The poster for Hurry Up Tomorrow is striking. It features Abel Tesfaye (aka The Weeknd) in a state of distress, his face contorted in anguish as he clutches a phone to his ear. Beside him, Jenna Ortega stares into the distance, her expression unreadable—a classic setup for a thriller where nothing is as it seems. Barry Keoghan lurks in the shadows, adding an air of mystery. But here's the rub: This formula isn't new. In fact, it's almost predictable.
Take Memento , Shutter Island , or even Inception . Each of these films used similar visual cues—distressed protagonists, cryptic companions, and a sense of impending doom—to build suspense. Hurry Up Tomorrow checks all those boxes, which raises the question: Is it reinventing the wheel, or simply spinning one that's already been well-oiled?
To understand why Hurry Up Tomorrow 's poster feels both exciting and familiar, let's break down its elements:
- The Distressed Protagonist : Abel Tesfaye plays a musician plagued by insomnia, a condition that often serves as a metaphor for inner turmoil in cinema. His sweaty brow and frantic expression suggest he's on the brink of unraveling. This isn't new territory; films like Requiem for a Dream and Black Swan have explored similar themes of mental breakdown.
- The Enigmatic Companion : Jenna Ortega, known for her roles in Wednesday and Scream , embodies the archetype of the mysterious woman who leads the protagonist into uncharted territory. Her presence hints at danger, intrigue, or perhaps salvation—but the ambiguity is deliberate. It's a trope so overused that it's become a cliché. Yet, it works because audiences are drawn to characters who challenge the hero's worldview.
- The Shadowy Figure : Barry Keoghan, whose Oscar-nominated performance in The Banshees of Inisherin showcased his ability to play complex antagonists, adds depth to the narrative. His inclusion suggests a third dimension to the story—one where alliances may shift, and trust is fragile. However, this dynamic has been played out countless times in thrillers like Se7en and Gone Girl .
According to a 2023 study by the University of Southern California's Cinema Research Institute, psychological thrillers have seen a resurgence in recent years, driven by audiences' appetite for stories that explore the human psyche. Films like Triangle (2009), A Quiet Place (2018), and Tenet (2020) have proven that audiences are willing to engage with narratives that blur the lines between reality and illusion. However, the same study notes that many of these films rely heavily on familiar tropes, raising questions about originality versus marketability.
Director Trey Edward Shults (Krisha , Waves ) is no stranger to exploring complex emotional landscapes. His previous work suggests that Hurry Up Tomorrow could offer a nuanced take on the genre. But the poster alone doesn't reveal whether the film will break new ground or merely tread familiar paths.
So, what do you think? Will Hurry Up Tomorrow deliver a fresh twist on the psychological thriller, or is it destined to be yet another entry in a saturated genre? The poster is certainly eye-catching, but it leaves much to be desired in terms of originality. As fans of the genre, we're eager to see how The Weeknd, Jenna Ortega, and Barry Keoghan bring this story to life.
Premiering on May 16, 2025, Hurry Up Tomorrow arrives at a time when audiences are craving something different—or maybe just something bold. Will it live up to the hype? Comment below and let's debate!
If you haven't watched it yet, check out the Hurry Up Tomorrow trailer.
