Taylor Swift’s new music video for “Patient Zero” delivered much more than a cinematic visual when it premiered during the MTV Video Music Awards. The star-studded production features several recognizable faces woven into its gothic, psychological-thriller storyline. Colin Farrell takes on the role of a mysterious and villainous boyfriend whose behavior appears to repeat the painful pattern of a previous relationship involving Swift’s character. Dakota Johnson plays his new girlfriend, who gradually finds herself mirroring Swift in striking ways, from their clothing and hairstyles to the places they visit. Swift praised Johnson for embracing the unusual concept, describing their on-screen “twinning” experience as a fun part of the project. Another familiar face appears more briefly: Cara Delevingne, who portrays Farrell’s new love interest during a party sequence. Swift jokingly thanked her longtime friend for agreeing to play the “lusty other woman.” Delevingne’s cameo arrives as she prepares for other acting projects, including a role in the upcoming 13th season of American Horror Story.
The video also includes several surprising sports-related appearances. Matthew Stafford, quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, former professional hockey player Jarret Stoll, and marketing executive Steven Cundari are among the additional personalities featured. Fans have even connected Stafford and other cast members to clues Swift appeared to hide in an earlier sketch. The cryptic phrase referenced in that appearance seemingly pointed toward Farrell, Stafford, Delevingne, and Johnson through clever word associations involving Sugar, the Rams, vineyards, and the Dakotas. Swift explained that “Patient Zero” allowed her to explore cinematic and literary influences, combining elements of gothic ghost stories, true crime, and psychological thrillers. She also described the house featured in the video as a metaphor for a relationship that had become emotionally cold and faded. With its elaborate storyline and unexpected celebrity cameos, the video gives fans plenty of details to revisit and decode.
