Mixed reactions as Red Velvet's 'Cosmic' music video channels 'Midsommar' aesthetic

On the 24th, the official SM YouTube channel released the music video for Red Velvet’s new song ‘Cosmic’.
Fans had previously speculated that the concept of the music video was inspired by the movie ‘Midsommar’, based on teaser photos and comeback schedules.

‘Midsommar’, directed by renowned filmmaker Ari Aster, is known for its unsettling atmosphere set against a bright and cheery backdrop, unlike traditional horror films. Some netizens compiled lists of scenes from ‘Midsommar’ that resemble parts of the Red Velvet music video, sharing them with fans.

However, some netizens expressed dissatisfaction with the music video concept. The main criticism was the perceived lack of creativity from Red Velvet. One netizen cautiously stated,

“I think ‘Cosmic’ is the best Red Velvet song since ‘Psycho’, but I don’t understand why the music video is almost identical to ‘Midsommar’ and how it relates to the song’s lyrics.”

Another netizen noted, “Previously, homages included Red Velvet’s unique worldview, but this time it only feels like ‘Midsommar’ imagery, which might be why people are questioning the homage.” 

They also mentioned that the connection between the lyrics, the album cover, and the concept wasn’t immediately clear.

Conversely, some praised the concept for being fresh and exciting. 

Comments included, “The bright yet eerie vibe unique to Red Velvet is amazing,” and

“They look like forest fairies, and I love that it’s a concept they haven’t tried before.”

Red Velvet’s previous music videos often incorporated references to famous artworks and films. Notable examples include ‘Psycho’ from 2019, inspired by the movie ‘Black Swan’, and ‘Feel My Rhythm’ from 2022, which referenced artworks like ‘The Finding of Ophelia’ and ‘The Swing’. ‘Feel My Rhythm’ also famously sampled Bach’s ‘Air on the G String’.

Despite using references, Red Velvet’s distinctive identity has been well-received in these instances.

‘Cosmic’, released on the 24th, is a collaboration between famous composer KENZIE and the Swedish songwriting team Moonshine. The fairy-tale lyrics describe a love as infinite as the universe, meeting ‘you’, a traveler who crash-landed on my solitary star.