Unfortunately, there is no music video for Charli XCX and Lorde’s remix of “Girl, so confusing.” If there were one, it might resemble the initial episode of “I Love LA.”
Rachel Sennott’s HBO comedy focuses on a group of friends in Los Angeles, featuring junior talent manager Maia (Sennott) and her best friend and emerging It Girl client Tallulah (Odessa A’zion). While they aspire to take L.A. by storm, their relationship begins in a strained manner, reflecting the unvoiced tension found in Charli XCX’s original of “Girl, so confusing” from “brat.” The track delves into whether the subject, ultimately revealed to be Lorde, harbors feelings of like or dislike for the singer, mirroring the pressures of the music industry and fragile friendships.
Maia and Tallulah had planned to relocate from New York to L.A. together, but Tallulah decided not to go through with it. Since that time, Maia has observed Tallulah’s rise to fame on social media, witnessing her land prominent opportunities like a Marc Jacobs Heaven campaign. Maia fixates on Tallulah’s Instagram, despite having muted her, obsessed with Tallulah’s achievements and her perception of Maia.
On her 27th birthday, Maia blocks Tallulah as an act of defiance, unaware that Tallulah is on her way to surprise her. Taking control of Maia’s day, Tallulah pushes for a beach outing, invites herself for dinner, and books a hotel suite for a celebration Maia hadn’t planned. Tallulah showcases her success in New York, her affluent boyfriend, and Balenciaga purse, causing Maia to feel as though her friend made the right decision in leaving her behind.
As Maia descends into a spiral, she concocts tales of her own success, falsely claiming a promotion she didn’t earn and embellishing her connection with her boss Alyssa (Leighton Meester). The fabrications and Tallulah’s actions intensify until Maia ultimately confronts Tallulah at her birthday gathering.
In the restroom, the reality comes to light: Tallulah has also been deceiving her. She’s financially struggling, recently separated, and hasn’t had a significant job in a year. Both women had believed in each other’s façades, leading to a sincere reconciliation. They exit the restroom eager about their shared future.
The moment provides release similar to Lorde’s presence in “Girl, so confusing,” where she and Charli XCX work through their issues on the remix. Before the bathroom encounter, Maia’s viewpoint portrayed Tallulah as exasperating, but their reconciliation turns out to be more fulfilling than a conflict.
Charli XCX may still be featured in “I Love LA.” Sennott indicated a desire to cast her in upcoming seasons, proposing a role distinct from her actual persona. Charli XCX has previously portrayed herself on “Overcompensating,” yielding comedic outcomes. Could she join the 2025 zillenial sitcom roster with appearances in “I Love LA” and “Adults”?
New episodes of “I Love LA” debut on Sundays at 10:30 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.