Sat May 17 04:00:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**”Hurry Up Tomorrow”: The Weeknd’s Vanity Project a Self-Indulgent, Yet Visually Stimulating Bore**

Abel Tesfaye, known globally as The Weeknd, has ventured into the cinematic realm with “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” a film co-written and starring himself, directed by Trey Edward Shults. However, critics are questioning the film’s purpose beyond being a self-indulgent exploration of the artist’s persona.

The film, named after Tesfaye’s latest album, is a fictionalized account of events surrounding the singer’s 2022 vocal strain during a Los Angeles performance. It interweaves scenes of Tesfaye preparing for shows with his entourage, including manager Lee (Barry Keoghan), and his connection with a mysterious woman named Anima (Jenna Ortega).

Tesfaye essentially plays a version of himself, embodying the brooding Lothario persona that propelled him to fame. The film showcases the artist’s vulnerabilities as he grapples with fame, lost love, and self-destruction.

Jenna Ortega’s performance as Anima is a highlight, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative. While initially appearing as a manic fan, her character reveals a darker and more intricate dimension, providing a welcome contrast to Tesfaye’s and Keoghan’s characters.

The soundtrack, naturally, features tracks from “Hurry Up Tomorrow” and The Weeknd’s earlier work. Daniel Lopatin, also known as Oneohtrix Point Never, contributes a discordant score that adds to the film’s brooding atmosphere.

Visually, “Hurry Up Tomorrow” attempts to elevate itself by referencing iconic films like “The Shining,” “Misery,” and “American Psycho.” However, these nods often feel superficial, failing to create a unique identity for the film.

“Hurry Up Tomorrow” is positioned as The Weeknd’s final act under that moniker, signaling a transition to a more comprehensive artistic approach under his given name. However, the film’s finale hints at the enduring nature of the persona he’s trying to leave behind. While it strives for depth, it falls short, becoming a self-insert fan fiction with sporadic bursts of visual stimulation.

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