Phoebe Bridgers Releases New Song “On Video” for A24 Film Primetime

Phoebe Bridgers has unveiled “On Video,” a brooding new song written exclusively for the A24 psychological thriller Primetime. The film, which opened in theaters on September 25, marks Bridgers’ first major acting role, alongside a star-studded cast led by Robert Pattinson. The track serves as the film’s closing number, blending seamlessly with composer Ari Balouzian’s original score to deliver a haunting finale to the movie’s tense narrative.

A Dark, Cinematic Collaboration

Primetime reimagines the rise and fall of To Catch a Predator, the controversial Dateline NBC segment that exposed online predators through elaborate sting operations. Directed by Lance Oppenheim—known for his work on Nathan Fielder’s The Rehearsal—the film stars Pattinson as Chris Hansen, the journalist behind the infamous series. Bridgers plays Del Harvey, a real-life volunteer who worked as a decoy for the show, portraying both boys and girls to lure predators. Her performance is a stark departure from her musical persona, offering fans a glimpse into her versatility as an artist.

The song “On Video” mirrors the film’s eerie atmosphere, opening with soft, distorted guitar before erupting into dense, grunge-infused riffs. Bridgers’ lyrics—“I saw you making angels in the snow / Watching you like a common criminal”—echo the movie’s themes of surveillance and moral ambiguity. The track was composed specifically for Primetime, with Bridgers drawing inspiration from Balouzian’s score to craft a song that feels like a natural extension of the film’s tension.

Bridgers’ Acting Debut and Musical Momentum

While Primetime is Bridgers’ first on-screen role, it isn’t her first brush with acting. Earlier in 2024, she made a cameo as herself in Jane Schoenbrun’s I Saw the TV Glow. However, her role in Primetime represents a more substantial leap into the world of film, one she initially approached with hesitation. At a Venice Film Festival press conference, Bridgers admitted the prospect was “super intimidating” at first. “When Lance asked me, I was like, ‘No way, dude,’” she said. “But it turns out, working with incredible people actually makes it way easier.”

The release of “On Video” arrives amid a busy period for Bridgers. In August, she dropped Lost Weekend, her first solo album in six years, following the critically acclaimed Punisher (2020). The new record has been met with widespread praise, with Paste awarding it an A- and noting its themes of closure and renewal. To support the album, Bridgers is currently on a headlining tour across the U.S., UK, and Europe, with Alex G and Isaac Wood (formerly of Black Country, New Road) joining her as opening acts. Like her recent pop-up shows, these performances are phone-free, creating an intimate experience for audiences.

What Fans Need to Know

• Film Details: Primetime is now playing in theaters. The movie explores the dark legacy of To Catch a Predator and features Bridgers in the role of Del Harvey, a real-life decoy for the show.
• Song Availability: “On Video” is available to stream on all major platforms. The track was written specifically for the film and serves as its closing credits song.
• Tour Dates: Bridgers’ Lost Weekend tour continues through the fall, with stops in North America and Europe. Tickets and dates can be found on her official website.
• Future Projects: Bridgers is also set to appear in Conor Oberst’s upcoming short film, Invention 13, further expanding her creative repertoire beyond music.

For fans of Bridgers’ music, “On Video” offers a fresh but familiar sound—one that retains her signature melancholic tone while venturing into darker, more cinematic territory. As she balances acting and touring, it’s clear that Bridgers is entering a bold new phase of her career, one that promises to keep audiences captivated both on and off the stage.