Suki Waterhouse Channels Old Hollywood Glamour in Rain-Soaked “Model, Actress, Whatever” Video

Suki Waterhouse is stepping into the spotlight once again with the release of her music video for “Model, Actress, Whatever,” a track from her upcoming album Memoir Of A Sparklemuffin. The visual, released ahead of her appearance at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, blends cinematic drama with Waterhouse’s signature melancholic sound, creating a striking juxtaposition between style and substance.

The video unfolds on a chaotic film set where Waterhouse, drenched in rain, faces an intense director’s ire as she struggles to deliver her lines. The atmosphere is a stark reflection of Hollywood’s demanding nature—a world she knows all too well as both a model and actress. Yet, as the scene shifts into a slow-burn performance, Waterhouse delivers her somber, reflective lyrics with an aching vulnerability that feels as raw as the rain falling around her.

What’s most striking about the video is how it contrasts its visuals with the song’s mood. While “Model, Actress, Whatever” leans into somber tones, the action-packed sequences play out with Waterhouse dressed like a star from Hollywood’s golden age, a nod to the classic glamour she often evokes. There’s a sense of self-awareness here: she’s not just commenting on the role-playing inherent in her career but also in the broader context of identity and expectation.

It’s an artistic pivot that feels both familiar and fresh, showcasing the ever-evolving layers of Waterhouse’s artistry. Her album, Memoir Of A Sparklemuffin, is set to drop this Friday, September 13, and promises a blend of folky Americana, ’90s alt-rock, indie, and experimental pop. Waterhouse has hinted that this record is her most personal yet, offering listeners a more intimate glimpse into her emotional and creative journey.

Waterhouse’s journey continues beyond the VMAs and the new album, as she’s about to embark on The Sparklemuffin Tour later this month, with dates across North America through December. This tour marks a significant moment in her career as she balances motherhood (having welcomed her first child with Robert Pattinson earlier this year) with the demands of her burgeoning music career.

The Memoir Of A Sparklemuffin era seems to capture Waterhouse at a crossroads—between the expectations placed on her as a multi-hyphenate and her own artistic ambitions. If the “Model, Actress, Whatever” video is any indication, this chapter is set to be a bold exploration of her true self, wading through the storm with grace, style, and a touch of irony.