Illionaire (2025)

-Written by Kyle Bain.  

With the titular Illionaire (Circus Szalewski) on the loose, Zoë Fromer and a band of zombies must track him down. “Illionaire” uses rock music to take viewers on a genre-bending journey. 

“Illionaire” takes us back to the days when music videos mattered. Does this particular music video accurately depict the content of this song? Maybe not; but it’s a wild rollercoaster ride that won’t relent, mirroring some of the sentiments present in the song’s lyrics, while providing something high energy and accessible along the way. “Illionaire” is fun, but even better, it’s a well-structured piece of cinema. 

Writer-Director Brandon Bernath develops a linear story with clear structure and vision. “Illionaire” is a complete story, not just some silly venture into the world of music videos that hopes to entertain. Again, I’m not entirely sure that the lyrics match the video itself, but there’s something to the exotic nature of both that allows the video to drive forward and entertain viewers throughout. Interestingly enough, the cinematography present in “Illionaire” reminds me of Yellowcard’s “Ocean Avenue” video from more than twenty years ago. A series of tracking shots following a hero’s journey allow the two to exist in a similar space. 

Like a raunchy Joan Jett, Fromer delivers an energetic performance that reels you in and keeps you hooked. Her vocal chops are astounding, but her presence on screen is what floored me. Fromer commands the camera, fills the screen, and remains the prominently featured aspect of “Illionaire” throughout its majority. With that, it’s important to note that Director of Photography Gary Long must ensure that, with many moving part, Fromer remains the focus. While a series of establishing shots continue to move viewers through the video at an effective rate, it’s the myriad of shots focused on Fromer that heighten her performance and the power she holds throughout. 

Long continues to shoot Fromer at a series of different angles in order to present her in specific ways. Low-angle shots express to viewers her prowess; tight shots allow viewers to understand and appreciate the intimate details of her face. Again and again this duo of Fromer and Long strengthen “Illionaire” and allow viewers to understand that the art of making music videos isn’t dead. 

The video’s opening scene is a tad confusing, leaving viewers to guess where the video’s story is headed. With a swift transition into the music itself, I was captivated by the production value of “Illionaire”. Bernath and Long play with a blend of sophistication, absurdity, and hyperrealism that manages to work for this music video. Together they create something that feels interestingly tangible, weirdly grounded, and a hell of a lot of fun. 

Written & Directed by Brandon Bernath. 

Starring Zoë Fromer, Eitaro Sako, Keisuke Motoki, Tsugumi Shikano, Yuki Akechi, Circus Szalweski, etc. 

7.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING