Kill Bill, Psycho, and Other Classic Horror Movie References in Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Taste’ Music Video

Sabrina Carpenter’s music video for her single “Taste” is a striking homage to classic horror cinema, blending elements of graphic violence with dark comedy. Featuring Jenna Ortega, the video unfolds a violent yet humorously charged feud between the two characters over a romantic interest. This visual spectacle is infused with nods to some of Hollywood’s most iconic horror films, cleverly reimagined with playful twists.

Death Becomes Her

A prominent reference in “Taste” is the 1992 dark comedy Death Becomes Her. The video’s grand, eerie mansion mirrors the opulent yet ominous setting of the film. This mansion is central to the narrative, much like in Death Becomes Her, where it becomes a stage for extravagant and macabre events.

In a direct nod to the film, a scene features Carpenter being thrown off a balcony and impaled on a fence, resulting in a gaping abdominal wound. For viewers familiar with Death Becomes Her, this injury is a humorous homage to the film’s absurd depiction of immortality and injury, where characters repeatedly suffer and recover from grievous wounds due to a potion of eternal life.

The video’s storyline continues this homage, with Carpenter being revived from injuries such as having her arm severed, paralleling the film's irreverent approach to life-threatening scenarios. The climax, where Carpenter and Ortega seem to reconcile, echoes the film’s resolution, where Streep and Hawn, despite their grotesque appearances, share a moment of camaraderie.

Kill Bill

Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill is another clear influence in “Taste”. Ortega’s character, dressed as a nurse with an eye patch, closely resembles Elle Driver (Daryl Hannah) from the film. Additionally, a brutal scene where Carpenter stabs Ortega in the eye echoes Kill Bill's intense violence, reflecting the film's unflinching depiction of revenge and injury.

Child’s Play

The Child’s Play series, known for the killer doll Chucky, is referenced through a scene where Carpenter uses a voodoo doll to control Ortega. This nod to the supernatural horror series takes a darkly playful turn when Ortega retaliates by burning a voodoo doll of Carpenter, causing her to burst into flames.

Psycho

Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho is honored in a scene where Carpenter, wielding a knife, discovers Ortega and her lover in a shower. This sequence clearly pays homage to the iconic Psycho shower scene, although it escalates into a dramatic confrontation rather than ending with a fatal outcome. Instead of a static body, the scene progresses with Ortega violently attacking Carpenter.

Beetlejuice 2

While “Taste” does not explicitly reference the upcoming Beetlejuice sequel, it does feature visual elements reminiscent of the film’s first-look images, including a funeral scene. Beetlejuice 2, scheduled for release on September 6, 2024, stars Ortega as Astrid Deez, Lydia’s daughter, and the video's final scene subtly hints at the sequel’s aesthetic.

Sabrina Carpenter’s “Taste” is a rich tapestry of classic horror references, combining elements from iconic films with a unique and humorous twist that makes it a visually compelling experience for movie enthusiasts.