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Music fantasy film

If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power (2021): Cast, Ratings & Where to Watch

If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power (2021) movie poster

If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power is a 2021 music fantasy film directed by Colin Tilley, starring Halsey as Queen Lila / Lilith, Brian Caspe and Sasha Lane. It runs 53 minutes and earned $629,926 worldwide. Its Echo Score is 68/100. Rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Google Play Movies.

worldwide gross
$629.9K
Echo Score
68
If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
53 min
Director
Colin Tilley
Genres
Music , Fantasy
Original language
English
Studio
IMAX
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power About?

The premise of If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

This evocative film experience accompanies Halsey's fourth studio album, produced by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. Halsey stars as Queen Lila, a young and pregnant ruler struggling against the controlling and manipulative forces of love. The film explores themes of power, control, and the complexities of relationships in a visually striking and emotionally charged narrative. It’s a temporary state, and Lila must navigate her position with care.

If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power Themes & Keywords

· 5 tags
  • female star appears nude
  • female nudity
  • love
  • young
  • power
Where to watch

Where to Watch If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power

Rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Google Play Movies. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power Cast & Characters

Halsey leads the cast as Queen Lila / Lilith, with Brian Caspe as The Aristocrat and Sasha Lane as The Seer. Directed by Colin Tilley; 21 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power

· 17 more
Show all 21 cast members
Ratings

If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 68/100, strongest in sensory experience (82) and weakest in story & flow (45).

68 /100

If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power Echo Score Breakdown

If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power delivers a visually striking, music‑driven experience that resonates strongly with Halsey’s fanbase while offering limited narrative substance for general viewers. Critics highlight its emotive soundtrack and bold feminist undertones, whereas many users commend the striking costumes and cinematography but note a thin storyline. The mixed reception reflects a work that excels in sensory delivery yet struggles with cohesive storytelling, resulting in a moderate overall appraisal.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 78

    ART: The film’s visual craftsmanship receives high marks, with critics and users praising its polished production design, striking costumes, and inventive cinematography. Observations note an understated color palette and meticulous editing that enhance the album’s themes. Some viewers mention occasional incoherence, yet the overall artistic execution is regarded as a standout strength of the project.

  • Character & Emotion 70

    CHARACTER: Performances are viewed through the lens of Halsey’s lyrical personas, with critics noting emotive vocal delivery that conveys the album’s feminist narrative. Users highlight nuanced vocal expression and occasional chemistry between on‑screen figures, while some criticize a lack of depth or relatable character arcs. The consensus suggests that character work adds emotional texture but remains secondary to the musical component.

  • Story & Flow 45

    STORY: Narrative cohesion emerges as the most contested element, with several users describing the plot as minimal or ambiguous and expressing a desire for clearer storytelling. Critics acknowledge the piece as a stylized rumination rather than a conventional film, yet note its experimental structure. Overall, the story’s thinness detracts from engagement, positioning it as a weaker facet of the work.

  • Sensory Experience 82

    SENSORY: The auditory and visual palette receives strong acclaim, with reviewers highlighting the album’s emotive soundtrack, bold sound design, and striking imagery. Comments note the effective use of fantasy atmospheres, immersive soundscapes, and meticulous costume work that enhance thematic resonance. While a few critics find certain musical choices mismatched with visual settings, the predominant view is that sensory execution substantially elevates the experience.

  • Rewatch Factor 65

    REWATCH: Fan enthusiasm suggests high repeat value, with several users indicating the film’s visual and musical components encourage multiple viewings. However, non‑fans cite limited narrative drive as a barrier to revisiting. Critics acknowledge its niche appeal yet recognize its capacity to reward dedicated listeners. Consequently, the rewatch factor is moderate, appealing strongly to the core audience while offering less incentive for broader repeat consumption.

Plot

If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power Plot Summary

What happens in If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 16 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Lila, a young queen, faces a shocking turn of events upon her return to the castle, discovering that the king has died. As she gazes into a mirror, she realizes that her reflection is possessed by a separate entity named Lilith. This unsettling encounter prompts her to dash out onto the balcony, causing a stir among the court. The court members engage in discussions concerning Lila’s future while retracing her family’s lineage. Soon after, we see Lila preparing to assume the king’s responsibilities as she sits on her throne. However, feeling a sense of boredom and self-importance, she quickly abandons her duties and returns to the balcony, where she witnesses an eerie, fiery light.

Full summary

The whole story of If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power Box Office

If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power grossed $629,926 worldwide. $626,946 came from the US and Canada and $2,980 (0%) from the rest of the world.

2021 box office

Worldwide gross

$629.9K

US & Canada
$626.9K
International
$3K
US & Canada 100% Rest of the world 0%
Videos

If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 3 trailers.

Film Trailer
  • Trailer woman/god Trailer
  • Trailer Official Trailer | HBO Max
Quiz

How Well Do You Know If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who possesses Lila's reflection in the mirror?

Details

If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power Also Known As

8 alternative titles, including “Halsey: If I Can't Have Love” and “Si no puedo tener amor, quiero poder”.

Also known as
  • Halsey: If I Can't Have Love
  • Si no puedo tener amor, quiero poder
  • Якщо я не можу любити, я хочу влади
  • Halsey: If I Cant Have Love I Want Power
  • Halsey presents: If I Can't Have Love
  • 이프 아이 캔트 해브 러브
  • 아이 원트 파워
  • Раз не дана любовь, я возьму власть

Seen If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power?

FAQ

If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power FAQ: Where to Watch & Cast

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office and post-credit scenes of If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power, each answered in a sentence.

How long is If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power?

If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power runs 53 minutes.

When was If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power released?

If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power was released on August 20, 2021.

Who directed If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power?

If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power was directed by Colin Tilley.

More films by Colin Tilley

Who is in the cast of If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power?

If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power stars Halsey as Queen Lila / Lilith, Brian Caspe as The Aristocrat and Sasha Lane as The Seer, among 21 credited actors.

Where can I watch If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power?

In the US, If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Google Play Movies and YouTube (availability from JustWatch).

How much did If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power make at the box office?

If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power grossed $629,926 worldwide ($626,946 domestic, $2,980 international).

Does If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power have a post-credit scene?

No. If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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