The Weeknd’s big-screen debut, Hurry Up Tomorrow, dropped in theaters today, May 16, 2025, and it’s already got everyone talking. Directed by Trey Edward Shults and starring Abel Tesfaye (aka The Weeknd), Jenna Ortega, and Barry Keoghan, this musical psychological thriller, tied to Tesfaye’s sixth album, is a wild ride. On Rotten Tomatoes, it’s sitting at a rough 17% with critics (based on 30 reviews), but fans are loving it, pushing the Popcornmeter to a solid 77%. So, what’s got critics so grumpy and fans so hyped? Let’s dig into the numbers and see what’s up.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Hurry Up Tomorrow and draws from web sources as of May 16, 2025. Rotten Tomatoes scores may shift as more reviews come in.
Critics Aren’t Feeling It
Oof, the Tomatometer is not kind to Hurry Up Tomorrow. It kicked off at a brutal 0% with the first 14 reviews and has only clawed its way to 17%—nowhere near “Certified Fresh.” Critics are ripping it apart, calling it an “overlong, aimless vanity project” (Roger Ebert) and a “visual” that doesn’t quite land as a movie (AV Club). They’re frustrated by the messy storyline, slow pace, and self-indulgent vibe, saying it feels more like a long music video than a proper film. The San Francisco Chronicle called it “fantastical, predictable, and perplexing,” like a gloomy take on Misery.
A big sticking point? Tesfaye’s acting. Roger Ebert’s Clint Worthington said the camera’s obsession with his face shows “no nuance,” and others agree he’s not quite ready for the big screen. Shults’ bold moves—shooting on 35mm, playing with aspect ratios, and throwing in dizzying 360-degree shots—aren’t winning folks over either, with critics calling them “overwrought” and tiring.
But it’s not all bad. The San Francisco Chronicle gave it a B-minus, saying Tesfaye’s got potential as an actor and the film’s ambition is worth noting. YouTube critic Isaac Joel went all in, calling it “one of the most emotionally raw films” out there, praising its visuals and lyrical depth. So, there’s some love, but it’s definitely the minority opinion.
Fans Can’t Get Enough
While critics are throwing shade, fans are eating it up. The 77% Popcornmeter score shows audiences are vibing with Hurry Up Tomorrow. For fans of The Weeknd, the film’s trippy dive into a musician’s mental breakdown—fueled by fame and personal demons—hits hard. It’s inspired by Tesfaye’s real-life scare in 2022 when he lost his voice on tour, and that raw emotion connects with viewers who see it as a peek into his soul. MovieWeb notes fans find this glimpse into Tesfaye’s head “intriguing and enthralling.”
Jenna Ortega, playing the mysterious Anima, is a bright spot everyone agrees on. Even the toughest reviews call her “wonderfully expressive” (AV Club), stealing scenes with ease. Barry Keoghan, as Tesfaye’s intense manager, Lee, brings some fire too, though some say he’s not used enough. With an R rating for language, drugs, violence, and a bit of nudity, the film leans into a grown-up crowd, which seems to suit fans just fine.
What’s the Deal with the Split?
So, why the huge gap between critics and fans? It’s all about what you’re looking for. Critics wanted a tight story and got annoyed by the film’s loose, dreamy structure and 100-minute runtime. They’re comparing it to sharper music-driven films like Vox Lux. Fans, though, are here for the mood—think dark, artsy Mamma Mia! (ELLE Australia). They love the visuals, the music (hello, “Wake Me Up” and “São Paulo”), and the way it ties to The Weeknd’s album. For them, it’s less about plot and more about feeling.
Ortega’s performance and the film’s bold style are the glue holding both sides together, but critics just aren’t buying the overall package. MovieWeb suggests fans see it as a personal statement from Tesfaye, while critics see a guy indulging himself a bit too much.
Could It Be a Cult Hit?
This kind of love-it-or-hate-it reaction is the stuff cult classics are made of. MovieWeb thinks Hurry Up Tomorrow might be a “misunderstood masterpiece,” especially for how it captures Tesfaye stepping away from his pop-star image. The music, woven into the film’s trippy vibe, is a big win, with The Guardian giving props to its catchy melodies, even if the lyrics don’t always land. Box office-wise, it’s looking at $5–9 million this weekend, up against Final Destination: Bloodlines. It might not break records, but its fanbase could keep it alive long-term.
Where to Catch It
Hurry Up Tomorrow is in theaters now and will hit Apple TV+ later. Swing by Rotten Tomatoes to check the latest scores as more reviews drop. Is this a bold win or a swing and a miss? Drop your take in the comments: Are you with the critics or riding with the fans? And does this mark a new chapter for The Weeknd?
