Julien Baker & TORRES

Bottom of a Bottle

BY STEPHEN WAYNE MALLETT
AGENT: LAURE SCOTT

CONCEPT

Julien and TORRES wander a drained pool with three quirky companions. Through subtle, choreographed movements, the characters guide them to the ladder, encouraging a tender goodbye and a playful yet poignant escape from rock bottom.

MEET THE CHARACTERS

I FOUND THESE COSTUMES ONLINE AND THE COMBINATION SPEAKS TO ME.

NARRATIVE

Julien and TORRES move through a drained, weathered pool, their steps slow and deliberate, like they’re stuck in a loop they’ve long accepted. But this time, they’re not alone. Three peculiar companions—a clown with a wistful smile, a sad lemon with droopy features, and a shuffling pair of oversized teeth—join them in the pool.

The characters don’t speak but subtly mimic the artists’ movements, creating a strange yet harmonious choreography that unfolds naturally. It’s as if Julien, TORRES, and these odd companions are finding a rhythm together, their steps growing more in sync as the video progresses.

As the music builds, the five come together in a quiet, understated dance—a moment of shared understanding that feels both playful and poignant. Then, with an almost imperceptible shift, the characters lead Julien and TORRES to the steps at the edge of the pool.

The clown gestures gently, the lemon nods, and the teeth shuffle forward, silently encouraging the artists to climb out. Julien and TORRES hesitate, exchanging looks with their companions before pulling them into an emotional, wordless hug. It’s bittersweet—a goodbye that’s both necessary and tender.

As Julien and TORRES ascend the steps and step out into the sunlight, the characters remain behind, waving goodbye with pride as they slowly fade away. The pool is empty again, but the lingering warmth suggests that leaving wasn’t just escape—it was growth.

This subtle, choreographed journey uses humor, heart, and a touch of absurdity to craft a visual that’s deeply human despite its surreal elements. It’s an emotional release with a quirky edge, making it as memorable as it is moving.

EXECUTION

This will be a fun one day shoot in an empty pool.
I will have dancers wear the fun costumes so their movement is professionally cartoon-ish.

INSPIRATION

The nostalgic vibes from Where The Wild Things Are.

THANK YOU!