Abel Tesfaye, formerly known as The Weeknd, has recently ventured into the film industry with his debut feature, Hurry Up Tomorrow. Despite his musical success, the film has been met with significant criticism, both from critics and audiences.
Hurry Up Tomorrow: A Critical Misstep
Released on May 16, 2025, Hurry Up Tomorrow is a psychological thriller directed by Trey Edward Shults, co-written and co-produced by Tesfaye himself. The film, intended as a companion piece to his album of the same name, features Tesfaye portraying a fictionalized version of himself alongside Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan. Despite its ambitious premise, the film has been widely criticized for its disjointed narrative and perceived self-indulgence. It holds a 13% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has grossed only $5.9 million against a $15 million budget.
The “Shut Up” Scene: From Drama to Meme
A particular scene from the film, where Tesfaye’s character repeatedly exclaims “Shut the f*** up!” in a confrontational exchange, has gone viral on social media platforms like TikTok. The scene’s over-the-top delivery has been widely mocked, with users creating memes and parodies that highlight the perceived awkwardness of Tesfaye’s performance. (TikTok)
What’s Next for Abel Tesfaye?
Despite the film’s poor reception, Tesfaye remains committed to his artistic evolution. He has expressed a desire to retire his stage name, The Weeknd, and continue his career under his birth name. While his foray into acting has faced challenges, Tesfaye’s musical endeavors continue to thrive, and he is reportedly working on new projects that further explore his creative interests.
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