Music superstar Abel Tesfaye, globally known as The Weeknd, took a bold step into acting with his 2025 film Hurry Up Tomorrow. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Trey Edward Shults, the psychological thriller marks The Weeknd’s official debut as a leading actor on the silver screen. However, despite high expectations, the film has been met with overwhelming negative reviews from both critics and fans alike.
Hurry Up Tomorrow presents a fictionalized version of The Weeknd’s life, chronicling his internal struggle with fame, surreal fan encounters, and personal disintegration. Alongside Tesfaye, the cast includes Barry Keoghan as Lee, a loyal confidante, and Jenna Ortega as Anima, a dangerously obsessed fan. The film combines dreamlike visuals, synth-heavy music, and a shadowy, atmospheric aesthetic to create a sensory experience rather than a traditional narrative.
Unfortunately, the film’s experimental style has left many viewers frustrated. Social media platforms such as X and Reddit are flooded with harsh critiques targeting the film’s lack of a coherent storyline and Tesfaye’s underwhelming performance. One social media user described Hurry Up Tomorrow as “easily one of the worst movies of the decade,” while another called it “a vanity project disguised as a film,” citing its reliance on style over substance. Even loyal fans expressed disappointment, with some calling it “a visualizer stretched into nearly two hours.”
Criticism has not only been directed at The Weeknd but also at director Trey Edward Shults, whose previous work Waves earned critical acclaim. Now, many fear this latest project could harm his career trajectory. Some viewers believe the film serves more as a platform for The Weeknd’s ego than a genuine cinematic achievement.
The film’s failure highlights the challenges musicians face when crossing over into acting. While artists like Lady Gaga and Justin Timberlake have found success in both fields, others struggle to balance self-expression with audience engagement. Tesfaye’s earnest yet flat portrayal of his character pales in comparison to the more dynamic performances of his co-stars, further detracting from the film’s impact.
With low ratings on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes and a wave of negative audience feedback, Hurry Up Tomorrow appears set to become a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of blending music and cinema without a clear focus on storytelling.
Ultimately, while Hurry Up Tomorrow is a project fueled by ambition and artistic intent, it fails to deliver the emotional connection or narrative coherence needed to captivate moviegoers, leaving many to question whether The Weeknd’s cinematic journey will continue.
Sources By Agencie
