Florence Pugh Stars in Yungblud’s Emotional “Zombie” Music Video About Pain, Identity, and Isolation
The actor plays a struggling medical professional in the latest single from Yungblud’s upcoming album Idols.
Florence Pugh has once again proven why she’s one of the most captivating actors of her generation. This time, however, her raw talent isn’t lighting up the silver screen, but rather the latest music video from British rock star Yungblud. Released on Friday, “Zombie” is the third single off Yungblud’s upcoming album Idols, and it explores themes of emotional deterioration, internal struggle, and the silent weight of trauma. At the heart of the powerful visual is Pugh, who delivers a strikingly human performance as a woman slowly unraveling under the pressures of her daily life.
In the video, Pugh plays a medical professional—a role that subtly underscores the emotional toll of caretaking and high-stress work. We watch as her character fights to maintain control while quietly crumbling inside. Between long hours at the hospital and brief, fractured moments at home, it becomes clear that she is battling demons not only from her job but also from within. Her tired eyes, restrained body language, and brief flashes of desperation perfectly capture the lyrics of Yungblud’s emotional anthem.
“Oh, I know that I can’t live without you / But this world will keep turning if you do / Would you even want me looking like a zombie? / Would you even want me, want me, want me?” Yungblud sings in the chorus. His words echo the aching vulnerability in Pugh’s performance, creating a seamless emotional dialogue between sound and vision.
A Deeply Personal Song
“Zombie” isn’t just another catchy single for Yungblud—it’s a deeply personal track rooted in family and pain. According to the artist, whose real name is Dominic Harrison, the song was inspired by his grandmother’s experience with a traumatic injury that left her emotionally and psychologically changed.
“It’s about the feeling of deterioration and ugliness,” Yungblud explained in a statement. “Shutting out the world and the people we love out of the fear of becoming a burden or an embarrassment.”
In essence, the song explores the human instinct to withdraw when we’re hurting the most—the times when we feel least lovable and most ashamed. Yungblud captures this emotional spiral through both his lyrics and the eerie yet tender tone of the song. And with Florence Pugh embodying the emotional crux of the narrative, the message becomes all the more poignant.
Pugh’s Transformative Presence
While Pugh is no stranger to intense roles—having turned in acclaimed performances in films like Midsommar, Little Women, and Don’t Worry Darling—her turn in “Zombie” offers something refreshingly raw. There’s no script, no traditional dialogue—only her face, her movements, and the haunting sound of Yungblud’s voice.
The video opens with a quiet shot of Pugh preparing for her day, her expressions subdued but loaded with unspoken exhaustion. As the scenes progress, we watch her journey through hospital corridors, her stoicism cracking under the weight of fatigue and inner turmoil. At one point, she’s alone in her apartment, simply staring into space—eyes heavy with pain, not a word spoken, yet everything is understood.
This type of acting—silent but powerful—is difficult to master. Yet Pugh’s ability to convey volumes through the slightest expression is what makes her performance in “Zombie” so magnetic. It’s acting at its most vulnerable and stripped-down, and a reminder that music videos, when done right, can be just as emotionally resonant as a short film.
A Rising Voice in Music and Mental Health
Yungblud has carved out a unique lane in the music industry by fusing punk rock energy with heartfelt storytelling. Over the years, he’s become a voice for a generation of fans navigating mental health, identity, and belonging. “Zombie” continues that trend, diving into the kind of emotional territory that doesn’t often find its way into mainstream music.
This new single follows his previous releases from Idols: “Lovesick Lullaby” and “Hello Heaven, Hello,” both of which explore complex emotional landscapes. But with “Zombie,” Yungblud digs even deeper into personal vulnerability—and bringing Florence Pugh into the fold only amplifies the emotional impact.
The video was directed by Charlie Sarsfield and produced by Untold Studios, and it showcases the type of cinematic storytelling often reserved for full-length films. Between the lighting, setting, and pacing, the entire video feels like a carefully crafted short drama, elevated by Pugh’s commitment to every frame.
Florence Pugh: From Superhero to Song Muse
“Zombie” arrives just as Florence Pugh is riding a major wave in her career. Most recently, she led the star-studded cast of Marvel’s Thunderbolts, where she plays Yelena Belova, a fan-favorite antihero introduced in Black Widow. Despite the high-octane action of the MCU, Pugh has never shied away from more grounded, emotionally intense roles—and her appearance in Yungblud’s video is further proof of her artistic range.
Collaborating with a musician like Yungblud, who wears his heart on his sleeve, was a natural fit for the actor known for choosing bold, risk-taking projects. While the partnership may have come as a surprise to fans, it’s a move that makes perfect sense creatively: both Pugh and Yungblud share a desire to tell stories that matter, especially when it comes to mental health, identity, and resilience.
Looking Ahead to Idols
“Zombie” is just one piece of the puzzle in what’s shaping up to be a compelling new chapter for Yungblud. His upcoming album Idols is already building anticipation, with fans eager to see how the musician will continue to evolve both lyrically and sonically. If the emotional depth of “Zombie” is any indication, Idols could be his most introspective and powerful work yet.
And with high-profile collaborations like this one with Florence Pugh, Yungblud is showing he’s not afraid to blend mediums to tell a story. Music, film, performance—it all comes together in his world, and the result is art that resonates on multiple levels.
Final Thoughts
Florence Pugh’s appearance in Yungblud’s “Zombie” isn’t just a star cameo—it’s a moving portrayal of quiet pain and human resilience. Her performance captures the emotional core of the song, offering a visual representation of what it means to feel lost, numb, and desperate for connection.
Together, Pugh and Yungblud have created something hauntingly beautiful—a music video that lingers long after the final note.
As both artists continue to challenge the boundaries of their respective crafts, “Zombie” serves as a reminder that when music and storytelling intersect, the results can be unforgettable.