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The Weeknd’s ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’: A Surrealist Vanity Project That Misses the Mark
Introduction: A Night to Remember
On a fateful September night in 2022, SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles became a temple for The Weeknd, drawing in a staggering 80,000 fans. As Abel Tesfaye stepped onto the stage, everything seemed perfect—until his voice cracked spectacularly within the first minute. This moment serves as the backdrop for "Hurry Up Tomorrow," a film that encapsulates the highs and lows of celebrity through a surreal lens. But does it resonate beyond its target audience of superfans?
The Premise: A Nonlinear Journey
The Protagonist Unveiled
In his first leading role, directed by Trey Edward Shults, Tesfaye dives into a fictionalized version of himself as an insomniac musician plagued by heartbreak and indulgences. The film introduces us to a chaotic world dominated by disconnection, where a cruel voicemail from his ex serves as a cruel reminder of his vulnerability. Barry Keoghan portrays Lee, his superficial friend-manager, adding to the sense of alienation.
A Model of Contradictions
As Tesfaye experiences the loss of his voice—a psychosomatic ailment—he encounters Amina, played by Jenna Ortega. While she offers fleeting comfort, her character lacks depth and agency, reduced to a supporting figure tasked with reflecting Tesfaye’s insecurities. Their interactions culminate in an uninspired horror that echoes scenes from “Reservoir Dogs,” yet devoid of the tension that made it iconic.
Themes and Interpretations
Dissecting Emotional Weight
Critics might approach "Hurry Up Tomorrow" with curiosity, but the film struggles to deliver substantial emotional weight. The narrative leans heavily on themes like absent fathers and fear of abandonment, yet leaves viewers yearning for a more profound exploration of these ideas. Characters are ultimately stripped of nuance, revealing the film’s ambition to be deep while merely skimming the surface.
A Clarity Problem
While press materials suggest Amina and Lee symbolize different facets of Tesfaye—his deep emotional self and public persona respectively—the film fails to convey this directly. Without contextual clarity, audiences are left to grapple with a surreal tapestry that feels more like a vanity project than a thought-provoking narrative.
For the Fans: A Targeted Appeal
Catering to Superfans
It’s crucial to acknowledge that "Hurry Up Tomorrow" heavily favors die-hard fans of The Weeknd. For those well-versed in his music and public persona, the film serves as an enjoyable exploration of his psyche. In an era when fandom creates cultural currency, Tesfaye’s decision to target this demographic feels not just logical but a savvy move in the entertainment landscape.
Rethinking the Cinematic Experience
Tesfaye’s Acting Past
This is not The Weeknd’s first dance with acting—his cameo in "Uncut Gems" and the controversial HBO series "The Idol" paved the way for this project. Both previous ventures faced scrutiny for their provocative themes but also sparked essential conversations. It’s clear that “Hurry Up Tomorrow” aims for a similar outcome—melding artistry with troubled introspection.
A Missed Opportunity
In a cinematic landscape where biopics often feel imaginative and inventive, "Hurry Up Tomorrow" diverges from this trend, serving instead as a convoluted narrative that may not resonate well beyond its core fanbase. It skirts the line between self-reflection and self-indulgence, potentially alienating casual viewers.
The Music: An Ambitious Soundtrack
Connecting to the Discography
Interestingly, "Hurry Up Tomorrow" is tied to Tesfaye’s latest album of the same name, marking the final chapter of his record-breaking trilogy that began with "After Hours" and continued with "Dawn FM." While the film plays like a sprawling music video rather than a coherent story, it shares an ambition to critique the celebrity-industrial complex.
Sound Meets Vision
The brilliance of "Hurry Up Tomorrow" lies in its score, composed by Tesfaye and Daniel Lopatin (famous as Oneohtrix Point Never). The music transcends the cinematic experience, layered and psychedelic, providing a haunting backdrop that almost distracts from its narrative shortcomings. The dizzying cinematography enhances moments of heightened emotion but might feel more suitable for a music video rather than a feature film.
Final Thoughts: A Mixed Bag
"Hurry Up Tomorrow," distributed by Lionsgate, is rated R for language, drug use, and brief nudity, running a total of 105 minutes. While it may ultimately feel like a self-indulgent vanity project, it serves as a significant exploration of The Weeknd’s complex persona. With one and a half stars out of four, this surreal journey is best suited for those with a vested interest in Tesfaye’s music and mystique.
In conclusion, "Hurry Up Tomorrow" offers a window into the mind of a pop icon, yet fails to provide the depth and insight many viewers seek. The real takeaway? Sometimes, even the most dazzling stars falter, leaving us to ponder the human experience behind the façade.
