* This website participates in the Amazon Affiliate Program and earns from qualifying purchases.
Have you ever watched a film that left you questioning your life choices? Well, brace yourself for "Hurry Up Tomorrow," the latest cinematic endeavor featuring the artistic collaboration of The Weeknd and Barry Keoghan. Described as astonishingly boring, the film has drawn mixed feelings from audiences and critics alike. But what really went wrong in this ambitious project?
The film, co-written and directed by Trey Edward Shults, attempts to delve into the mundane life of a pop star, portrayed by The Weeknd himself. Instead of delivering the exhilarating experience fans anticipate, it often feels more like a chore than entertainment. Keoghan stars alongside Jenna Ortega, who plays an obsessive fan named Anima. While the pairing has potential, the film spirals into a lackluster representation of celebrity life.
At its core, "Hurry Up Tomorrow" is about Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd) navigating the emotional turmoil of a breakup while on tour. You might expect the behind-the-scenes look at celebrity life to shine a light on the glamorous and chaotic reality, but what unfolds is disappointingly devoid of energy. The narrative lacks a solid plot, leaving viewers with a series of dull moments rather than a coherent journey.
The film's premise follows Tesfaye as he grapples with his emotions post-breakup, stuck in a cycle of self-pity. The audience watches as he attempts to cope with his sadness, often leading to violent outbursts and moments of melodrama that feel forced and disingenuous. The depiction of his character fails to capture the depth that one would expect from a man who has created profound music that resonates with many.
In a series of tedious scenes, we see Tesfaye locked in his hotel bathroom while his entourage tries to coax him into performing. Meanwhile, Anima, the fan, embarks on a destructive journey to witness her idol in concert—a subplot that fails to add significant value to the main narrative. Rather than elevating the story, these intertwined plots contribute to the film's overall feeling of disjointedness.
Barry Keoghan, known for his outstanding performances in films like "The Killing of a Sacred Deer," gives his best effort, yet he is limited by the thin material. Ortega's portrayal of Anima is slightly more dynamic, yet her character also suffers from a lack of development, often reducing her to a trope rather than a fully realized individual.
The film's cinematography is equally uninspired. Shults, who previously impressed with his debut film "Krisha," appears to falter here, with static shots during concert scenes that lack the vibrancy and excitement expected from a musical film. Instead of engaging audiences through captivating visuals and choreographed performances, viewers are left with flat compositions that drain much of the potential energy from the music.
As the film unfolds, the lack of compelling dialogue and engaging scenes leads to a viewer experience characterized by moments of silence and even nervous laughter from the audience. It raises the question: How could a project with such star power and musical talent fall so flat?
Ultimately, "Hurry Up Tomorrow" attempts to paint a portrait of the emotional challenges faced by pop stars, but it loses its way due to overly serious tones and an absence of humor or levity. The Weeknd may have a talent for creating infectious melodies, yet this project showcases a side of him that feels dampened and lifeless.
Moving forward, fans of The Weeknd may find it difficult to separate the man from the art in the wake of this film's release. With its lack of engaging content, it could change how listeners perceive his music. Perhaps it’s time for The Weeknd to stick to what he does best—making music that captures hearts and souls, rather than stepping onto the big screen again.
* This website participates in the Amazon Affiliate Program and earns from qualifying purchases.