Sweet_but_psycho -

Directed by Shomi Patwary, the video features a highly stylized, cinematic aesthetic:

As of early 2026, the song has surpassed 2 billion streams on Spotify and its music video has over 1 billion views on YouTube. Lyrical Meaning & Themes sweet_but_psycho

The song received a divisive response from critics and the public: Directed by Shomi Patwary, the video features a

Ava Max explains the song as being about a person who is often misunderstood; "psycho" in this context refers to being passionate and uninhibited rather than a literal mental health diagnosis. Due to its theatrical pop sound and Max's

Max portrays a character who lures a man to a mansion, leading to a series of surreal and violent hallucinations involving axes, poisoned wine, and fire.

Due to its theatrical pop sound and Max's visual style, she was frequently compared to Lady Gaga.

Critics noted homages to films like The Shining and Fatal Attraction . Critical Reception & Controversy