Sabrina Carpenter’s “Taste” Music Video: A Horror-Filled Homage to Classic Cinema

sabrina carpenter's new music video for taste

Sabrina Carpenter's new music video for "Taste" is a visually stunning tribute to classic horror films, blending dark humor with a playful, campy style. 

Directed by Dave Meyers, the video is a feast for horror enthusiasts, filled with nods to iconic movies like Psycho, Death Becomes Her, and Kill Bill. As Carpenter and co-star Jenna Ortega engage in a macabre cat-and-mouse game, the video transforms gruesome scenes into a darkly humorous spectacle, turning horror into something both chilling and entertaining.

The video opens with a viewer advisory warning about explicit content and “graphic violence,” immediately setting the tone for the twisted fun that follows. Yet, despite the grim warning, the video is far from terrifying. Instead, it cleverly mixes horror with humor, making even the most violent scenes feel like a playful cartoon.

One of the most significant influences on "Taste" is the 1992 cult classic Death Becomes Her, directed by Robert Zemeckis. In this film, two women, played by Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn, engage in a fantastical battle over immortality, ultimately forming an unlikely friendship. Carpenter’s video pays homage to this with a narrative that sees her and Ortega repeatedly killing and reviving each other, a clear nod to the film’s themes of rivalry and resurrection. The visual style and over-the-top antics in the video perfectly capture the spirit of Death Becomes Her, blending dark themes with a satirical edge.

Carpenter doesn’t stop at just one reference, though. The video also includes scenes reminiscent of Psycho’s iconic shower scene, Tarantino’s Kill Bill with its eye-patch-wearing nurse, and even lesser-known films like Ginger Snaps, a 2000 Canadian horror movie about two sisters transforming into werewolves. These cinematic nods are not just mere imitations; they’re reimagined with Carpenter’s unique style, adding layers of meaning and a fresh perspective to these beloved scenes.

In a particularly intriguing moment, the video features a gravestone with the inscription “In loving memory of Beloved Boyfriend,” hinting at a possible reference to Shawn Mendes, who, like Carpenter, was born in 1998. This playful speculation adds another layer of intrigue to the video, inviting fans to decode its many mysteries.

As Carpenter sings her warning to an ex-boyfriend’s new love, the video unfolds like a twisted fairy tale, where the characters’ repeated deaths and resurrections are portrayed with a mix of horror and hilarity. The final scenes, which subtly reference the upcoming Beetlejuice sequel, leave viewers with a sense of anticipation for what’s to come in both cinema and Carpenter’s evolving artistry.

In “Taste,” Sabrina Carpenter not only showcases her talent as a musician but also as a storyteller who knows how to weave together horror, humor, and heart. The video is a testament to her creativity and a must-watch for anyone who loves a good cinematic Easter egg hunt.