First Look: The Weeknd’s Film Debut ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ Unveils Psychological Drama Starring Jenna Ortega, Barry Keoghan

Lionsgate has released the first official look at the highly anticipated psychological thriller “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” marking the feature film debut of Grammy-winning artist Abel Tesfaye, known globally as The Weeknd. The movie features a prominent cast including acclaimed actors Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan, and is directed by the critically praised filmmaker Trey Edward Shults.

The film draws direct inspiration from The Weeknd’s album of the same name, which was released on January 31st. This album represents a significant milestone for the artist, serving as the concluding chapter of a conceptual trilogy that commenced with the widely successful album “After Hours” in 2020 and continued with “Dawn FM” in 2022.

Synopsis and Creative Vision

The official synopsis provided by Lionsgate describes “Hurry Up Tomorrow” as a narrative centered on a musician who is plagued by debilitating insomnia. This character becomes entangled in a surreal odyssey alongside a mysterious stranger, played by Jenna Ortega, who begins a process that fundamentally unravels the very core of his existence.

Director Trey Edward Shults, known for his distinct cinematic style, characterized the film as a unique fusion of psychological thriller and drama, suggesting it ventures into territory unlike anything he has previously encountered or seen in cinema. This description hints at a challenging and unconventional viewing experience.

Tesfaye himself reflected on the filmmaking process, stating that the experience of bringing this story to life on screen was profoundly “introspective and cathartic.” This personal connection is underscored by the nature of the character he portrays.

Character Explorations

Shults elaborated on Tesfaye’s character, revealing that the role is designed to be a version of Abel Tesfaye himself – an honest portrayal of who he might have become had certain life circumstances unfolded differently. This deep personal connection to the role is further illuminated by Tesfaye, who indicated the character reflects a real-life mental breakdown he experienced in 2022, notably when he lost his voice mid-performance, an event that garnered significant public attention.

Jenna Ortega takes on the role of Anima, the enigmatic stranger. Ortega described her character as embodying a side of Abel that The Weeknd persona, often characterized by its dark and mysterious elements, does not frequently reveal. This suggests a layer of complexity and perhaps vulnerability in her performance.

Rounding out the principal cast, Barry Keoghan, an actor celebrated for his compelling performances, stars as Lee, the character who serves as Tesfaye’s manager within the film’s narrative.

Connecting Music and Film

The inspiration drawn from The Weeknd’s album “Hurry Up Tomorrow” is central to the project. The album itself debuted to strong projections, with first-week sales and streaming figures anticipated to reach between 350,000 and 375,000 units. The musical work is notable for its diverse array of collaborations, featuring contributions from prominent artists including Anitta, Playboi Carti, Future, Justice, Travis Scott, Florence + The Machine, and Lana Del Rey.

The film’s connection to the album is further significant in light of Tesfaye’s recent statements regarding his musical career. He has indicated that this project, linked to the “Hurry Up Tomorrow” album, marks the anticipated conclusion of The Weeknd artistic persona. Looking ahead, Tesfaye has shared his intention to release future music under his birth name, Abel Tesfaye, signaling a potential new phase in his creative output.

Release and Anticipation

With the release of these initial production photos by Lionsgate, anticipation for “Hurry Up Tomorrow” is building among fans of both the musical artist and the acclaimed cast. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on May 16th, offering audiences the opportunity to witness The Weeknd’s transition to the silver screen in a role deeply intertwined with his own artistic journey and personal reflections, brought to life through Shults’ direction and alongside the talents of Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan.