'Hurry Up Tomorrow' Review: Trey Edward Shults' Directing Style Underwhelms

David

3 min read

Post on May 16, 2025

4.1

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'Hurry Up Tomorrow' Review: Trey Edward Shults' Directing Style Underwhelms

Trey Edward Shults, the acclaimed director behind the emotionally resonant Krisha and the critically lauded Waves, returns with his latest film, Hurry Up Tomorrow. While expectations were high, fueled by Shults' previous successes, Hurry Up Tomorrow unfortunately falls short, leaving viewers feeling underwhelmed by its execution despite its intriguing premise. This review delves into the film's shortcomings and explores why Shults' usually masterful directing style seems to falter in this instance.

A Promising Premise, A Lackluster Delivery

Hurry Up Tomorrow centers around [brief, spoiler-free synopsis of the film's plot – e.g., a young man grappling with the complexities of adulthood and a fractured family]. The film's central theme – [mention the core theme, e.g., the search for identity, the complexities of familial relationships] – is undoubtedly compelling and ripe for exploration. However, the execution, particularly in Shults' directorial choices, hinders the film's overall impact.

Where Shults' Style Stumbles

Shults is known for his intensely intimate and emotionally raw filmmaking style. He expertly utilizes close-ups, long takes, and naturalistic dialogue to immerse the viewer in the characters' emotional landscapes. In Waves, for instance, this style created a powerful and unforgettable viewing experience. However, in Hurry Up Tomorrow, this signature style feels somewhat overused and, at times, even distracting.

The pacing, for example, often feels uneven. While long takes can be incredibly effective in building tension and intimacy, here they sometimes drag, hindering the narrative momentum. The film's emotional core, though present, feels less impactful due to this inconsistent pacing. The close-ups, while intended to highlight the characters' inner turmoil, occasionally become excessive, almost suffocating the viewer rather than drawing them in.

Technical Aspects and Performances

The film's technical aspects are generally strong. [Mention specific aspects like cinematography, sound design, etc. and their effectiveness or shortcomings, e.g., The cinematography, while visually appealing, lacks the same innovative flair as his previous works. The sound design, however, is quite effective in building atmosphere]. The performances, too, are commendable, with [mention lead actor's name] delivering a nuanced and believable portrayal of [mention character’s role]. However, even strong performances cannot fully compensate for the film's structural weaknesses.

A Missed Opportunity?

Ultimately, Hurry Up Tomorrow feels like a missed opportunity. The potential was undeniably there, grounded in a relatable and emotionally resonant narrative. However, Shults' directorial choices ultimately work against the film, resulting in a less impactful viewing experience than his previous works. While fans of Shults' previous films may find some familiar elements, the overall effect is one of disappointment. Perhaps a more measured approach to his signature style could have yielded a more compelling and emotionally resonant result.

Conclusion: A Disappointing Detour

While Hurry Up Tomorrow isn't a complete failure, it certainly falls short of the high bar set by Shults' earlier films. Its uneven pacing, overreliance on close-ups, and overall less-than-compelling narrative execution leave viewers feeling somewhat unsatisfied. This review is not intended to diminish Shults' considerable talent, but rather to offer a critical assessment of this particular project and highlight where it ultimately falters. For fans of emotionally-driven independent cinema, however, it might still be worth a watch, if only to observe how a talented filmmaker's stylistic choices can sometimes work against them.

Keywords: Hurry Up Tomorrow, Trey Edward Shults, film review, movie review, independent film, Waves, Krisha, directorial style, cinematic analysis, film criticism, movie critique, [Add other relevant keywords based on the film's themes and plot].