The iconic phrase “The rats don’t run this city, we do!” became a rallying cry for New Yorkers two years ago, born from a sense of amusement over the absurd comments made by city officials. In that vein, Mayor Eric Adams suggested reductions to the budget for public libraries as well as appointing the first official “rat czar.” Ariana Grande captures this spirit in her latest music video in which Max Starling, played by Penn Badgley and depicted as the newly-elected mayor, tackles the rat issue by releasing stray cats to curb the rodent menace. Grande herself is depicted endorsing this controversial reference by stating, “Fuck those rats.”
Grande is making a comeback with a New York City narrative, paralleling her so-called “villain era.” She was embroiled in controversy last year over her eyebrow-raising romance with Wicked co-star Ethan Slater, which sparked a media frenzy and accusations of home-wrecking (she was labelled as “not a girl’s girl” by Slater’s wife as per Page Six). In her track “the boy is mine,” she takes on the role of a femme fatale, a nod to her media portrayal. “I’m usually so unproblematic,” she intones, acknowledging the messy situation but owning her actions: “But I can’t ignore my heart,” capping the verse with her decision to pursue the “boy” despite the circumstances.
In the music video for her “bad girl anthem”, Grande personifies a supervillain, specifically Catwoman, while Penn Badgley gets to invert his You persona, from predator to prey, as Grande’s character prowls after him. What ensues is a dynamic twist on the stalker narrative, with Grande as the relentless pursuer and Badgley enjoying the attention. The narrative circles with a satirical happily-ever-after, as Grande and Badgley embrace their unconventional romance amidst a legion of cats. Additionally, a clever cameo by Brandy and Monica offers a tip of the hat to the classic ’90s tune that shares the video’s title, playing as slightly too optimistic newscasters about the possibilities of real change under Mayor Starling.
Grande’s album eternal sunshine made a smashing entry at the top of the Billboard 200 upon its release in March, becoming her sixth album to do so. Hits like “yes, and?” and “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” landed at the pinnacle of the Billboard’s Hot 100, solidifying Grande as the female artist with the most number one debuts. Nevertheless, with the impending Popacalypse, featuring a deluge of new music from other female pop icons, Grande’s eternal sunshine didn’t quite capture the collective fixation as contemporaries like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Billie Eilish. However, with the public’s attentive ears tuning in to “the boy is mine”, Grande might just recapture that adoration that first enamored her audience to her R&B-fused pop offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role does Penn Badgley play in Ariana Grande’s newest music video?
In the video for “The Boy Is Mine,” Penn Badgley portrays newly-elected mayor Max Starling, who is the target of obsessive attention from Ariana Grande’s character.
What thematic element does Ariana Grande tackle in her single “the boy is mine”?
Ariana Grande’s single “the boy is mine” engages with themes of media perception and infamy, where she embraces the femme fatale persona that has been projected onto her.
Has “eternal sunshine,” Grande’s latest album, been a commercial success?
Yes, “eternal sunshine” debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and features hits that have topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, continuing Grande’s streak of successful releases.