The film “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” featuring stars such as The Weeknd, Barry Keoghan, Jenna Ortega, and Riley Keough, has garnered a less-than-glowing reception from critics, earning only 15 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 30 on Metacritic, marking it as one of the lowest-rated films of 2025. Directed and co-written by Trey Edward Shults, the movie is described as a “musical psychological thriller” and is intended as a companion piece to The Weeknd’s sixth studio album released earlier this year.
The plot centers around The Weeknd, playing a fictionalized version of himself, who spirals into resentment and depression following a breakup. This emotional journey is fueled by a psychedelic encounter with a mysterious stranger, leading him to reevaluate his life.
Despite the harsh criticism, including descriptions of the film as “self-indulgent” and a “feature-length ego-stroke,” some reviews noted the performances of the cast, particularly Ortega and Keoghan. Critics like Charles Bramesco from IndieWire acknowledged that while the film may not be perfect, it challenges the viewer’s understanding of talent and the artistic process.
The Weeknd’s previous project, “The Idol,” also received low ratings but went on to win an Emmy for Best Choreography, showing that critical reception doesn’t always dictate a project’s ultimate success. The artist has previously commented on criticism, asserting that he is not responsible for others’ feelings about his music.
As “Hurry Up Tomorrow” unfolds in theaters, it serves as a bold, albeit polarizing, exploration of fame and identity, offering a fresh, if contentious, perspective on artistic expression in modern cinema. With such a deeply personal premise, there’s potential for audiences to connect with its themes.