In the lead up to his new album, Starboy, The Weeknd has released a 12-minute short film entitled, MANIA. Following the 80s aesthetic of his latest video drops, MANIA is soaked in neon lights and features luxury sports cars. The whole thing chronicles Abel's journey through a gritty nightclub, and culminates in a bloody finale with the singer atop a sterile white platform. The film credits The Weeknd as its writer, with direction credit going to Grant Singer, who previously helmed "The Hills" and "Can't Feel My Face".
The new visuals themselves are nothing short of nightmarish. The cool, Drive-esque synths in the background are really giving us that retro vibe, and that's pushed even further, as it sounds like there's a Tears For Fears sample somewhere around the 4:20 mark. In all, the off-putting flashes only add to the overall eeriness of MANIA. Most importantly, the short gives us an even further glimpse into Starboy as an album. While it remains brief, the new music is teased enough that we're only left wanting more.
It's been a busy few months for the Toronto superstar. After releasing the first of his Daft Punk collaborative cuts, the crooner went on to perform during Saturday Night Live, and inked partnership deals with both PUMA and H&M. Meanwhile, The Weeknd also announced his worldwide tour, multiple pop-up shops, and of course, is about to drop Starboy this Friday. Amidst all of this excitment, fans can fuel their hunger with the aptly titled, MANIA above. You can watch it via Vevo and YouTube.