I've been fairly ambivalent about Disney's determination to re-make every sacred film from my childhood into something that vaguely resembles "live action". Why tamper with perfection? I've asked absolutely nobody, as I've watched trailers for The Jungle Book, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. The Lion King, however, was my absolute, complete obsession, from the years 1997 until – well, probably until I was old enough to have other interests but was still collecting Simba toys from the Disney Store. My interested was piqued, however, when I found out the cast of the new film – Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Keenan-Michael Key, BEYONCÉ as NALA – but really, nothing has raised my excitement levels like the new video for Beyoncé's song from the film, Spirit.
I haven't even thought about music videos since 2008 and, quite frankly, thank God I haven't because nothing could clearly compare to this. For, pray tell, what other music video could fuse emotional choreography with high fashion and talking lions so effortlessly and make it all seem completely mundane?
And good LORD the fashion. First and foremost, there's the Valentino gown that kicks off proceedings. It's red and pink, there are ruffles and Blue Ivy wears an almost-matching lilac ruffled dress alongside her mother. I actually can't stop thinking about it.
Then, there's a blue hooded dress that somehow looks even better when submerged in water. Next, a zebra print ensemble that Beyoncé wears while her dancers all wear hot pink.
Then, Beyoncé's in hot pink organza! This is better than fashion week.
Next, a yellow jersey dress by Norma Kamali followed by amazing red, string outfits designed by Déviant La Vie.
The brand was founded by Brittany Duet, and she took to Instagramto state that this "beautiful project will forever be a highlight of my life!"
After this comes a white beaded gown by Alexandrine, which sort of makes Beyoncé look like she's part of a tree (she's literally Mother Nature) and then there's a very quick glimpse of what looks like a white satin blazer with long, white fringing.
The lions are fighting by this point, so it's hard to make out. There's then an incredible, blue metallic jumpsuit with fine fringing and finally a red pleated gown. Phew.
I'm exhausted, but not enough to stop watching.