If you’re a big Monsta X fan like I am, then you’ve probably watched the music video for “All In” and have a whole list of questions about it. Upon first watch, I was just as confused as you all were. However, after watching it numerous times, I have a few theories about the plotline. Starship Entertainment and the filming team did a wonderful job with crafting the music video and making a subtle plotline that only a close analysis would expose.
On May 18th, boy group Monsta X came back with their third mini album, The Clan Part.1 LOST, the first part of a multi-segment series. Agency representatives expressed motives to tell a story of feelings of hurt and being lost, revealing that extensive planning had gone into the creation of the story. Like many other groups, Monsta X has shifted away from the usual dance-centric music video and towards exciting, story-based short films. The mysterious title of the album, along with video teasers, suggested they would be exploring a more intense, even dystopian theme. As a fan of horror, dystopian themes, and action films, the prospect of Monsta X starring in their own thrilling series increased my anticipation for the music video release.
The music video for “All In” did not fall short of my expectations. Originally, I was dismayed at the prospect of Starship Entertainment putting unnecessary dance cuts in the video, knowing it would deprive the video of a proper storyline. However, to my delight, the video contained no dance scenes and only shots with relevance to the plot, giving the video both flow and sustenance. Every shot mattered and shed more insight into the direction the group was taking with their new concept.
The focus of this analysis will be on the music video, as my commentary about the music will be included in my album review. I’ll go into detail about my plotline theories and the curiosities I have. You are free to disagree, so please share your thoughts with me in the comment section.
I will be discussing my theories as if they are facts, but my theories may or may not be close to the real storyline. This is all based on my conjecture of the plot.
As a creative writer and a film fan, the characterization of Monsta X in the video jumped out to me. The way they were dressed, their interactions with one another, their expressions, and their actions were all indicators to me about how the characters were meant to be portrayed.
The story centers around a group of boys living in a village located in a valley: Shownu, Wonho, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Jooheon, and I.M. All of them are friends and some possibly even siblings.
I apologize for any typos. I didn’t proofread, but I spent a lot of time on this. (~5-6 hours)
Trigger Warning: Abuse, Death, Violence, Drugs, Self-Harm/Suicide
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ADATB! 