Synopsis

Rihanna emerges from dark, rippling water as a reptilian figure before moving through a series of surreal environments. She dances with a male troupe in a desert setting, performs in an African-inspired hut, and appears in increasingly elaborate costumes and visual effects. The imagery shifts between animalistic, tribal, and supernatural forms, matching the song's restless search for an ideal lover. The video ends by returning Rihanna and the dancers to the water, leaving the journey dreamlike rather than resolving it with a conventional romantic storyline.

Factoids & Trivia

• The video was filmed in Los Angeles from March 7 through March 9, 2012.

• Rihanna promoted the production while filming, posting a topless set photograph on March 7 with the caption "Where Have You Been All My Life?"

• The choreography was created by Nadine "Hi-Hat" Ruffin, who had previously worked with Rihanna on performances at the Grammy Awards and the BRIT Awards.

• Rihanna released official behind-the-scenes installments showing dance rehearsals, wardrobe fittings, and footage from the set. She described the rehearsal process as unusual for her because her schedule rarely allowed extended time to develop choreography.

• The production marked one of Rihanna's most choreography-focused videos at that point. Contemporary reviews particularly noted the amount of dancing and the variety of routines.

• The clip earned nominations for Best Choreography and Best Visual Effects at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards.

• The video reportedly attracted 4.93 million views during its first 24 hours online, setting a Vevo record at the time.