Taylor Swift's "You Belong With Me" Is Like a Rom-Com
Taylor Swift's "You Belong With Me" Music Video Is the Quirky, Indie Rom-Com We Deserve
In 2008, back when YouTube videos only had 480-pixel resolution, Taylor Swift released her iconic "You Belong With Me" music video, and a cinematic masterpiece was born. Well, the video never actually hit the silver screen, but the in-depth storyline and classic rom-com elements make this video worthy of an Emmy, in my book. The video stars Swift as both the quirky protagonist, aka the Girl Next Door (TM), and the villainous cheerleader, who are caught in a love triangle with Lucas Till, aka the Boy Next Door (TM).
As Swift's character copes with her feelings for Till — who is also the captain of the football team, by the way — she struggles with her identity, torn between trying to fit in and being who she really is. On the road to finding herself, Swift treats us to a silly dance montage and lots of moody pining moments in her incredibly 2000s-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 isn't the premise for every early 2000s movie worth seeing with your BFF during a sleepover, then I don't know what is.
The nail-biting conclusion? It all ends in a big romantic spectacle at the school dance where they confess their feelings for one another and share a sweet kiss on the dance floor. The overall message about staying true to yourself despite being pressured to fit in is definitely right up there with the likes of She's the Man and Enchanted. Yep, this whole movie video is basically the definition of magical, but you don't have to take my word for it. Relive the full "You Belong With Me" music video scene-by-scene for yourself ahead.
