In 2008, when YouTube videos had only 480 pixels of resolution, Taylor Swift launched her iconic “You Belong to Me” music video, and a film masterpiece that was born. Well, the video never actually hit the silver screen, but the depth of the story and the classic rom-com elements make this video worthy of an Oscar, in my book. The video stars Swift as the peculiar protagonist, also known as the Girl Next door (TM), and the villain cheerleader, and that you are caught up in a love triangle with Lucas Till, also known as the Boy Next door (TM).
As Swift’s character is facing his feelings for Until the character — who is also the captain of the football team, by the way — she struggles with her identity, feeling torn between trying to fit in and be who he really is. On the road to finding herself, Swift treats us to a silly dance montage, and a lot of moody sighing moments in your incredibly 2000-esque bedroom. The boy next door is clearly in love with her, but they both have to find the courage to admit their feelings to one another. If that is not the premise for each decade of 2000 the movie worth seeing with your BFF for a sleepover, then I don’t know what it is.
The nail-biting conclusion? It all ends in a grand romantic spectacle in the dance school where they confess their feelings for each other and share a sweet kiss on the dance floor. The overall message about staying true to himself, despite being pressured to fit in is, definitely, at the height of the likes of She is the Man and Happy. Yes, all of this movie the video is basically the definition of magic, but you don’t have to take my word for it. Relive the full “You Belong to Me” music video, scene by scene, by itself ahead.
