Taylor Swift has released the video for Fortnight, the first single from her album The Tortured Poets Department, featuring what seems to be a hidden swipe at her ex, Joe Alwyn. The gothic video shows Taylor working on a typewriter, with a brief shot revealing that the Number 1 key is missing, even though other numbers are present. Taylor dated Joe from 2017 to 2023, a time during which she mainly stayed out of the public eye. They won a Grammy together for Album of the Year in 2021, with Joe co-writing and co-producing tracks on Folklore under the pseudonym William Bowery. Despite references to their relationship in Taylor’s music, sources close to Alwyn said he wanted to keep their romance private.
Throughout the music video for Fortnight, Taylor appears in a stunning gown, exuding gothic Victorian chic alongside Post Malone. The video featured cameos from Ethan Hawke and Josh Charles, with the sound of typewriters clicking away in the background. The video opens with Taylor chained to a bed ledge inside what appears to be an asylum, with a doctor walking in upside down on the ceiling offering medication labeled ‘Forget him.’ Taylor wears a strapless gown designed by Toni Maticevski, paired with white gloves and a vintage diamond watch choker, completing her dramatic, 1920s-inspired look.
Taylor’s 2020 album Folklore included a track titled The 1, where she sings about a former love, hinting at what could have been. The singer performed The 1 during her Eros Tour in March 2023, just before news of her split from Joe Alwyn broke. Lyrics from her song ‘So Long, London’ appear to reference their relationship, with hints of betrayal and heartbreak. Another song, ‘Fresh Out the Slammer,’ suggests infidelity, adding layers to the narrative of their breakup. The video for Fortnight featured a countdown clock and a silent film title card before transitioning to a visually striking and symbolic narrative.
The gothic imagery in the music video further highlights the emotional depth and complexity of Taylor’s storytelling. Taylor’s choice of costume and set design adds layers of meaning to the overall narrative, with subtle and not-so-subtle references to her personal life and relationships. The presence of Post Malone and surprise cameos by Ethan Hawke and Josh Charles underscore the collaborative and creative aspects of the music video production. Taylor’s attention to detail, from the missing Number 1 key on the typewriter to the significance of the medication labeled ‘Forget him,’ showcases her dedication to crafting a cohesive and visually impactful story.
The mix of gothic and Victorian aesthetics in the video reflect the themes of longing, pain, and resilience present in Taylor’s music. Through her choice of fashion, makeup, and set design, Taylor creates a world that is both haunting and captivating, inviting viewers to delve deeper into the layers of her storytelling. The video for Fortnight serves as a testament to Taylor’s ability to translate complex emotions and personal experiences into powerful visual narratives. As she continues to push boundaries and experiment with different styles and influences in her music, Taylor Swift solidifies her status as a multifaceted artist with a unique vision and voice.
