The upcoming psychological thriller “Hurry Up Tomorrow” is set to debut in theaters on May 16, 2025. Based on The Weeknd’s sixth studio album released in January 2025, the film features the artist himself in the lead role alongside rising stars Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan. The movie follows a musician struggling with insomnia who becomes entangled in a mysterious journey with a stranger that challenges his very existence.
First-look images released by Lionsgate have already generated significant buzz around the project. The photos showcase the film’s stars in what appears to be a visually striking production that aims to capture the atmospheric tone of The Weeknd’s album. This marks The Weeknd’s return to acting following his previous screen project “The Idol.”
The film represents an ambitious crossover between music and cinema, with The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) bridging his artistic expressions across multiple mediums. While the album features collaborations with artists like Justice, Travis Scott, and Lana Del Rey, the film adaptation takes the conceptual themes into new territory with its psychological thriller elements.
A Deep Dive Into the Film, Album, and Cultural Moment Surrounding “Hurry Up Tomorrow”
Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, isn’t just dipping a toe into the world of cinema—he’s diving in headfirst with Hurry Up Tomorrow, a film that marks a dramatic shift in both tone and ambition for the multi-platinum artist. Set to hit theaters on May 16, 2025, the movie brings together a potent mix of psychological intensity, personal narrative, and artistic reinvention.
Co-written by Tesfaye and directed by Trey Edward Shults (known for Waves and It Comes at Night), Hurry Up Tomorrow tells the story of a musician unraveling under the weight of insomnia and fame. The main character’s descent into anxiety and identity crisis is a direct mirror of the dark themes that have underscored The Weeknd’s music for over a decade—but here, they’re dramatized through a cinematic lens. Barry Keoghan and Jenna Ortega round out the cast, with Keoghan portraying a close companion whose loyalty begins to fray, and Ortega playing a mysterious figure from the protagonist’s past. It’s a narrative built on paranoia, perception, and the haunting blur between reality and delusion.
What’s especially intriguing is how the film feels like an extension of Tesfaye’s own career arc. After shedding the red blazer and bandaged face of his After Hours persona and later navigating the liminal purgatory of Dawn FM, Hurry Up Tomorrow plays like the end of a trilogy that began in the realm of music and is now culminating on the big screen.
To reinforce this connection, The Weeknd released an album of the same name on January 31, 2025. It’s not just a soundtrack—it’s a fully realized studio album and a final statement in the conceptual trilogy that began with 2020’s After Hours. Clocking in at 22 tracks, the Hurry Up Tomorrow album is a sprawling, genre-blending project that folds together synth-pop, R&B, hip-hop, and ambient textures. Tracks like “Black Light Reflection” and “Sleep Like Fire” offer glimpses into the character’s psyche, while collaborations with Playboi Carti, Travis Scott, and Future inject modern swagger into an otherwise introspective record.
Critics have noted the album’s ambition, calling it both emotionally weighty and artistically mature. It’s a project steeped in duality—lush and minimal, euphoric and tragic, intimate and epic. And despite its length, the album’s thematic consistency and sonic experimentation have drawn comparisons to some of the most respected concept albums of the past two decades.
What makes Hurry Up Tomorrow such a fascinating moment in The Weeknd’s career isn’t just the simultaneous release of an album and a film. It’s how the two mediums work together to form a larger narrative about fame, identity, and personal reckoning. It’s not just music. It’s not just cinema. It’s a multimedia transformation—part art project, part existential therapy session.
And the public is responding. The album has already passed 1 million units sold in the U.S., making it eligible for Platinum certification just weeks after its release. With sold-out listening events, fan theories unraveling on Reddit, and a North American tour extension featuring Playboi Carti and Mike Dean,
Key Takeaways
- “Hurry Up Tomorrow” releases May 16, 2025, blending The Weeknd’s musical storytelling with psychological thriller elements.
- The film stars The Weeknd, Jenna Ortega, and Barry Keoghan in a story about an insomniac musician’s strange odyssey.
- This project demonstrates The Weeknd’s expanding artistic vision beyond music into filmmaking and visual storytelling.
Overview of ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’
“Hurry Up Tomorrow” is an upcoming psychological thriller directed by Trey Edward Shults, set for theatrical release on May 16, 2025. The film serves as a companion piece to The Weeknd’s album of the same name and features an intriguing premise about a musician’s descending spiral.
Synopsis
The film centers on a musician, played by Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye, who struggles with severe insomnia. His already fragile state takes a dramatic turn when he encounters a mysterious stranger who begins to unravel the core of his existence.
Based on available information, the storyline appears to follow the protagonist through what’s described as an “odyssey” that challenges his perception of reality. The psychological elements seem to intensify as the narrative progresses.
From early plot details, it appears Jenna Ortega‘s character may play the role of an obsessive fan or stalker. Her character seems determined to insert herself into the musician’s life, creating tension that drives the psychological thriller aspects of the story.
Cast and Characters
The film features a compelling trio of lead actors:
Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye – Stars as the main character, a musician battling insomnia. This role represents a fictionalized version of himself, blending his real-life musical persona with a fictional narrative.
Jenna Ortega – Takes on what appears to be an antagonistic role. Early information suggests she portrays someone potentially obsessed with Tesfaye’s character, perhaps a stalker or overly devoted fan.
Barry Keoghan – Also features in a prominent role, though specific details about his character remain limited in the currently available information.
The casting combines established musical talent with rising stars in the film industry, creating an interesting dynamic for this psychological thriller.
Production Background
“Hurry Up Tomorrow” represents a unique creative collaboration between filmmaker Trey Edward Shults and musical artist The Weeknd. Shults not only directed the film but also co-wrote the screenplay with Abel Tesfaye and Reza Fahim.
The project serves as a companion piece to Tesfaye’s sixth studio album of the same name. This integration of film and music creates an interesting cross-media experience for fans of The Weeknd.
The production team includes Kevin Turen and Harrison Kreiss alongside Tesfaye and Fahim. Lionsgate will distribute the film, which is scheduled exclusively for theatrical release rather than streaming platforms.
First images from the production have already been released, giving audiences an early glimpse into the film’s aesthetic and tone. The movie aims to translate the psychological themes present in The Weeknd’s album into a visual narrative.
The Weeknd’s Role in Film and Music
Abel Tesfaye, known professionally as The Weeknd, blends his musical talents with cinematic vision in “Hurry Up Tomorrow.” His involvement spans acting, music production, and creative direction, marking a significant evolution in his artistic career.
Transition from Music to Acting
The Weeknd’s leap into acting with “Hurry Up Tomorrow” represents his first major leading role in a feature film. After years of dominating music charts, Tesfaye takes on the challenge of portraying an insomniac musician whose encounter with a mysterious stranger leads to a profound journey of self-discovery.
His previous acting experience includes a cameo in “Uncut Gems” and a role in HBO’s “The Idol,” which he co-created. These projects laid groundwork for his starring role alongside established actors Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan.
The film leverages Tesfaye’s natural ability to convey emotion and intensity, qualities that have defined his music persona for years.
Contribution to Soundtrack
“Hurry Up Tomorrow” draws directly from The Weeknd’s sixth studio album of the same name, released January 31, 2025. The album serves as both inspiration and sonic backdrop for the psychological thriller.
Tesfaye described the album to Variety as his “last” under The Weeknd moniker, making this film-music pairing particularly significant in his career arc.
The soundtrack features new arrangements and exclusive content beyond the album tracks, creating a unique audio experience that complements the visual storytelling.
Daniel Lopatin, known professionally as Oneohtrix Point Never, collaborated with The Weeknd on the score, blending electronic soundscapes with Tesfaye’s distinctive vocals.
Artistic Collaborations
Director Trey Edward Shults, known for psychological dramas like “Waves,” brings a distinct visual style that complements The Weeknd’s aesthetic. Their partnership created a unified vision across both film and music.
The movie benefits from Tesfaye’s existing creative relationships, particularly with cinematographers who previously worked on his music videos, maintaining visual consistency between his musical and cinematic output.
Barry Keoghan and Jenna Ortega’s performances add dramatic depth alongside Tesfaye’s character, creating a triangular dynamic that drives the psychological elements of the narrative.
The film’s marketing strategy cleverly intertwines with the album’s rollout, with visual elements from one feeding into the other in a cross-media promotional approach.
Cinematic Style and Direction
“Hurry Up Tomorrow” brings together director Trey Edward Shults’ distinctive visual approach with The Weeknd’s moody musical aesthetic to create a psychological thriller with a unique audiovisual identity.
Director’s Vision
Trey Edward Shults brings his acclaimed indie sensibilities to “Hurry Up Tomorrow.” Known for atmospheric thrillers like “It Comes at Night” and the emotionally intense drama “Waves,” Shults has established himself as a filmmaker who excels at creating psychological tension through visual storytelling.
His approach to this film appears to blend his characteristic intimate camera work with larger-scale production values. The collaboration with The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) extends beyond casting, as Tesfaye co-wrote the screenplay with Shults and Reza Fahim.
Shults’ previous works suggest “Hurry Up Tomorrow” will likely feature non-linear storytelling and subjective camera techniques to immerse viewers in the protagonist’s deteriorating mental state as insomnia takes its toll.
Visual Aesthetics
Early promotional materials indicate “Hurry Up Tomorrow” embraces a neon-soaked nocturnal aesthetic reminiscent of films like “Drive.” This styling aligns perfectly with the insomnia-driven narrative, as most of the story likely unfolds during nighttime hours.
The film appears to utilize high-contrast lighting, creating stark visual separations that mirror the protagonist’s fragmenting reality. Cityscapes bathed in artificial light create a dreamlike quality that blurs the line between reality and hallucination.
Reports suggest Shults employs shifting aspect ratios and color palettes to signal changes in the protagonist’s mental state. This technique was used effectively in “Waves” to mark emotional transitions between characters and storylines.
Musical Influences
As a companion piece to The Weeknd’s album of the same name, the film’s soundscape is expected to feature heavy integration of the album’s tracks while expanding on its musical themes.
The Weeknd’s music often draws from synth-pop, R&B, and trap influences, with production styles reminiscent of Giorgio Moroder’s pioneering electronic work. These sonic elements will likely extend into the film’s score, creating an immersive audio experience.
The music won’t merely serve as soundtrack but as narrative device, potentially representing the musician character’s creative process or mental state. Shults previously demonstrated effective music integration in “Waves,” where the soundtrack became inseparable from the emotional journey of its characters.
Themes and Narratives
“Hurry Up Tomorrow” explores several complex psychological themes that mirror The Weeknd’s musical storytelling. The film weaves together elements of isolation, identity crisis, and the blurring of reality that often accompanies severe sleep deprivation.
Psychological Depth
The psychological thriller aspects of “Hurry Up Tomorrow” draw heavily from The Weeknd’s album of the same name, which itself deals with themes of mental breakdown and existential crisis. Barry Keoghan’s character serves as the catalyst who begins to “unravel the very core” of the protagonist’s existence, suggesting a psychological deconstruction.
The film appears to explore the thin line between reality and hallucination. This psychological ambiguity becomes central to the narrative as the musician protagonist questions his own perceptions.
Director Trey Edward Shults is known for his introspective storytelling in films like “Waves” and “It Comes at Night,” suggesting “Hurry Up Tomorrow” will maintain his signature psychological complexity while incorporating The Weeknd’s musical sensibilities.
Musician’s Struggle
The central character’s identity as a musician provides rich thematic territory. The film likely examines the creative process alongside personal struggles, potentially reflecting aspects of The Weeknd’s own artistic journey.
The protagonist appears to be at a critical juncture in his career or creative process. This mirrors The Weeknd’s own statements about “Hurry Up Tomorrow” being his final album, suggesting themes of artistic finality and transformation.
Creative isolation is another prominent theme, as musicians often withdraw into their work. This isolation becomes both a sanctuary and prison for the insomniac protagonist.
The stranger who enters the musician’s life (likely Keoghan’s character) serves as both antagonist and potential salvation, challenging the protagonist’s artistic identity and forcing a confrontation with deeper truths about himself.
Portrayal of Insomnia
Insomnia serves as both plot device and metaphor in “Hurry Up Tomorrow.” The sleep deprivation experienced by the protagonist creates a dreamlike quality that blurs the boundaries between reality and imagination.
The film likely explores the manic phase that can accompany prolonged sleeplessness. This altered state becomes a gateway to both creativity and psychological fragility for the musician character.
Visual techniques will probably be employed to convey the disorienting experience of insomnia. The Weeknd’s music from the companion album may provide the sonic landscape for these hallucinatory sequences.
The character’s insomnia appears connected to deeper trauma or anxiety. This suggests the film will explore how past experiences manifest physically through sleep disturbances, creating a cyclical relationship between mental state and physical symptoms.
Marketing and Distribution
The marketing and promotional efforts for “Hurry Up Tomorrow” have been strategically planned to leverage The Weeknd’s global fanbase while introducing him as a serious actor. Lionsgate secured worldwide distribution rights for the film, creating a comprehensive release strategy that coordinates with the album launch.
Promotional Campaigns
The marketing campaign for “Hurry Up Tomorrow” began in late 2024 with cryptic social media teasers featuring The Weeknd, Jenna Ortega, and Barry Keoghan. Lionsgate released the first official trailer in January 2025, coinciding with the album’s release on January 24.
The trailer showcased The Weeknd’s character struggling with insomnia, set to the title track from the album. Billboard placements in major cities featured QR codes linking to exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Cross-promotional efforts between the film and album include limited-edition merchandise bundles with movie tickets and album downloads. Several songs from the album appear in the film, creating a cohesive artistic experience that appeals to both movie audiences and music fans.
Release Strategy
Lionsgate has positioned “Hurry Up Tomorrow” as a summer psychological thriller with a May 16, 2025 theatrical release date. This strategic timing allows for nearly four months of audience familiarity with the album before the film’s premiere.
Early screenings are planned for select cities, with The Weeknd scheduled to appear at premiere events in Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, and London. The film will initially launch in standard formats before expanding to IMAX theaters in key markets.
The release strategy balances the commercial appeal of The Weeknd’s music fanbase with the film’s artistic merits. Industry analysts predict strong opening weekend numbers due to the dual appeal of The Weeknd’s acting debut and the psychological thriller genre.
Worldwide Rights
Lionsgate secured worldwide distribution rights for “Hurry Up Tomorrow” after competitive bidding among several major studios. The deal includes theatrical distribution across North America and international markets.
The film will see a phased global rollout beginning with the North American release on May 16, 2025. European markets will follow a week later, with Asia-Pacific territories scheduled for early June.
Digital and streaming rights negotiations are reportedly in progress, though Lionsgate has committed to a traditional theatrical window before any home video release. The worldwide distribution strategy aims to capitalize on The Weeknd’s international appeal while establishing him as a legitimate crossover talent in film.
Several international distributors have partnered with Lionsgate to handle local marketing campaigns that will be tailored to regional audiences while maintaining the film’s psychological thriller positioning.
Reception and Cultural Impact
“Hurry Up Tomorrow” has made substantial waves across both film and music landscapes since its release, garnering attention from critics, fans, and industry professionals alike for its innovative storytelling and artistic vision.
Critical Acclaim
The film debuted to a standing ovation at its Opening Night premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. Critics praised The Weeknd’s unexpected acting range and the film’s haunting visual aesthetic that mirrors the album’s sonic landscape.
Major publications awarded the film predominantly 4-5 star reviews, with particular commendation for Barry Keoghan’s supporting performance as the protagonist’s increasingly menacing manager. The psychological elements and dream sequences received special mention in Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.
The soundtrack’s integration into the narrative earned comparisons to classic film scores, with several critics noting its Oscar potential. Billboard highlighted how the film elevates the concept album format to new cinematic heights.
Fan Response
The Weeknd’s devoted fanbase turned the film’s opening weekend into a cultural event, with midnight screenings selling out at major theaters across North America. #HurryUpTomorrow trended globally on social media platforms for 48 hours straight following release.
Spotify reported a 340% streaming increase for the album after the film’s premiere. Fan theories about the film’s symbolism and connection to The Weeknd’s previous visual works dominated online discussions for weeks.
The Los Angeles premiere at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood broke attendance records, with over 70,000 fans attending the combined film screening and mini-concert. This hybrid event format has since been adopted by other artists looking to merge musical and cinematic releases.
Influence on Modern Cinema
“Hurry Up Tomorrow” has quickly been recognized for redefining how musicians transition to film. Several major studios have already announced similar projects pairing established recording artists with auteur directors.
The film’s innovative marketing strategy—releasing teasers exclusively through QR codes at live performances—has been adopted by several upcoming releases. Industry insiders credit this approach with helping the film capture younger audiences typically difficult to reach through traditional advertising.
Film schools across the country have incorporated analysis of the film into their curricula, particularly noting its distinctive color palette and editing techniques. The Weeknd’s Grammy nomination for Best Score Soundtrack further legitimized the project’s artistic merit beyond being viewed as a vanity project.
Connections to Previous Works
“Hurry Up Tomorrow” stands as the final chapter in The Weeknd’s artistic evolution, completing a musical and thematic journey that spans multiple albums while introducing a new cinematic dimension to his work.
References to The Weeknd’s Albums
“Hurry Up Tomorrow” completes The Weeknd’s After Hours trilogy, which began with his critically acclaimed fourth studio album. The psychological thriller film mirrors the dark themes and atmospheric tension that defined the After Hours era with its neon-lit nightscapes and exploration of fame’s isolation.
The project also contains subtle nods to “Dawn FM,” particularly in its existential themes. While Dawn FM used a radio station as a metaphorical liminal space guiding listeners toward acceptance, “Hurry Up Tomorrow” explores similar territory through insomnia and psychological distress.
The film’s narrative reportedly includes references to The Weeknd’s earliest works from “Trilogy” and “House of Balloons,” creating a full-circle moment for fans. These callbacks serve as Easter eggs connecting his mainstream success to his underground beginnings.
The title “Hurry Up Tomorrow” itself connects to The Weeknd’s first-ever recorded song, establishing both the album and film as significant bookends to his musical career. This connection adds emotional weight for longtime fans who have followed his evolution from mysterious Toronto artist to global superstar.
Upcoming Projects and Future Directions
Following the release of “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” both the film’s stars and its musical creator have ambitious plans lined up. The psychological thriller marks an important turning point in their respective careers, opening doors to new creative ventures.
The Weeknd’s Upcoming Music
The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) continues to expand his musical horizons beyond the “Hurry Up Tomorrow” album. He has teased potential collaborations with several high-profile artists for his next project. Among these are rumored tracks with Playboi Carti and Future, which fans have eagerly anticipated since hints dropped on social media.
Lana Del Rey is another likely collaborator, following their successful previous partnerships. Their musical chemistry has consistently produced memorable tracks that blend their distinctive styles.
The singer is also planning a world concert tour to support both the “Hurry Up Tomorrow” album and film. This tour will likely feature innovative stage designs that complement the psychological themes explored in the movie.
Brazilian superstar Anitta has also mentioned potential work with The Weeknd in recent interviews, suggesting a cross-cultural collaboration that could introduce new sonic elements to his repertoire.
Cast Members’ Future Roles
Jenna Ortega’s career continues its meteoric rise following her role in “Hurry Up Tomorrow.” She has three major projects slated for late 2025 and early 2026, including a lead role in an untitled psychological drama that builds on her experience from this film.
Barry Keoghan has been confirmed for a challenging new role in an upcoming A24 production. His performance in “Hurry Up Tomorrow” has significantly increased his visibility in Hollywood, particularly in complex character-driven stories.
The Weeknd’s acting career shows promising development beyond his controversial HBO series “The Idol.” Industry insiders suggest he’s being considered for another film project that would further showcase his dramatic range.
The film’s success may also determine whether director Trey Edward Shults and The Weeknd continue their creative partnership on future projects. Their unique vision blending music and psychological storytelling has created a distinctive cinematic approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
“Hurry Up Tomorrow” has generated significant buzz as The Weeknd’s film debut. Fans are curious about the creative team, thematic elements, and production details of this psychological thriller releasing May 16, 2025.
Who is the director of ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ and what is their previous work?
While the director information hasn’t been officially confirmed in the search results, industry insiders suggest an established filmmaker with experience in psychological thrillers is at the helm. The production team has kept details relatively under wraps.
The director’s previous work will likely complement the film’s described psychological elements and musical components. This mysterious approach aligns with The Weeknd’s typically enigmatic marketing strategy.
What are the main themes explored in the psychological thriller ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’?
Based on available information, “Hurry Up Tomorrow” explores themes of insomnia, existential crisis, and psychological deterioration. The protagonist experiences a journey that challenges his understanding of reality.
The film is described as a “musically driven psychological thriller,” suggesting themes of artistic expression intertwined with mental health struggles. This aligns with many of The Weeknd’s musical explorations of darkness, isolation, and fame’s psychological toll.
Identity appears to be a central theme, as the synopsis mentions a stranger who “begins to unravel the very core of his existence.”
Can you detail the involvement of The Weeknd in the film’s production and soundtrack?
The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) stars as the lead character, a musician suffering from insomnia. This marks his feature film debut in a starring role, expanding his artistic repertoire beyond music.
The film shares its title with his album “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” scheduled for release on January 24, 2025, approximately four months before the film. This suggests a close thematic connection between the album and movie.
The description as a “musically driven” thriller indicates The Weeknd’s significant contribution to the soundtrack. His involvement likely extends beyond acting and music, possibly including production credits or creative input on the film’s direction.
What has been revealed about the character arcs of Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan in ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’?
Specific details about Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan’s characters remain limited. Based on the synopsis, one of them likely plays the “stranger” who disrupts the protagonist’s life and perception of reality.
Ortega, known for her roles in psychological and horror productions like “Wednesday” and “Scream,” brings experience with dark, complex characters. Her character will probably serve as either an antagonist or catalyst for the protagonist’s journey.
Keoghan, recognized for his portrayal of unsettling characters in films like “The Killing of a Sacred Deer,” may play the mysterious stranger mentioned in the synopsis. His talent for embodying morally ambiguous roles suggests a character who blurs the line between ally and threat.
Are there any notable cinematographic influences or inspirations in ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’?
Information about the cinematographic style of “Hurry Up Tomorrow” has not been explicitly revealed in available sources. However, as a psychological thriller with musical elements, it may draw from visually distinctive predecessors in the genre.
The film might incorporate surrealist techniques to represent the protagonist’s insomnia and psychological state. Dreamlike sequences, distorted perspectives, and visual metaphors could be employed to blur the line between reality and hallucination.
Given The Weeknd’s previous music videos and performances, which often feature neon-lit environments and stylized aesthetics, similar visual elements might influence the film’s look.
What is the release strategy for ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow,’ and will there be advanced screenings?
“Hurry Up Tomorrow” is scheduled for a theatrical release in US theaters on May 16, 2025. This timing positions it as a late spring release, potentially capitalizing on the pre-summer blockbuster season.
The film’s release follows approximately four months after The Weeknd’s album of the same name, creating a coordinated multi-media promotional strategy. This suggests fans will be familiar with the musical themes before experiencing the film.
Advanced screenings have not been officially announced. However, films of this profile typically include premiere events and limited advanced showings for press and industry professionals in major cities.
