3 hours ago
Watch: Conan Gray's Queer Breakup Anthem 'Vodka Cranberry' Drops with a New Video
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Conan Gray's new single "Vodka Cranberry" is the continuation of the gay love story that began in "This Song." Is this the end for the story's lovers? Check out the video and see.
In the video for "This Song," Gray's character is getting close to a friend played by Corey Fogelmanis ("Girl Meets World"). Things are a little ambiguous, with Fogelmanis' character flirting with (and perhaps even spending time with) a blonde young woman. Still, the two share a bed (at least occasionally), and end up sharing a kiss, as well.
But by summer's end, as the new video commences, Fogelmanis' character seems more remote than ever.
"The Danica Kleinknecht-directed video opens with Gray reflecting on the relationship and how his man's feelings are not the same: 'I wish it could be us for just a little bit longer,' he states" on "Vodka Cranberry," according to Rolling Stone.
"The video follows the pair on a road trip after their feelings for each other have clearly changed, while they try to make the most of their time together," the Rolling Stone writeup detailed.
Illustrative of the vibe is a scene in a bar where Gray is sipping a cocktail while Fogelmanis rejects an affectionate gesture and goes off to flirt with a young woman at a pool table. It's a change from the summer's happier days, in which the two share a tent by night and throw off their clothes for a daytime swim in the heat of the afternoon. Horseplay and laughter characterize those scenes.
But an unhappy emotional tension builds as the growing distance between them shows up in other ways. Fogelmanis' character "casually steal[s] back" a shirt; things between them are returning to how they were "when we took a break," and it sounds like that break was never fully healed.
The two videos share a cinematic style, and certain scenes in the new video seem to call back to moments in the earlier one. Posting the "Vodka Cranberry" video to X, Gray gives the two characters names, telling fans, "wilson and brando spend the last week of summer together."
"shot in my homestate, texas," Gray added.
Fan response was ecstatic - and heartbroken.
"album of the year already..." one person commented, while another posted, "Don't care didn't ask deactivate your account i can't stop crying".
Posting a still from the video showing a bereft Gray, a third fan wrote, "my thirteenth reason why," while still another burst out with, "How dare you make us all CRY LIKE A BABY!!!!"
Could this be the middle chapter in a trilogy? Is a happy ending still possible? "wishbone summer continues," Gray wrote in the post's caption, which might be a tease for more to come.
Fans picked up on the hint.
"don't worry guys we are getting the happy ending😂😂😂😂...right?" one person posted.
Both singles are off Gray's forthcoming third album, "Wishbone," which drops next month.
Watch the new video below.
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.