Sabrina Carpenter’s music video for her song “Taste” is a horror fan’s dream, packed with chilling nods to some of the genre’s most iconic films - all brought to life alongside co-star Jenna Ortega. If you caught these clever references, you know Carpenter and Ortega didn’t just drop a spooky music video; they crafted a full-on horror homage!
Here’s a breakdown of the most unforgettable movie moments that inspired the video:
1. Death Becomes Her (1992)
Directed by Robert Zemeckis
The video kicks off with a direct nod to one of horror-comedy’s most iconic scenes - a giant shotgun blast leaving a massive hole through Carpenter’s torso, just like Madeline’s attack on Helen. Carpenter and Ortega also wear sleek black dresses reminiscent of the funeral fashion in the film. The playful banter about “kiss me on the–” mirrors the movie’s dark humor perfectly.
2. Ginger Snaps (2000)
Directed by John Fawcett
Ortega’s character shoots Carpenter out an open window, who lands impaled on a white picket fence - a perfect reenactment of Ginger Snaps’ grim photo staging. Carpenter’s retaliatory middle finger and knife-to-the-eye move echo the sisters’ edgy rebelliousness in this cult werewolf classic.
3. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
Directed by Quentin Tarantino
While Carpenter recovers in the hospital, Ortega appears dressed as Elle Driver, the ruthless one-eyed assassin. It’s a chilling homage to Tarantino’s revenge saga, although thankfully, there’s no eerie whistling here!
4. Pulp Fiction (1994)
Directed by Quentin Tarantino
The font style used throughout “Taste” is a subtle tip of the hat to Tarantino’s 1994 classic Pulp Fiction, tying the video to his distinct visual and narrative style.
5. Psycho (1960)
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
One of the most famous horror scenes of all time is referenced when Carpenter opens a shower door wielding a knife. The twist? The boyfriend screams in terror - flipping the script on the classic Janet Leigh moment.
6. Halloween Ends (2022)
Directed by David Gordon Green
Rohan Campbell, who played Corey Cunningham in Halloween Ends, is cast here as the bewildered male victim, a refreshing flip of the usual horror victim role. Campbell’s presence connects Carpenter’s video to modern horror in a clever way.
7. Addams Family Values (1993)
Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld
Carpenter’s feather-adorned white outfit nods to Joan Cusack’s murderous character Debbie Jellinsky. With Ortega now firmly established in the Addams Family universe through Netflix’s Wednesday, this homage feels especially fitting.
8. Child’s Play (1998)
Directed by Don Mancini
Carpenter uses a voodoo doll to control Ortega, just like the supernatural manipulation often seen with killer dolls like Chucky. But the twist is Ortega’s own voodoo doll of Carpenter, leading to fiery revenge.
9. Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Directed by Karyn Kusama
The video includes a steamy kiss between Carpenter and Ortega, followed by a brutal chainsaw attack in an abandoned pool - all clear references to this cult queer horror classic about possession and female fury.
10. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
Directed by Tobe Hooper
A bloody chainsaw murder set in harsh summer sunlight with signature lens flares echoes Hooper’s seminal slasher film, paying tribute to the raw terror and iconic imagery of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
11. Beetlejuice 2 (2024)
Directed by Tim Burton
While not a direct reference, the final funeral scene shots in “Taste” resemble first-look images from the upcoming Beetlejuice 2, teasing the cult classic sequel with an eerie vibe.
Bonus Easter Egg: Please Please Please (2024)
Carpenter’s previous video paid homage to Quentin Tarantino’s style, and fans will spot a teddy bear with kiss-marked duct tape - a callback to actor Barry Keoghan’s character from that earlier video.
Sabrina Carpenter’s “Taste” music video is a masterclass in horror homage, blending scares, style, and camp with a killer soundtrack. Whether you’re a die-hard horror buff or just love clever pop culture references, this video is worth a deep dive and maybe a rewatch or two!
