Rules - Could Have Been So Good ft. Bandit | Music Video of the Week

Rules “Could Have Been So Good” ft. Bandit is brought to life in a road trip music video directed by Greg Van Barnes, following a couple on the brink of a breakup as they take one final journey together.⁠

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The video unfolds almost entirely inside a moving car, placing the audience in close proximity to a relationship that is quietly unravelling. Moments of warmth and affection sit alongside visible frustration, as brief flashes of connection give way to tension and disagreement. What begins as a shared escape gradually reveals itself to be something more final. This is not a journey towards reconciliation, but a last attempt to exist in the same space before going their separate ways.⁠

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Rather than relying on overt drama, the film finds its power in restraint. Subtle shifts in tone mark the transition from lightness to conflict, from easy conversation to silence. Small gestures, lingering looks and moments of distance speak louder than confrontation. The camera remains observant and patient, allowing the performances to breathe and giving the emotional distance between the couple room to expand as the journey continues.⁠

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The choice to limit the setting creates an intense sense of intimacy. Trapped within the car, the characters are unable to escape either the road or each other. The world outside continues to move, shifting in light and landscape, while inside the emotional atmosphere oscillates between closeness and strain. This contrast reinforces the feeling of a relationship caught between what it once was and what it is becoming.⁠

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“Could Have Been So Good” is a strong example of how simplicity can elevate storytelling in music video form. By focusing on mood, performance and storytelling, the video delivers a poignant and relatable portrayal of love at its breaking point.⁠

CREDITS Director: Greg Van Barnes Music Artists: Rules, Bandit DOP: Calum Currie Production: CODA Filmworks Grip: Aslan Steel Colourist: Caroline Morin Production Assistant: Lawrence Thomas Car: August Tarkow

Cast: Will Stevens, Ainy Medina If you're looking for a chance to have your work featured, head over to our video submissions page to learn more.⁠