HURRY UP TOMORROW

A musician plagued by insomnia is pulled into an odyssey with a stranger who begins to unravel the very core of his existence.

HURRY UP TOMORROW, directed by Trey Edward Shults, features Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd), Jenna Ortega, and Barry Keoghan, exclusively in cinemas on 16 May.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Cultural Significance:
● Hurry Up Tomorrow is a major cultural moment at the intersection of music, cinema, and artistry. It marks The Weeknd’s first leading film role, bringing his creative vision into a new medium in collaboration with director Trey Edward Shults and a compelling ensemble cast. The film’s unique approach bridges artistic disciplines, creating a cinematic event that reflects the evolution of storytelling in both music and film.

A Unique Cinematic Experience:
● Hurry Up Tomorrow is designed as an evocative, immersive one-of-a-kind theatrical movie experience, designed to provoke, intrigue, and linger in the mind long after the credits roll.
● It is an experiential, evocative journey that encourages audiences to see it as an artistic experience rather than a traditional genre piece.
● Rather than following a traditional narrative structure, it challenges conventional storytelling, embracing a psychological and emotional approach that invites audiences to interpret and engage with the film on a deeper level.

Visionary Direction
● Visionary director Trey Edward Shults has weaved his cinematic world with the creative mind of The Weeknd to create a cerebral thriller that explores the inner depths we often plunge into when fueled by grief and loss.
● Trey Edward Shults’ direction brings a unique vision to the film, weaving together haunting visuals, psychological depth, and atmospheric tension to craft a cinematic experience that feels both intimate and intense.
● With a reputation for emotionally charged storytelling and visually striking narratives, Shults enhances the film’s complexity, adding layers of emotional and psychological resonance.

Thematic Depth:
● The film explores themes of grief, loss, and identity through characters grappling with internal conflicts and external pressures. Each moment of introspection reveals deeper emotional and psychological struggles, drawing audiences into an exploration of human vulnerability and the choices that define us.
● Hurry Up Tomorrow plays with perception and moral ambiguity, pulling viewers into a space where emotions are heightened, reality is fluid, and the boundaries of self-destruction and redemption are constantly shifting.

Bridging Music and Cinema:
● The film bridges the gap between music and cinema, using sound and visuals to mirror the character’s internal struggles, offering audiences a wholly immersive, sensory experience.
● Music is integral to the film’s storytelling—more than just a soundtrack, it drives the emotional and narrative experience. The Weeknd’s compositions shape the film’s mood and structure, mirroring the characters’ internal struggles and allowing sound to become a storytelling device in its own right.
● Music can also be a catalyst for conversations about mental health and vulnerabilities that society often avoids. Through this film, Abel explores those deeper emotional conflicts, taking audiences on a menacing odyssey of a tormented artist.

The Final Chapter of a Trilogy – You Finally Get to Know the Man Behind the Music
● The film is the essential conclusion to The Weeknd’s artistic trilogy, completing the journey that began with After Hours and Dawn FM. Fans are invited to uncover connections between the albums, his live performances, and the film, engaging with Easter eggs that bridge his entire creative universe.
○ After Hours (2020): Known for its darker, synth-heavy sound, After Hours includes massive hits like “Blinding Lights” and “Save Your Tears.” The album explores themes of heartbreak, excess, and loneliness.
○ Dawn FM (2022): This album presents a conceptual experience, with The Weeknd exploring themes of purgatory, enlightenment, and existential reflection. It features tracks like “Take My Breath” and “Sacrifice,” and includes narration from Jim Carrey.

Cast Contributions:
● Jenna Ortega is a force on screen and behind the camera – her mesmerizing performance keeps you immersed in every scene, and her creative vision as an executive producer brought balance to the production.
● Barry Keoghan delivers another layered and compelling performance, adding to his roster of dynamic characters.