The Rocky Horror-Inspired Secrets Of Sabrina Carpenter's 'Tears' Music Video: 7 Shocking Details You Missed

The landscape of pop music was irrevocably altered on August 29, 2025, with the release of Sabrina Carpenter's latest single and accompanying cinematic music video, "Tears." This visual spectacle, a highlight from her seventh studio album, Man's Best Friend, immediately sparked conversation for its bold, satirical themes, and a surprise casting choice that pays homage to a cult classic. The "Tears" video is far from a simple heartbreak ballad visual; it's a meticulously crafted piece of pop art that demands multiple viewings to catch every hidden detail and cultural reference. It solidifies Carpenter's transition into a new, more mature, and artistically daring phase of her career, blending high-fashion aesthetics with a dark, comedic narrative.

The track itself, "Tears," serves as the second single from the highly-anticipated album, following the success of "Manchild." The song’s lyrics explore a complex mix of self-awareness and dark humor, laughing at one's poor romantic choices even as everything falls apart. However, it’s the music video, directed by the visionary Bardia Zeinali, that truly elevates the single, weaving a story of a stranded pop star who finds herself in a bizarre, theatrical, and ultimately liberating scenario, drawing heavy inspiration from the world of *The Rocky Horror Picture Show*.

Sabrina Annlynn Carpenter: A Brief Biography & Career Profile

• Full Name: Sabrina Annlynn Carpenter
• Born: May 11, 1999, in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Age (as of December 2025): 26
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress
• Early Career/Breakthrough Role: Gained prominence as Maya Hart on the Disney Channel series *Girl Meets World* (2014–2017).
• Discography Highlights:
  • *Eyes Wide Open* (2015)
  • *Evolution* (2016)
  • *Singular: Act I* (2018)
  • *Singular: Act II* (2019)
  • *Emails I Can't Send* (2022)
  • *Man's Best Friend* (2025)
• Key Singles: "Skin," "Nonsense," "Feather," "Manchild," "Tears"
• Recent Achievements: Continued success on global music charts, headlining major tours, and cementing a reputation for clever, witty songwriting.

The Cinematic & Satirical Concept Behind the 'Tears' Video

The "Tears" music video is a masterful exercise in cinematic storytelling, continuing the narrative style established in the visual for her previous single, "Manchild." Directed by Bardia Zeinali, known for his distinct, high-concept visuals, the video opens with Carpenter stranded and seeking refuge from a storm. This initial setup quickly gives way to a vibrant, theatrical, and slightly unsettling world, which fans have described as a "Rocky Horror" fan’s dream. The entire visual is a highly stylized, satirical, and sultry celebration of womanhood and LGBTQ+ culture, a theme that resonates deeply with her core fanbase.

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The visual language is rich with symbolism and dark humor. Carpenter’s performance balances vulnerability with a knowing, almost maniacal energy, fitting the song’s theme of laughing at one's own misfortune. The video employs a saturated color palette, dramatic lighting, and elaborate costuming, all hallmarks of the cult classic it references. The setting—a mysterious, opulent, and slightly decaying mansion—serves as the perfect backdrop for the video's exploration of liberation and self-discovery after a toxic relationship.

The Colman Domingo Controversy and 'Rocky Horror' Homage

Perhaps the most talked-about element of the "Tears" music video is the surprise appearance and pivotal role played by Emmy-winning actor Colman Domingo. Domingo’s character, a flamboyant and mysterious host who offers Carpenter an escape, is a direct and loving homage to the character of Dr. Frank-N-Furter from *The Rocky Horror Picture Show*. Domingo appears in full drag, a choice that was both celebrated by fans and, unfortunately, met with some online criticism.

Domingo, a respected figure in the film and theatre world, quickly addressed the backlash, shutting down criticism on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and defending his role in the "Rocky Horror"-inspired visual. His response highlighted the video's intent to celebrate and honor a piece of queer culture that has long been a touchstone for many. His inclusion is not just a high-profile cameo, but a key component of the video's thematic depth, positioning the mansion as a safe space for theatricality and self-expression.

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The collaboration between the pop star and the veteran actor was a deliberate move to elevate the video's artistic credibility and amplify its message of acceptance and freedom. The visual narrative suggests that Domingo's character is the one who helps Carpenter shed her "tears" and embrace a more powerful, uninhibited version of herself.

7 Shocking Details and Hidden Meanings in the 'Tears' Video

The "Tears" music video is layered with Easter eggs, deep cuts, and intentional visual choices that reward close analysis. Here are seven key details that add to the video's complexity and topical authority:

1. The Dr. Frank-N-Furter Parallel: Colman Domingo's character is a near-perfect modern interpretation of the *Rocky Horror* mad scientist/host. His costuming, mannerisms, and the way he "welcomes" Carpenter into his world are direct nods to the cult film’s iconic opening and central figure.
2. A Continuation of the "Manchild" Cinematic Universe: The "Tears" video is a direct follow-up to the cinematic visual for "Manchild." Both videos share a high-production, narrative-driven style, establishing a cohesive visual universe for the *Man's Best Friend* album.
3. The Satirical 'Killing Men' Subtext: Following the theme from her earlier work, some critics noted that the video continues a playful, satirical subtext of "killing men" or, more accurately, killing the *idea* of men who cause heartbreak. The song is about moving past poor romantic choices, and the theatrical setting allows for this metaphorical "slaying" of old emotional baggage.
4. Bardia Zeinali's Signature Style: Director Bardia Zeinali, known for his work with other major pop artists, brings his distinct flair for high-fashion, surrealism, and meticulous choreography. His involvement ensures the video is not only visually stunning but also conceptually dense.
5. The Uninhibited Celebration of LGBTQ+ Culture: Beyond Domingo's role, the video is packed with queer-coded imagery, from the diverse cast of background dancers to the overall theme of finding family and expression outside of traditional norms, making it a powerful piece of pop culture for the LGBTQ+ community.
6. The Meaning of Being "Stranded": Carpenter being stranded after a car breakdown symbolizes the emotional breakdown or feeling of being stuck after a toxic relationship ends. The mansion represents the unexpected, transformative space where she can process and move on.
7. Lyrical Easter Eggs: The visual elements are designed to perfectly match the song's witty, self-deprecating lyrics. The over-the-top theatricality mirrors the dramatic feeling of a breakup, allowing Carpenter to poke fun at the situation rather than simply wallow in sadness, fulfilling the song's intent of laughing at everything falling apart.

The "Tears" music video is a testament to Sabrina Carpenter's evolution as an artist. By embracing complex themes, collaborating with respected figures like Colman Domingo, and delivering a high-quality, culturally resonant visual, she has cemented her place as one of pop's most fascinating and forward-thinking stars. The video is more than just a promotional tool; it is a declaration of artistic freedom and a bold, unforgettable piece of pop culture.

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