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Billie Eilish Goes Miyazaki in ‘my future’

Singer’s animated music video for her new single feels inspired by the artist’s professed love for Studio Ghibli’s coming-of-age films.

Quarantine got you feeling introspective? Need a feel-good feast for the eyes? Look no further than the music video for Billie Eilish’s new single ‘my future,’ a beautifully animated ode to self-love and growth. The 2D hand-drawn style is reminiscent of beloved Studio Ghibli films like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro, with ample verdant foliage and a cute sassy frog to boot.

While ‘my future’ begins moody and pensive with rain and dark tones, the vibe lifts as an animated Billie becomes more optimistic about her future as the scenery morphs into a vibrant wonderland. The short seems like an ode to varied Miyazaki themes, including young women coming of age and finding their independence. The 18-year-old singer attributes her habit of sketching a picture for each of her songs to the esteemed animator, drawing inspiration from his films. "I owe so much of it to Miyazaki and so weirdly unrealistic but realistic," she admitted in a 2019 interview with Vice, specifically mentioning Spirited Away. "I watched it over and over and over. Oh my God, I thought it was so dope."

The music video was produced by indie animation company Chop Studio and directed by Andrew Onorato. While we all must wait until 2022 for the Studio Ghibli theme park to open in Japan, thanks to Billie, we can still satiate our Miyazaki cravings...at least for a little while.

Laurén Alexa's picture

Cybersecurity specialist by day, investigative journalist by night.