Hurry Up Tomorrow (2025)

Hurry Up Tomorrow: A Deep Dive into The Weeknd’s Cinematic Masterpiece

Image Source: IMP Awards 

Title: Hurry Up Tomorrow

Genre: Musical Psychological Thriller

Director: Trey Edward Shults

Writers: Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd), Reza Fahim, Trey Edward Shults

Main Cast:

Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd)

Jenna Ortega

Barry Keoghan

Language: English

Country: United States

Runtime: Approx. 120 minutes

Release Date: May 16, 2025

Production Companies: A24, Bron, The Weeknd XO, Manic Phase

Distributor: Lionsgate

Rating: R (Language, drug use, brief nudity, violence)

Budget: $20 million+

Introduction

Hurry Up Tomorrow marks the cinematic debut of global music sensation, The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye). Known for his profound impact on the music industry, The Weeknd steps into the realm of filmmaking, with this psychological thriller that merges music, self-exploration, and surreal narratives. Directed by Trey Edward Shults, Hurry Up Tomorrow is more than just a film – it’s an experience that promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats while exploring the dark side of fame, mental health, and identity. This movie explores the intense journey of a musician grappling with his own demons while also confronting the dangerous allure of the fame he has achieved.

The film features a stellar cast with The Weeknd at its helm, alongside breakout performances from Jenna Ortega, Barry Keoghan, and other actors that provide depth and meaning to the character-driven narrative. The mix of these talented individuals, combined with Shults' visionary direction, makes this film something to look forward to. The movie’s psychological depth is complemented by a haunting and atmospheric score by The Weeknd himself, along with the innovative filmmaking techniques that will resonate with both music lovers and cinephiles alike.

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Plot Overview

Hurry Up Tomorrow is not your typical film. It’s a journey through the chaotic psyche of Abel (The Weeknd), a successful yet troubled musician who struggles with the psychological toll of his fame. Abel has become a household name, but his rapid rise to stardom has come at the cost of his mental well-being. He experiences severe insomnia and is haunted by the pressures and expectations placed on him by both his fans and himself. The weight of his career and personal life begins to take a toll on his perception of reality, leading him to spiral into a surreal world that challenges the very essence of who he is.

The plot kicks off when Abel meets Anima (Jenna Ortega), a mysterious woman who claims to understand his pain and offers to help him navigate his turbulent mental state. As they dive deeper into Abel’s mind, the lines between reality and illusion begin to blur, and Abel finds himself questioning everything he once thought he knew about himself. His relationship with Anima forces him to confront his fears, guilt, and deepest secrets, which were previously buried under the weight of fame. The story explores themes of identity, the pressures of success, and the existential search for meaning in a world dominated by superficiality.

Through a series of strange and surreal events, Abel and Anima journey through distorted memories, self-doubt, and intimate revelations. As the two characters' fates intertwine, the narrative unfolds like a psychological puzzle, with each piece revealing more about Abel’s past, his fears, and ultimately, the truth of who he has become.

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Main Cast

The film features an incredible cast of talented individuals, each bringing their own unique flair to the roles.

• Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd) as Abel
  The Weeknd’s portrayal of Abel is raw and intense. As a famous musician trapped in his own mind, Abel is a complex character who is forced to confront the consequences of his fame and the inner turmoil that comes with it. The Weeknd brings a vulnerability to the role that resonates deeply with the audience.

• Jenna Ortega as Anima
  Jenna Ortega delivers a mesmerizing performance as Anima, a mysterious figure who acts as both a guide and a catalyst for Abel's emotional and psychological journey. Anima represents the intersection of reality and fantasy, playing a crucial role in helping Abel navigate his troubled mind.

• Barry Keoghan as Lee
  Barry Keoghan plays Lee, Abel’s long-time manager and confidant. Lee serves as a voice of reason amidst Abel’s chaos, but he too is entangled in the dark side of the music industry and the consequences of their relationship. Keoghan’s performance adds depth to the story, highlighting the personal and professional complexities that come with fame.

• Gabby Barrett as Isabella
  Gabby Barrett plays Isabella, a character whose relationship with Abel further complicates his emotional journey. Isabella represents Abel’s connection to his past, and her presence in the story brings both comfort and tension.

• Charli D'Amelio as Dancer
  Charli D'Amelio plays a symbolic character, known simply as Dancer. As a representation of Abel’s past and the empty pursuit of fame, she serves as a haunting reminder of what he has lost.

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Behind the Scenes

Hurry Up Tomorrow is a cinematic achievement not only due to its impressive cast but also because of the innovative and artistic vision brought to life by director Trey Edward Shults. Known for his work on It Comes at Night and Waves, Shults brings his unique flair for blending psychological horror with emotional drama to this project. The film is shot in a mix of 35mm and 16mm film formats, enhancing its gritty and unsettling aesthetic. The use of different film stocks creates a tactile, textured visual experience that adds to the film's dreamlike atmosphere.

The soundtrack, crafted by The Weeknd and Daniel Lopatin (Oneohtrix Point Never), is a perfect complement to the psychological depth of the story. The haunting, atmospheric score intensifies the film’s tension, creating a soundscape that matches the eerie and surreal visuals. The music doesn’t just serve as an accompaniment to the story but rather as an integral part of the narrative itself, emphasizing the emotional and psychological depth of the characters.

In addition to its stunning visuals and sound, the film employs surreal editing techniques that mirror the disorienting psychological journey of its protagonist. Flashbacks, distorted realities, and fragmented time sequences come together to create a sense of confusion and existential dread. These editing choices are deliberate, allowing the viewer to experience the world through Abel’s fractured perspective.

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Release Details

• Release Date: May 16, 2025
• Country: United States
• Distributor: Lionsgate
• Runtime: Approximately 120 minutes
• Rating: R (for language, drug use, violence, and brief nudity)

The film will be released in theaters worldwide, with a limited-edition premiere before its wide release. Fans of The Weeknd and cinephiles alike are eagerly awaiting its arrival.

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Marketing Strategy

The marketing for Hurry Up Tomorrow has been as unique and mysterious as the film itself. Early promotional materials teased the film with cryptic messages and abstract visuals, hinting at the film’s surreal, dreamlike quality. The Weeknd has used his massive social media following to build anticipation, posting behind-the-scenes content and intriguing snippets that leave fans wondering what to expect.

To add to the mystique, limited-edition merchandise has been released in conjunction with the film, including vinyl records of the film's soundtrack, exclusive posters, and special collector’s items. The marketing has focused on creating a buzz around the film’s psychological elements, with particular attention given to the way it challenges traditional narrative forms.

The marketing campaign has also focused heavily on the music element, tapping into The Weeknd’s dedicated fan base to expand the film’s reach. Exclusive behind-the-scenes looks at the soundtrack and film production have been shared on various platforms, including social media and music streaming services.

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Themes and Symbolism

At its core, Hurry Up Tomorrow is a profound exploration of identity, fame, and the psychological toll of success. The film examines the complex relationship between an artist and their audience, highlighting how the pressure of fame can lead to self-doubt, isolation, and a loss of self-identity.

Throughout the film, Abel’s psychological journey is depicted through surreal and symbolic imagery. His relationship with Anima serves as a metaphor for his internal struggle, while other characters represent various facets of his persona and past. The film’s visuals – from dreamlike sequences to chaotic moments of introspection – serve as a reflection of the internal chaos that Abel experiences as he searches for meaning.

The use of darkness, shadows, and fragmented memories throughout the film adds to the sense of unease, symbolizing the hidden corners of Abel’s mind. The blurring of reality and fantasy within the story mirrors the disconnect that many individuals feel when they are thrust into the spotlight, constantly questioning what is real and what is not.

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Conclusion

Hurry Up Tomorrow is a bold and innovative cinematic experience that pushes the boundaries of storytelling. With The Weeknd’s captivating performance and Shults’ visionary direction, the film explores deep psychological themes while offering a surreal and haunting experience. It is a film that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the weight of fame, the struggles of self-identity, or the fragility of the human mind. As the world eagerly awaits its release in 2025, Hurry Up Tomorrow promises to be one of the most talked-about films of the year.