'Hurry Up Tomorrow' Review: A Hypnotic Passion Project or a Therapy Session?
- Shauna Bushe
- May 18
- 3 min read
By Shauna Bushe - May 18, 2025
Director Trey Edward Shults (It Comes at Night, 2017) brings to the screen an unusual feature that fairs more like a music video, with a twisted Stephen King’s Misery vibe. At the core is Abel Tesfaye, in his first leading role as a fictionalised version of himself, joined by co-stars Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan.
Hurry Up Tomorrow begins with Abel in his dressing room, making vocal exercises ahead of his show, whilst looking extremely lost in the mirror back at himself. Its left unclear but on the surface, we’re watching Abel struggle to come to terms with a break-up. Not long after, we’re introduced to Lee (Barry Keoghan) his manager, who blasts his way in, vocalising motivational lines to help boost his stage star.
During this opening act we flit back and forth between our main cast, the distorting visuals playing a key component and setting the tone for the rest of the movie. We’re also introduced to Anima (Jenna Ortega), who is seen torching what seems to be her childhood home; for what reason we don’t know, before driving across country to see The Weeknd perform.
Considering Abel Tesfaye’s recent choice in devolving from The Weeknd and progressing without that stage name, the film definitely makes that its focus. As much as Abel has declared his desire to destroy that persona, he is still very much entangled in his self-made mythology. And we see that as the film progresses. Although, the narrative isn’t clear and the story isn’t heavily layered with dialogue, it is with music. And that’s exactly what makes this feature feel a lot more like a music video.
As the film progresses, we are flung into the crazy pop star lifestyle. Partying, drinking, drug use and watching the destructive effect it leaves on someone who is already perilous. The deteriorating mental state of Abel is shown through blurred images that play with your nerves yet visually stimulating at the same time. Accompanied by a booming soundtrack that escorts you somewhere almost psychedelic. The film struggles to find its identity, just like Abel/The Weeknd in real life. The elements are all there, it’s just a shame it doesn’t assert any sustainability. As for the cast, they do a great job with what they’re given.
Unfortunately, what they’re given is very surface level and the lack of depth ruins any chance of development leaving a lot of questions unanswered and motives ambiguous.
Firstly, Abel Tesfaye hasn’t had the best luck when it comes to acting on screen, his time on the HBO series The Idol didn’t leave anyone with the greatest first impression, however, in Hurry Up Tomorrow there doesn’t need to be a performance, any acting. When you’re playing yourself, the emotions needing to be conveyed aren’t exaggerated and that explains why Able comes across dissociative and or awkward, because that’s exactly how he supposedly feels inside.
Anima (Jenna Ortega) is a mysterious character, alluring, with a detached look in her eyes. This has to be Ortega's most sinister role yet. Wearing her emotions on her sleeve she is the absolute star of this movie. Practically replicating Kathy Bates from Misery in the final act, which took me completely by surprise. Barry Keoghan plays Lee, a character which is a mess, with an accent that grates on you every time he speaks. Given his status as a highly talented actor this film does nothing for his artistry, especially after Saltburn, you know what he is capable of.
In summary, Hurry Up Tomorrow is a bizarre film. The final act is what undoubtedly saves it from being a complete ego trip. Jenna Ortega delivers a torturous therapy lesson, analysing and probing Abel into speaking the truth but he won’t give in. As a result, the high stakes scene transforms the film into so much more, with the help of a few horror elements and hypnotic illusions thrown in. Consisting of a turbulent editing style, a polarizing aesthetic flair and an array of captivating colours exposed through its dizzy cinematography. Hurry Up Tomorrow won’t be for every audience; it’s not a cinematic experience but a long fever dream music video.
Hurry Up Tomorrow is out now in cinemas
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