By: Mariah Thomas
In an era of “Hot Girl Summer,” is it time for a “Vampire Girl Summer?” On such a high from Ryan Coogler’s film Sinners, this short film/music video for Kid Cudi: Neverland provides another glimpse into the world of vampires. Directed by Ti West and produced through Monkey Paw Studios, there is a tedious balance between horror and humor. The short beautifully encapsulates a feeling of euphoria and sensationalism.
The video follows Kid Cudi and his recently vampire turned girlfriend played by Kiernan Shipka. On the beach surrounding a boardwalk the two profess their love for each other as the tides roll in. Cudi promises she is the only person he would feel this deep connection to as she expresses how she feels post being turned. Eventually, the couple sets off onto the brightly neon colored boardwalk to terrorize the night. Kiernan is intrigued with her new vampire abilities and stalks an unsuspecting Brittany Snow into a bathroom for her first kill. She comes out to Cudi feeding from Haley Joel Osment, who plays Brittany’s date. There is a deep happiness to Kiernan and Cudi as they joyfully ride the boardwalk rides in between their kills. Cudi sings “Sailing to our Neverland;
We’ll never die, you and I. Chasing something that’ll last; We’ll never die, you and I” in the chorus and it perfectly captures their night. They are so blinded by their love and hunger, they are oblivious to the tragedy they are causing around them
Being a product of director Ti West, there is a high bar for the level of horror to take place. The short definitely meets expectations. Horror was woven into the fabric of this short with very staple Ti West coded shots. A personal favorite visual for me was a bloody Kiernan Shipka eating Cotton Candy – baby pink fluff smeared in blood as she joyfully skips off into the night. An innocent seeming moment before terror and chaos strikes right back up again.
If you are a fan of horror, you know the name Ti West. I was drawn to this project as an admirer of his work. His strong, vibrant visual style paired with Kid Cudi’s lyricism brings to life such a fun story. Pulled out of the world of being a music video, this works so well as a short film. Every shot felt intentional to unravel this gruesome love story. While the scenes on the beach are dark and moody, the waves are captured in such a beautiful light. I could have watched ten minutes of just the waves. Before you know it, you are thrust into this neon world once they step foot on the boardwalk. The film is whimsical and fun while staying true to West’s horror origins.
Kid Cudi: Neverland is part of Tribeca’s 2025 film festival. It was a perfect pair for a premiere. For ten minutes, you get to go on this adventure with these lovestruck vampires who have an insatiable thirst for blood and chaos. It is a fun watch if you are a fan of any of the elements present.