Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles 2021

As the curtain rises on this cinematic endeavour, we find ourselves in a stylized recording studio, where an animated Billie Eilish (Billie Eilish) brings her creative vision to life. With microphone in hand, she takes us on a whimsical journey through the City of Angels, piloting a sleek Porsche as we visit iconic landmarks and take in the breathtaking vistas of Los Angeles. Meanwhile, her live-action counterpart delivers electrifying performances at the storied Hollywood Bowl, drawing from the tracks of her critically acclaimed second studio album, Happier Than Ever (2021).

The concert begins with “Getting Older”, where Eilish’s soulful vocals soar beneath a kaleidoscope of blue lighting, as the camera spins around her in dizzying circles. The colour palette shifts to fiery hues for “I Didn’t Change My Number”, setting the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable musical experience. As she takes to the stage with the symphony orchestra backing her up, we’re treated to a masterclass in vocal control and emotional depth.

But Eilish is just as comfortable in her animated form, where she whisks us away to a rooftop perch above the Roosevelt Hotel, surveying the Los Angeles skyline like a guardian angel. As she gazes out at the city’s twinkling lights, we’re privy to a rare glimpse into her creative process and artistic vision.

Back at the Hollywood Bowl, Eilish readies herself for a mesmerizing performance of “Oxytocin”, where pulsating red lights and a haunting melody conspire to create an atmosphere both intimate and cathartic. The screen shifts to monochrome for select verses, only to return to vivid colour for the song’s closing moments.

As the night wears on, we’re treated to a surreal dreamscape, where Eilish’s animated counterpart finds herself perched among the clouds, poised to sprout angelic wings in preparation for “Goldwing”. Joined by a children’s chorus and the symphony orchestra, this uplifting anthem soars with electronic beats and a soaring sense of hope. The musical tapestry is woven with threads of faith and redemption as we hurtle towards the final act.

As Eilish takes us on one last journey through the city streets in “Lost Cause”, her powerful vocals are juxtaposed against the dark, neon-lit backdrop of Los Angeles at night – a poignant reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there’s always beauty to be found.

As the celestial spectacle of Halley’s Comet unfurls above her, Eilish (Eilish) takes center stage once more, accompanied by the grandeur of an orchestra. Her animated doppelganger, situated in a desolate restaurant, shares the same momentous occasion, sparking a poignant introspection. With “Not My Responsibility”, Eilish delivers a powerful spoken-word interlude, lamenting the public’s fixation on her physical appearance. As she performs, her animated self begins to disrobe, metamorphosing into bifurcated duplicates that converge and ultimately submerge beneath the water’s surface. Resurfacing, she levitates above the waves before reuniting with her live-action counterpart, poised to perform “Overheated” amidst a kaleidoscope of red lights and smoke.

The film then shifts gears for “Everybody Dies”, where Eilish’s animated persona pays a visit to a cemetery, accompanied by the haunting instrumentals of the orchestra. In a striking duet for “Your Power”, Eilish harmonizes with her brother Finneas O’Connell (Finneas), whose deft acoustic guitar work provides a poignant backdrop for their entwined vocals.

As the animated Eilish arrives at the Palladium theater, paparazzi swarm around the entrance, capturing the essence of the star’s presence. The camera then zooms in on Eilish’s face, distorted by the sheer force of her “NDA” performance, as the orchestra makes a final appearance for “Therefore I Am”. For the title track, the animated Eilish takes center stage at the iconic Hollywood Bowl, where she is met by her live-action counterpart, who beams with pride at her animated double’s presence. As the electric guitar kicks in, Eilish (Eilish) becomes a whirlwind of energy, thrashing and headbanging across the stage.

The film concludes with the haunting intimacy of “Male Fantasy”, stripped-back to its core essence. As the song reaches its conclusion, a sea of flowers erupts across the Hollywood Bowl, symbolizing the beauty and fragility of art. The animated Eilish, still entranced by her live-action counterpart’s performance, dissolves into the ether, a radiant smile illuminating her digital visage.