Actor Jacob Tremblay had his big breakout in the 2015 Oscar-winning film Room at the age of 9, and he’s been building himself quite the impressive resume ever since. Now, he takes on perhaps his most daunting role ever: Justin Bieber!
Bright and early this morning, The Biebs released his newest single in collaboration with benny blanco, “Lonely”, a melancholy little tune about the pressures of fame and the false façade of appearing happy and strong while you’re, in fact, “so f***ing lonely”. In the accompanying music video, the now 14-year-old Tremblay portrays Bieber in his early rise to stardom, complete with signature hairdo and purple kicks. The camera follows him as he solemnly makes his way through an empty, labyrinthine auditorium before stopping on the stage in front of an audience with only one member – Biebs himself.
The song and video capture the frustration of being judged for every slightest move and not having the ability to enjoy the freedom of being an “idiot kid” without millions of people talking about it on TV and social media. The image of Young Bieber standing in front of an empty auditorium seems to symbolize that feeling that many of us, famous or not, can relate to – of feeling completely alone even in a crowded room.
The song was produced by blanco and FINNEAS. Says Bieber in a press release, “benny and Finneas are both extraordinary writers, and it’s been amazing collaborating with them on ‘Lonely’. To be honest, the finished song is tough for me to listen to, considering how hard it was to get through some of those chapters. Hopefully telling this story will encourage others to vocalize what they are going through.”
“Lonely” is now available everywhere that fine music can be streamed.