Sabrina Carpenter’smusic video for her song “Taste” references famous movies, especially a Meryl Streep cult classic from 1992.Carpenter’s video also stars Jenna Ortega, an actor closely associated with modern horror. Both Ortega andCarpenter’s TV and film careersbegan on shows on the Disney Channel, and now, they’ve collaborated past their days with the House of Mouse. The “Taste” music video premiered in late August 2023 and has53 million views on YouTube, at the time of writing.
In “Taste,” Carpenter taunts Ortega’s character, telling her that the man she is currently dating was her lover once too. The themes of the song revolve around shared lovers, sexual histories, and marking someone’s territory in a relationship.Carpenter’s video references many movies, honoring classic camp and horror films. However, there isone1992 Meryl Streep film that the “Taste” video draws clear inspiration from.
The Taste Music Video References Robert Zemeckis' Death Becomes Her
The Film Starred Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, And Bruce Willis
Robert Zemeckis' 1992 filmDeath Becomes HerstarsMeryl Streep and Goldie Hawn astwo immortal women trying to kill each other. Much like the girls in the music video, Streep’s Madeline and Hawn’s Helen are fighting over a shared lover, played by Bruce Willis. Their issues stem from a complicated past, though by the end of the film, they have bonded over their trauma, sharing jokes about their former love interest, who has passed away.
Other thematic and smaller details are homages to the film. Both Carpenter and Streep have iconic blonde hairstyles. The setting of Madeline and Helen’s fight, a large foyer in a mansion, is similar to the part of the house where Carpenter and Ortega wrestle. They both include comical and over-the-top stunts with memorable body violence. Also, in the clearest reference toDeath Becomes Her, bothCarpenter and Hawn get large holes in their torso from the battle, becoming an iconic image from both projects.
The Music Video Nods To Other Films As Well
There Are Lots Of Movie References In The Music Video
WhileDeath Becomes Heris the reference for much of the video, there aremany other film references in the “Taste” music video. Among these is a reference to the filmGinger Snaps, which also features impalement on a yard fence.Kill Billis also honored, as Ortega wearsElle Driver’s iconic nurse outfit. In this hospital part of the video, Ortega holds defibrillator paddles to Carpenter’s head, which is a means of murder inScream 4. Most recognizably, Carpenter rips open a shower curtain with a knife, stabbing at Ortega and her lover, in a direct reference toPsycho.
Death Becomes Heris available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
Within the three-minute music video, Carpenter is able to jam in many movie references, making the video a detailed and extensive project.Carpenter and Ortega also cemented their professional relationship, even hinting at sapphic undertones.Sabrina Carpenter’s “Taste” music video is a thoughtful homage to horror comedies, especially Meryl Streep’s 1992 cult classicDeath Becomes Her.
Death Becomes Her
Cast
In Death Becomes Her, directed by Robert Zemeckis, Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn play rivals who discover a potion granting eternal youth, leading to unforeseen consequences. Bruce Willis stars as the beleaguered spouse caught in their tumultuous, supernatural competition.
