The unexpected happened: Cillian Murphy, the enigmatic star ofPeaky Blinders, appears in Taylor Swift’s latest music video. It’s a collaboration that sent ripples of surprise and delight through the internet, a testament to a spontaneous idea born from a late-night talk show appearance.
The story began last October onThe Graham Norton Show. Swift, promoting her then-new album, found herself alongside Murphy, Lewis Capaldi, Domhnall Gleeson, Greta Lee, and Jodie Turner-Smith. A playful comment from Gleeson – a simple wish to be in one of her videos – sparked a creative epiphany for Swift.
She envisioned a unique project, a kind of celebrity “Avengers Assemble” moment, bringing together the entire Graham Norton lineup. Swift recalled the moment, describing it as a delightful challenge to reunite with her fellow guests and transport them to a different world.
The resulting video, for the single “Opalite,” is a vibrant, retro journey inspired by Swift’s recent romance. She self-directed the nearly six-minute film, casting herself and Gleeson as unlikely love interests navigating a world touched by a magical spray.
Opalite isn’t just a product; it’s a metaphor. The spray promises to transform the mundane and the miserable into something wonderful, whether it’s a lonely pet rock or a prickly relationship. Swift and Gleeson each have a peculiar companion – a pet rock and a cactus, respectively – representing their individual eccentricities.
The narrative unfolds as Gleeson, frustrated by his cactus’s constant pricks, uses Opalite to bring it to life. Swift, seemingly recognizing her own imperfections, sprays herself, initiating a whimsical connection with Gleeson. They embrace each other’s quirks, finding a perfect match in their shared oddities.
The video takes a playful turn when Graham Norton himself appears, offering a contrasting spray – “Nope-alite” – designed to reverse the magic. Gleeson, fiercely protective of his newfound happiness with Swift, swiftly discards the antidote, safeguarding their connection.
The climax is a dazzling dance competition, complete with sparkly tracksuits mirroring the album’s aesthetic. Despite a less-than-polished performance, their joy is infectious, culminating in a celebratory hug as the credits roll. Footage from the original Graham Norton episode underscores the serendipitous origins of the project.
The internet responded with enthusiastic memes and playful commentary. Fans joked about Gleeson’s “quickest job interview ever,” and celebrated the unexpected appearance of the usually reserved Cillian Murphy. Some even revisited past online discussions, playfully acknowledging previous assumptions about Murphy’s feelings towards Swift.
Beyond the star power, viewers resonated with the video’s message: finding someone who loves you, flaws and all. Many praised Swift’s storytelling, interpreting the Opalite spray as a symbol of self-acceptance and the power of focusing on personal happiness.
The video is a celebration of embracing individuality and finding joy in the unexpected. It’s a testament to a spontaneous idea, a shared moment on a talk show, and the magic that happens when artists collaborate with genuine enthusiasm.
