The Weeknd's "Hurry Up Tomorrow" Slammed By Film Critics: A Lengthy Ego Trip?

David

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Post on May 17, 2025

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The Weeknd's "Hurry Up Tomorrow" Slammed by Film Critics: A Lengthy Ego Trip?

The Weeknd's foray into the world of film with his highly anticipated HBO Max special, "Hurry Up Tomorrow," has arrived, and the critical response has been… underwhelming. While the singer's musical talents are undeniable, his directorial debut is facing a barrage of criticism, with many reviewers deeming it a self-indulgent exercise in ego. But is it truly a cinematic disaster, or just a misunderstood artistic vision? Let's delve into the controversy surrounding this much-hyped production.

A Star-Studded Misfire?

The special, which blends concert footage with narrative elements, boasts a star-studded cast. However, this hasn't been enough to save it from scathing reviews. Many critics have pointed to the film's pacing as a major flaw, describing it as meandering and lacking a cohesive narrative structure. The plot, which reportedly follows The Weeknd’s alter ego through a series of surreal and often bizarre scenarios, seems to have left many viewers confused and unengaged.

Critics' Consensus: Style Over Substance?

The overwhelming consensus amongst film critics is that "Hurry Up Tomorrow" prioritizes style over substance. While the visuals are undeniably striking, boasting a distinctive aesthetic reminiscent of some of Abel Tesfaye's music videos, the lack of a compelling story has been a significant point of contention. Several critics have even labeled the special as self-indulgent, suggesting that it's more of a vanity project than a genuine attempt at cinematic storytelling.

• Common Criticisms:
  • Lack of a cohesive narrative
  • Meandering pacing
  • Overreliance on stylistic flourishes
  • Self-indulgent portrayal of The Weeknd's persona
  • Unclear thematic direction

One prominent film critic from The Hollywood Reporter described the special as "a visually arresting but ultimately empty experience," highlighting the disconnect between its stylistic ambition and its narrative shortcomings. Another review in Variety echoed this sentiment, suggesting that The Weeknd's directorial debut suffers from a lack of focus and a failure to connect emotionally with the audience.

The Weeknd's Vision: Artistic Expression or Miscalculation?

It's important to acknowledge that artistic expression is subjective. What one critic considers a failure, another might view as a bold experiment. The Weeknd, known for his enigmatic and often dark persona, may have intended "Hurry Up Tomorrow" to be a deeply personal and symbolic work. However, the lack of clarity in its execution has left many viewers feeling alienated rather than engaged. The film's ambiguous symbolism and cryptic narrative leave much open to interpretation, potentially contributing to the negative reception.

Beyond the Criticism: What's Next for The Weeknd in Film?

While the initial critical response to "Hurry Up Tomorrow" has been largely negative, it's too early to definitively write off The Weeknd's aspirations as a filmmaker. The experience may serve as a valuable learning opportunity, offering insights into the challenges of translating his unique artistic vision to the cinematic medium. Whether he chooses to pursue further projects in film remains to be seen, but this initial foray has undoubtedly sparked a significant conversation about the intersection of music, visual art, and narrative storytelling. Only time will tell if this foray into film is a temporary detour or a prelude to a more successful cinematic future.

Call to Action: Have you seen "Hurry Up Tomorrow"? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Let's discuss the film and its reception.