Taylor Swift: What it was really like working with Dakota Johnson on Patient Zero

The clip, which was inspired by “gothic ghost stories,” depicts Swift as the deceased ex-wife of Johnson’s husband, played by Farrell. Swift’s ghost follows Johnson through her life to warn her that Farrell is attempting to kill her in the same manner he ultimately killed Swift.

Sharing behind-the-scenes snaps with Johnson and Farrell, Swift wrote on Instagram: “The Patient Zero video is finally out in the world!

“Getting to work with @chivexp was something out of a dream sequence, and I learned so much from getting to watch his genius in action.”

Taylor Swift alongside Dakota Johnson in the Patient Zero music video

Apple Music

She went on: “I want to thank @dakotajohnson and Colin for trusting me with their time, taste, and talent (Giggling with your friend because you’re twinning for an entire shoot was a new and truly delightful experience).

“And Colin’s turn as a villain is even more impressive when you get to be around him. He’s an absolute light and as kind as they come.

“@caradelevingne, thank you for agreeing to play the lusty other woman. That’s what friends are for? With the Patient Zero video, I got to explore the cinematic and literary genres I love so much.

“I wanted to incorporate elements of gothic ghost stories, true crime, psychological thrillers all in a setting I hadn’t really shot in much.”

She continued: “The house was a metaphor for the coldness of a relationship that’s faded and atrophied. Thank you to @ethantobman for your insightful production design and bringing that feeling to life.

“My editor @chancler has outdone himself. And lastly, thank you to the @vmas for giving us a World Premiere at the place where celebrating music videos became a thing. And so much love for you guys, always.”

US actress Johnson is best known for starring in the Fifty Shades Of Grey franchise and The Materialists, while Irish actor Farrell is known for The Banshees Of Inisherin as well as The Batman.

Last week, Johnson said it was “absolutely glorious” starring in the video.

“Taylor and I have been really good friends for a long time, and we’re constantly talking about work and art and life, and you know we just ended up making this together, and it was absolutely glorious,” she said.

Patient Zero is the first of four new songs on Swift’s expanded version of the album The Life of A Showgirl, which marks her first new music since she married NFL star Travis Kelce on July 3.

Judging by the lyrics, it tells the story of a jaded lover reflecting on her “toxic” ex and sending a warning to his future suitors, with Swift thought to be “patient zero” in the song.

She describes a man who "burst into your life like fireworks" before revealing his true colors, singing: “I know it seems like he shines so bright / But he's bathing in your reflected light / On a free solo social climb."

The mystery man also appears to be a cheater, as evidenced in the lyrics: “And when you saw another woman coming out of his place / I bet he kissed the rain off your face."

Swift offers her support to anyone who’s had enough of the man’s behaviour, telling them: “It’s not for me to tell someone else what to do / But if you’re sick of him / I got you.”

The chorus reiterates that sisterhood, with Swift singing: “But if you wanna party with somebody / Who might know about the devil on his shoulder under his halo / When the toxins take their hold.

“You'd rather die than let it go / But if you're sick of him, I got you / I was patient zero / I was patient zero.”

On Sunday, Swift became the most decorated artist in the history of the MTV Video Music Awards.

The singer, who was previously tied with Beyonce on 30 VMA gongs, took home the night’s top award, video of the year, for The Fate of Ophelia. Swift also received the first award for artist director and best direction for Opalite.