The Weeknd’s Feature Film Debut A Psychological Odyssey

Just days after releasing his already acclaimed sixth studio album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, Abel Tesfaye, a.k.a. The Weeknd, is ready to deliver another gift to fans: a sneak peek at the long-awaited movie that shares its title. The film is set to take audiences on a psychological and emotional rollercoaster, blending elements of mystery, drama, and existential exploration.

A Story That Mirrors Reality

The multi-platinum artist made a triumphant return to the Grammys, where he stunned fans with a surprise performance. But his biggest project this year isn’t just in music—it’s this highly anticipated film, which sees him portray a musician plagued by insomnia who embarks on a surreal journey with a stranger, played by Jenna Ortega. As the two navigate a shadowy and unpredictable world, the film unravels deep layers of identity, trauma, and artistic burden.

A Visionary Collaboration

Director Trey Edward Shults describes the film as “a mix of psychological thriller and drama.” Speaking exclusively to Entertainment Weekly, he shares that he has “never seen a movie quite like it.” The narrative is built upon deeply personal themes, making it an introspective and cathartic experience for the artist. Tesfaye, who has been known for pushing creative boundaries, saw this as an opportunity to explore a different medium and tell a visually immersive story.

The Weeknd’s Personal Connection to the Film

“This experience was really introspective and cathartic for me,” says Tesfaye, reflecting on the creative journey. “From writing to production and through post, I realized just how much of a catalyst this art form can be for conversations about our emotions, mental health, and vulnerabilities.”

This statement hints at the deep personal struggles the artist has faced, which have influenced both the film and his latest music. Hurry Up Tomorrow isn’t just another project—it’s a manifestation of his inner turmoil and reflections on fame, success, and identity.

The Inspiration Behind the Story

When he first met Shults, Tesfaye already had strong ideas for the film, but he wanted the director to shape it into something uniquely his own. The director, known for films like Waves and It Comes at Night, was instantly intrigued.

“We hit it off like crazy. He was not what I expected,” Shults recalls. “It totally caught me off guard, and we just gelled as humans. I really liked his energy and his approach to creativity. And then he had ideas for this movie, and I sat with it. He emboldened me. He was like, ‘If we do something, I want you to make it a Trey movie, not just something about the album.'”

Exploring Mental Health Through Art

The psychological and emotional weight of Hurry Up Tomorrow is undeniable. The film seems to draw heavily from Tesfaye’s own struggles. In 2022, the artist lost his voice mid-performance—a terrifying moment that forced him to confront the psychological pressures he had been suppressing.

“I knew that I really needed to sit the f— down and figure out my life,” he previously told Variety. “I’d had a kind of a mental breakdown, which is pretty much what this new album’s about.”

This raw and honest self-exploration found its way into both the music and the film, creating a deeply interconnected artistic experience. Director Shults notes that the film is as much about identity and transformation as it is about storytelling.

Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan Bring the Story to Life

Alongside Tesfaye, the film stars Jenna Ortega (Wednesday, Scream) and Barry Keoghan (Saltburn, The Banshees of Inisherin). Their performances, according to Shults, are electrifying.

Ortega describes her role as an extension of The Weeknd’s own psyche, adding a haunting, surreal layer to the narrative. “It was my understanding while shooting that my character, Anima, is a version of Abel,” she says. “A side of him that the persona of The Weeknd doesn’t show as much.”

Keoghan, meanwhile, plays Abel’s mysterious manager, Lee, a character with ambiguous motives that add to the film’s unsettling undertones.

A Cinematic Evolution for The Weeknd

For Tesfaye, this film represents something even bigger than just an acting debut. It’s a statement, a moment of evolution for an artist who has spent his career constantly reinventing himself. Could Hurry Up Tomorrow also signal the end of The Weeknd persona?

Shults hints that it might. “I tried to make the movie in a way where, for his fans and people who want to approach it at that level, I hope it’s very satisfying. And for those who don’t know him, I think it’s still a great movie to experience.”

A Cinematic Evolution for The Weeknd

For Tesfaye, this film represents something even bigger than just an acting debut. It’s a statement, a moment of evolution for an artist who has spent his career constantly reinventing himself. Could Hurry Up Tomorrow also signal the end of The Weeknd persona?

Shults hints that it might. “I tried to make the movie in a way where, for his fans and people who want to approach it at that level, I hope it’s very satisfying. And for those who don’t know him, I think it’s still a great movie to experience.”

Final Thoughts

As Hurry Up Tomorrow gears up for its May 16 release, anticipation is at an all-time high. The project is produced by Tesfaye’s own company, Manic Phase, along with Fahim, Kevin Turen, and Harrison Kreiss. With Shults’ signature storytelling style, Ortega’s mesmerizing performance, and Tesfaye’s deeply personal influence, the film is set to be one of the most talked-about releases of the year.

Will this be the project that cements The Weeknd as a force in Hollywood? Or is this his farewell to the persona he’s built over the years? One thing is certain: Hurry Up Tomorrow is not just a movie—it’s an experience that will leave audiences questioning everything they thought they knew about fame, identity, and the price of artistic brilliance.