An Afterparty Takes Finneas to Another Reality in 'Lotus Eater' Video

Taking place in the liminal place between night and morning, Finneas’ 'Lotus Eater' song and video draws inspiration from nights infused with alcohol and drugs, where one winds up at an afterparty. Director Isaac Ravishankara and his team went out of their way to make this feel like your favourite scene in a movie that doesn’t yet exist. From the visual concept to the music itself, the viewer is transported in a short period of time to another reality.

The video was lensed on 35mm by Isaac’s good friend and narrative collaborator, Emmy-winning Christian Sprenger (Atlanta, Mr. & Mrs. Smith); choreographed with long time artistic movement partner Jillian Meyers (La La Land, Babylon); and colour graded by Damien Vandercruyssen (Bardo: False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths, Uncut Gems). The director’s personal favourite of the trio, 'Lotus Eater' is Inspired by films like Phantom Thread and Before Sunrise. DP Sprenger opted to utilise lenses, lights, and techniques reminiscent of a set forty years ago in order to achieve a timeless aesthetic. 

Isaac and Christian were both impressed by Finneas’ willingness to jump into the dishevelled character and the dark and moody atmosphere. Isaac told Indiewire, “He really puts so much trust in me and the people that I bring into the fold to make something good, and then he shows up at various points in the process fully committed and then on set is just an amazing performer.”

Isaac is an Indian-American director of commercials, short films, and music videos, known for depicting emotion through movement in his work. He looks through the lens with an endless sense of curiosity, striving to bring out new perspectives and creative concepts to every project he dives into. He strongly believes in the power of collaboration with his clients, agencies, and crew.