Hurry Up Tomorrow Review – Critics Call Out The Weeknd’s Acting in Psychological Thriller

Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, has taken a bold step into filmmaking with his acting debut in the psychological thriller Hurry Up Tomorrow. Released on May 16, the film pairs Tesfaye with stars Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan, and explores the unraveling mind of a sleep-deprived musician. But while the film’s ambition was high, the reaction has been anything but forgiving.

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Plot: Fame, Insomnia, and Emotional Collapse

In Hurry Up Tomorrow, Tesfaye plays a fictionalized version of himself — a musician battling chronic insomnia whose life takes a surreal turn after an encounter with a mysterious stranger. The film, co-written by Trey Edward Shults (Waves), Reza Fahim, and Tesfaye himself, draws inspiration from real moments in his life — notably the incident where he lost his voice mid-concert in 2022.

Critics: ‘He Should’ve Stayed Behind the Mic’

Despite its promising premise, the film has been widely panned by critics. Described as “unbearably pretentious” and “self-indulgent,” Hurry Up Tomorrow currently holds a dismal 0% on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the worst-reviewed releases of the year.

Entertainment outlets like The Daily Beast have gone as far as to label it “the worst film of the year,” criticizing its narrative incoherence and Tesfaye’s lack of emotional range on screen.

A Creative Risk That Fell Flat?

Despite the negative press, Tesfaye’s artistic ambitions are evident. He helped craft the film’s story, its moody atmosphere, and even performed songs from his accompanying album Hurry Up Tomorrow at the 2025 Grammy Awards — his first appearance at the event in years.

But for now, his on-screen performance is under intense scrutiny. Whether Hurry Up Tomorrow becomes a misunderstood cult classic or a creative misfire, one thing is clear: audiences are far more sold on The Weeknd’s music than his method acting.