Machine Gun Kelly once again took his album to new levels with the release of his movie/music video “Downfalls High.” In a first of its kind musical experience, this 50-minute video brought MGK’s newest album, Tickets to my Downfall, to life. Written by Colson Baker himself the film features TikTok’s famous influencer Lil Huddy (Chase Hudson) as well as Euphoria’s Sydney Sweeny with narration by Baker and Blink-182’s drummer Travis Barker. This one-of-a-kind film dropped on January 16th on Machine Gun Kelly’s Facebook and YouTube channel, and it was everything this fangirl was hoping for.
For many music fans, listening to an album from start to finish paints a story in the listener’s mind. That is exactly what MGK brought to life in Downfalls High. In a film that has been described as a “pop-punk Grease,” the plot follows along high-school outcast Fenix (Chase Hudson) and pretty girl gone rebel Scarlett (Sydney Sweeny) as they navigate their newly found relationship. I do not want to give too many spoilers, but if you have listened to the album you know how deep the songs can get. The film does an excellent job of bringing that music to life, with each song from the album being performed by Machine Gun Kelly as Travis Barker as they follow along the two lovers who try to come to terms with what is happening in their life. There is about five minutes of dialogue in between each music scene; however, each mini concert Kelly performs has outfits and sets that match what is going on in that particular moment. The music cuts in at the perfect time, and viewers are able to truly feel the emotion of what is happening in that particular scene.
Overall, Downfalls High was everything I had wanted and more. It is more than just a music video; you are able to see exactly how Machine Gun Kelly wanted his album represented. This music video turned film adaption is such a unique take on an album that no one has done before. Making this album into a film was an excellent way to get the message of the album across, and I feel as if many other artists will soon follow in Kelly’s footsteps.
Watch Downfalls High here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U07VKXydCUw&t=1792s