Blinding by the fall: The Weeknd's movie is not a hit in theaters
The Weeknd's film “Hurry Up Tomorrow” has been overshadowed by negative reviews, earning just $3.3 million in its first weekend at the box office.
Abel Tesfaye, better known as the singer The Weeknd, premiered a Hurry Up Tomorrow on a low note during its first weekend at the box office. The film, directed by Trey Edward Shults, debuted with a mere $3.3 million domestically from over 2,020 theaters in the U.S. Over the weekend, the $15 million movie was projected to open with between $5 million and $9 million.
However, the bad reviews on specialized sites like Rotten Tomatoes, combined with poor word-of-mouth, decreased audience attendance. The movie was financed by Live Nation and distributed by Lionsgate as a companion piece to The Weeknd's latest studio album, which shares its name with the film.
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The Weeknd’s Movie Plot
The film is a psychological thriller that follows a pop singer, played by The Weeknd, who is experiencing problems in his personal life and career. Tesfaye’s character suffers a nervous breakdown after a breakup and eventually loses his voice. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the storyline is based on real life events.
Jenna Ortega, Barry Keoghan, Gabby Barrett, and Charli D'Amelio also star in the film. However, critics point out that the movie feels more like an extended promotion for The Weeknd's album, which was released earlier this year. The film even features songs from the album and is announced as a “farewell” to Tesfaye’s stage name.
The Idol, starring Lily-Rose Melody Depp and The Weeknd was canceled due to bad receptions on the plataform. Photo: HBO
The Idol, Another Failure in His Career
This is not the first time The Weeknd has participated in a production. In 2023, HBO aired The Idol, a new TV show created by Tesfaye along with Sam Levinson and Reza Fahim. Lily-Rose Melody Depp plays Jocelyn, an aspiring pop star whose tour is canceled after a breakdown. She then enters a complicated relationship with Tedros, played by Tesfaye, the leader of a new-age cult.
The Idol was heavily criticized for its excessive sexual content, especially scenes focusing on Melody Depp's chest and buttocks. Sam Levinson, also the creator of HBO’s Euphoria, brought his distinctive style to the show. However, fans quickly compared the two, noting that The Idol was worse due to its failed attempt at being provocative. Instead of critiquing toxic fame, it ended up embodying it.
