The intertextual play extends to visual style as well, with fonts and title designs in the video that evoke the distinct typography of “Pulp Fiction,” further cementing Tarantino’s influence on the video’s aesthetic.

The Addams Family Values

With Ortega’s recent success in “Wednesday,” it’s fitting that “Taste” alludes to “The Addams Family Values.” The video echoes the flamboyant mischief of Debbie Jelinsky, particularly through its dramatic costuming and Ortega’s charismatic presence.

Psycho

Alfred Hitchcock’s pioneering horror film is honored with a reinvention of the iconic shower scene, turning the classic moment on its head with a modern twist that plays into the video’s overarching theme of unexpected inversions.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

A blood-soaked chainsaw isn’t the only homage here; it’s the cinematography—reminiscent of Tobe Hooper’s use of harsh lighting and lens flares—that truly cements this reference, enhancing the video’s gritty, unsettling atmosphere.

Halloween Ends

In a meta twist, the boyfriend in the music video is played by Rohan Campbell, known for his role in “Halloween Ends.” This casting choice adds another layer of genre savvy to the video, enriching its intertextual playfulness.

Bonus: “Please, Please, Please

in a subtle nod to her dedicated fanbase, “Taste” opens with a playful reference to Sabrina Carpenter’s earlier work. The video starts with a teddy bear adorned with kiss-marked duct tape, directly mirroring an iconic accessory worn by Barry Keoghan in the music video for Carpenter’s song “Please, Please, Please.” This Easter egg serves as a delightful treat for longtime fans, weaving a thread of continuity through her visual and musical repertoire, enriching the viewing experience with a personal touch from Carpenter’s broader artistic universe.

The Taste music video doesn’t just reference these films for the sake of nostalgia; it uses them to amplify the song’s themes of obsession, desire, and the darker side of human nature. Carpenter and Ortega’s performances are both playful and intense, perfectly capturing the spirit of the horror films they pay tribute to while adding their own unique twist.

Sabrina Carpenter and Jenna Ortega’s Taste music video is a masterclass in blending pop culture with classic horror. By incorporating references to some of the most iconic films in the genre, the video not only pays homage to the past but also breathes new life into these timeless themes. Whether you’re a fan of horror, pop music, or both, Taste offers a visually stunning experience that is sure to resonate long after the final note plays. For those who appreciate the art of subtlety and homage, this video is a must-watch.

sources: w-magazine, the wrap

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