“Star” by Abel Tesfaye & Jenna Ortega: A new era begins.

Like many dreamers, I once aspired to be a rock star. My ambitions, however, didn’t extend beyond mastering air guitar. But if you take a glimpse into Abel Tesfaye’s new film, **Hurry Up Tomorrow**, you’ll quickly realize that being a global superstar isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Co-written by and starring Tesfaye—better known as **The Weeknd**—this drama suggests that fame comes with significant emotional baggage. Picture this: it’s almost impossible to make it through a day without shedding tears, and Tesfaye’s character does so frequently enough to raise health concerns about his hydration levels.

The Plot: A Journey Through Turmoil

In a pivotal scene, Tesfaye embodies a version of himself, tied up and vulnerable, while a deranged fan—portrayed by the talented **Jenna Ortega**—dances and dissects his music. As he struggles in bondage, you can’t help but draw parallels between his torment and the experience of enduring this film, directed by **Trey Edward Shults** (**Waves**, **It Comes at Night**). **Hurry Up Tomorrow** offers a viewing experience that may be best appreciated by die-hard fans of The Weeknd.

Movie Overview

Excessive Pretension

From the start, the film reeks of pretension. In fact, the opening credits go on for nearly half an hour, following an onscreen warning about strobe effects, a music video, and a commercial promoting **The Weeknd’s** latest album, which this film serves as a feature-length advertisement for.

Existential Themes and Emotional Turmoil

At its core, **Hurry Up Tomorrow** intertwines themes of existential angst. Tesfaye’s character grapples with the aftershocks of a recent breakup. We hear the voice of his ex-girlfriend, played by **Riley Keough**, through pleading voicemails as he yearns to reclaim their lost love. His emotional turmoil takes its toll on his vocal abilities, prompting a doctor to recommend a vocal rest, much to the chagrin of his best friend and manager, **Lee**, played by **Barry Keoghan**, who conveniently supplies him with mood-altering substances.

Meet Anima: The Deranged Fan

A striking figure in this narrative is **Anima** (Ortega), first introduced igniting a remote house during a winter storm. As an ardent fan of The Weeknd, she excites the mood when their eyes lock in a crowded concert venue. This chance encounter spirals into a night of ecstatic revelry, including amusement park escapades, before evolving into something much darker, reminiscent of the unsettling tension in **Misery**.

Pervasive Melancholy

Throughout the film, we witness Tesfaye’s character crying in a multitude of settings: his private jet, the bathtub, and even his hotel room. The overwhelming display of emotion is echoed by Anima, who finds herself in tears listening to his tracks. It feels excessive—almost comical at times—suggesting that perhaps a prescription for antidepressants could have altered the course of this film.

The Cinematic Lens

Shults, a gifted filmmaker, manages to cultivate a haunting atmosphere with striking visuals, even if some tropes appear a tad clichéd (think deserted urban landscapes begging for a zombie cameo). However, the screenplay, lacking humor and a sense of self-awareness, leaves much to be desired; in comparison, even the worst musician-centric films like **Renaldo and Clara**, **Under the Cherry Moon**, and **Give My Regards to Broad Street** shine like masterpieces.

A Star’s Journey

While Tesfaye undoubtedly excels as a music artist, when it comes to acting, he showcases a different kind of intensity—dominated by close-up shots that capture his pained expressions. Ortega and Keoghan infuse their roles with fervent energy, yet it ultimately falls short of bearing the weight required to transform **Hurry Up Tomorrow** from a self-indulgent project into a holistic cinematic experience. Between this and the cancellation of **The Idol**, it might be time for some serious career re-evaluation.

Final Thoughts

In summary, **Hurry Up Tomorrow** leaves audiences with more questions than answers, particularly around the balance between fame and emotional well-being. While it may resonate with fervent fans of The Weeknd, others might find themselves yearning for the more engaging narratives found in his musical repertoire.