Trey Edward Shults' "Hurry Up Tomorrow": A Failure Of Direction And Story?

3 min read Post on May 17, 2025

Trey Edward Shults' "A24's" "Hurry Up & Wait": A Failure of Direction and Story?

Trey Edward Shults, the acclaimed director behind the emotionally resonant Krisha and the haunting Waves, took a significant departure with his latest film, A24's "Hurry Up & Wait." While Shults has consistently displayed a unique cinematic vision, this project leaves many wondering if the ambitious attempt to blend genres ultimately resulted in a muddled narrative and a confusing directorial approach. Did the experimental style overshadow the story's core, or did the narrative itself simply fall flat? This article delves into the critical reception and explores whether Hurry Up & Wait truly represents a misstep for the talented director.

A Disjointed Narrative?

Many critics have pointed to the film's narrative structure as its primary weakness. Unlike Shults' previous works, which built emotional power through focused character studies and deliberate pacing, Hurry Up & Wait feels fragmented. The plot, which revolves around [brief, spoiler-free synopsis of the plot, focusing on key themes and characters], jumps between timelines and perspectives, leaving the audience struggling to connect with the characters and understand the overarching narrative. This disjointed approach, while potentially intentional, sacrifices emotional impact for the sake of experimental storytelling. The result is a film that feels less like a cohesive narrative and more like a collection of loosely connected scenes.

Stylistic Choices: Bold Experiment or Gimmick?

Shults' stylistic choices have always been a defining aspect of his work. His use of unconventional camera angles, long takes, and immersive sound design contributed significantly to the power of films like Waves. In Hurry Up & Wait, however, some argue that these stylistic elements feel self-indulgent, overshadowing the narrative rather than enhancing it. The bold visuals and jarring sound design, while technically impressive, distract from the emotional core of the story, leaving the audience overwhelmed rather than moved.

Critical Reception: A Divided Audience

The critical response to Hurry Up & Wait has been decidedly mixed. While some critics have praised Shults' ambition and willingness to experiment with form, many others have criticized the film's lack of narrative clarity and emotional resonance. [Include specific quotes from relevant reviews, citing sources. Examples: "The film's fragmented narrative left me feeling lost and disengaged." – [Critic's Name, Publication]. "While technically impressive, the film lacks the emotional depth of Shults' previous work." – [Critic's Name, Publication]]. This divided audience underscores the inherent risks of experimental filmmaking and highlights the challenges of balancing artistic ambition with narrative coherence.

A Step Backwards or a Necessary Experiment?

Ultimately, whether Hurry Up & Wait represents a failure for Trey Edward Shults is a matter of subjective interpretation. While the film undoubtedly features moments of striking visual beauty and technical prowess, its narrative flaws and confusing direction prevent it from reaching the emotional heights of his earlier works. The film's experimental nature, while commendable, might alienate viewers expecting a more traditional storytelling approach. This could be seen as a risky, albeit necessary, experiment for a director pushing boundaries, but for many viewers it likely falls short of expectations set by his previous, more accessible films.

Conclusion: The Future of Shults' Vision

Only time will tell how Hurry Up & Wait will ultimately be perceived within Shults' filmography. However, the film's reception serves as a reminder that even the most talented filmmakers can stumble. The film prompts a conversation about the balance between artistic experimentation and audience engagement – a conversation that will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of independent cinema. What are your thoughts? Share your opinions in the comments below!