When Rihanna’s ‘We Found Love’ was first released some people noted and speculated the song’s lyrics dabbled a bit into the singer’s turbulent relationship with former boyfriend Chris Brown.
Although some whispers were made, they never were strong enough and they soon vanished into thin air. It wasn’t until the song’s almost 5-minute long music video was released yesterday, that even louder and conspicuous whispers began to buzz.
No one can fault all the whispers, considering that it’s clear as daylight that the video is romanticizing the 23-year-old’s past toxic relationship with Brown. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not by any means complaining about the singer using her past experience with abuse for artistic expression. I’m quite ok with it, it makes for thrilling viewing — as long as no one is getting hurt in the process. In fact she’s sending a powerful message to anyone in an abusive relationship. In a nutshell she is merely saying that, that kind of environment is not healthy, get out as fast as you can.
Reminiscent of Danny Boyle’s disgustingly glorious movie ‘Trainspotting’, the morose video opens with an extended intro that features the narration of model Agyness Deyn. As the British model utters the words, “It”s like you’re screaming but no one can hear. You almost feel ashamed that someone could be that important, that without them, you feel like nothing…”, a punkish Rihanna and Chris Brown’s twin brother, excuse me! I mean English model Dudley O’Shaughnessy, are seen getting raunchy in multiple scenes taken from different events in their life together, including them getting steamy in a bathtub.
Subsequently, the song kicks into full gear, and what follows in an adrenaline filled feast for the eyes. The two hooligan lovers engage in careless substance abuse, mindless partying, and shoplifting. While they are not getting high on each other, Ri and her green-eyed lover are busy getting violent with one another. In one standout scene the two are spotted having a heated argument in a car.
By the end, Rihanna decides that she has had enough and bravingly walks out on her lover, who is lying on the floor out cold. It all proves to be very hard for Rihanna, as in the last scene she shows her vulnerable side, crying in the corner of a dark room.
The video was directed by Melina Matsoukas, who has collaborated with the singer before on other racy videos such as ‘S&M’ and ‘Rude Boy’. The video runs in contrast to its two colourful predecessors, by surprisingly taking a dark look at love and it works. This ranks right up there with some of Rihanna’s best videos. The storyline is fitting and gripping, Rihanna’s performance is convincing and the clip is very cinematic.
Checkout more of Riri and her blonde-haired lover below:
