The line between performance and reality just got a whole lot blurrier for Benson Boone and Alix Earle. After weeks of speculation and behind-the-scenes buzz, the two delivered what might be the most convincing on-screen kiss of the summer in Benson’s newly released music video for“The Time of My Life,”which dropped Thursday.
But here’s where it gets interesting: nobody’s entirely sure if they’re acting or just letting the cameras roll while something real is happening. The video itself is a theatrical romp through a fantasy romance—rowing boats, sword fights in taverns, dragon battles, and a full wedding scene before that final, passionate kiss. It’s the kind of cinematic love story that’s designed to make you believe in the chemistry between two people. And if insiders are to be believed, there might not be much acting involved.
According to reports from the set, Alix and Benson had undeniable chemistry while filming. She was constantly laughing around him, and the vibe between them read as decidedly flirty—the kind of energy that either means they’re really, really good actors or something more genuine is happening. Then things got spicier when the two were spotted grabbing dinner at Craig’s in Los Angeles after filming wrapped. When asked directly if they were dating, Benson played it cool with an“Uh, no,”insisting they were“just hanging out.”
That might be the official story, but try telling that to anyone who watched the video. The on-screen romance feels too natural, too comfortable. Of course, music videos are literally designed to sell a story, and some of the best ones do exactly that—they make fiction feel real. But when you’ve got behind-the-scenes reports of genuine chemistry, a cozy dinner date, and then a steamy kiss in the finished product, fans aren’t going to buy the“just friends”narrative.
Whether Benson and Alix decide to go public with their relationship or keep playing coy, one thing’s certain:“The Time of My Life”just became less about the song and more about the speculation. And honestly? That’s exactly the kind of buzz any artist would want for a new release. The question now is whether life is imitating art, or if we’re all just really good at believing what we see on screen.
What do you think—are they or aren’t they?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.