Captivating Surrealism in The Weeknd’s ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’: A Vanity Project?
An Electrifying Opening Night
NEW YORK (AP) — As the lights dim and SoFi Stadium, nestled just outside Los Angeles, fills to capacity with a staggering 80,000 fans, the atmosphere is electric. The moment everyone has been waiting for arrives: The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye, graces the stage. But just as the first notes ignite the crowd, disaster strikes — his voice cracks and falters, plunging everything into uncertainty.
A Surreal Journey of Self-Reflection
This pivotal moment in September 2022 serves as the backdrop for the surreal landscape of “Hurry Up Tomorrow.” In this film, directed by Trey Edward Shults, Tesfaye portrays a fictionalized version of himself: an insomniac musician grappling with the aftermath of a breakup and the chained weight of a superficial celebrity life. The film’s opening act feels meandering and incoherent, casting our talented protagonist as an unempathetic figure lost in his own narrative.
The Characters: Shadows of Tesfaye
In what is Tesfaye’s first leading role, he navigates a charade of characters that blur the lines between reality and fiction. His breakup is personified through a cruel voicemail from his ex, who tells him, “I used to think you were a good person.” He’s further surrounded by Lee, portrayed by Barry Keoghan, a hollow friend who embodies the worst aspects of fame.
After losing his voice—a psychosomatic ailment that goes unexplained—he encounters Amina, played by Jenna Ortega. This character slips into the narrative like a fleeting dream. She offers fleeting comfort yet lacks agency, existing solely to propel Tesfaye’s emotional conflict. The film spirals into uninspired horrors, echoing the torture scene from “Reservoir Dogs” but devoid of any compelling stakes. Amina lip-syncs The Weeknd’s hits, lamenting themes of emptiness and heartbreak, while their conversations hint at deeper emotional wounds but fail to fully engage.
Subtext Without Context
Interestingly, the film suggests that Amina and Lee represent different facets of Tesfaye—the deeper emotional self and the public persona, respectively. However, this subtext remains frustratingly vague and lacks the context necessary to resonate deeply with viewers. What should feel layered ends up as a a vanity project adorned with surreal imagination but constrained by its stilted writing and unclear narrative.
A Cinematic Experience for Superfans
For ardent fans familiar with The Weeknd’s music and artistry, “Hurry Up Tomorrow” offers a personal glimpse into his life. It appears to cater primarily to those intimately acquainted with his work, bolstered by the power of fandom in contemporary popular culture.
Just Another Chapter in Tesfaye’s Acting Journey
This venture isn’t Tesfaye’s first foray into acting; he previously had a cameo in “Uncut Gems” and starred in HBO’s “The Idol.” The latter sparked controversy for its treatment of female perspectives. Yet both projects exhibit an unearned provocation, steering conversations but ultimately lacking substance.
The Landscape of Musical Autobiographies
In a cinematic landscape brimming with creative and playful musician biopics like Pharrell Williams’ “Piece by Piece” and Robbie Williams’ “Better Man,” “Hurry Up Tomorrow” feels like an ambitious misstep for those outside The Weeknd’s inner circle. While the film does not advertise itself as a straightforward biopic, a lighter touch and sharper editing could have vastly improved its accessibility.
The Soundtrack: A Mixed Blessing
Connecting seamlessly with Tesfaye’s latest album, also titled “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” the film’s score stands as its crowning achievement. Composed alongside Daniel Lopatin (Oneohtrix Point Never), the score pulsates through the film, creating a psychedelic soundscape that encapsulates the highs and lows of fame. Yet, the visual aesthetics—with swirling frames and erratic lighting—feel more akin to a music video, failing to translate effectively into a cohesive narrative.
Final Thoughts: A Challenging Watch
“Hurry Up Tomorrow,” a release from Lionsgate, dives deep into existential crises amidst the trappings of fame. Rated R for language, drug use, and brief nudity, its 105-minute runtime leaves viewers questioning the result of its artistic ambition. With a rating of just 1.5 stars out of four, this project serves as a reminder that sometimes, even the most talented artists can stumble in their creative ventures.
For those seeking an insightful examination of celebrity life through a surreal lens, it may offer some food for thought. For others, it might feel like a self-indulgent dive into an opaque personal narrative. Either way, it’s a film worth discussing, if only for its ambitions, if not for its execution.
Maria Sherman, The Associated Press
