Synopsis

Rihanna moves through a lush, dreamlike landscape while reflecting on the emotional distance in a failing relationship. She walks along the beach, lies in the grass, and sings behind flowing curtains before joining her lover in an oversized bed. Although they share intimate moments, they remain separated by the bed's vastness, turning the central image into a metaphor for disconnection. Black-and-white passages add a more somber, introspective tone to the otherwise warm and romantic visuals.

Factoids & Trivia

• The video was filmed on March 17, 2011, and premiered on Rihanna's official website and Vevo on May 9, 2011.

• Creative director Ciarra Pardo had an 18-foot-long custom bed built for the production. It included a mechanism that allowed Rihanna to move from one end of the bed to the other.

• Rihanna asked fans on Twitter to help select the next single from "Loud." "California King Bed" was one of four songs offered in the poll, alongside "Man Down," "Cheers (Drink to That)," and "Fading."

• The romantic setting and softer performance marked a gentler visual direction than several of Rihanna's more provocative videos from the same era.

• The video stars actor and model Nathan Owens as Rihanna's lover.