The Weeknd's debut film, Hurry Up Tomorrow, has been met with a wave of criticism from both critics and general audiences. The film, co-written, co-produced, and starring Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd), has been described as self-indulgent, dull, and lacking in substance.

Critics have particularly targeted the film's plot, or lack thereof, and Tesfaye's acting. Many find the storyline, which centers on a miserable pop star on tour, to be basic and stretched thin. Tesfaye's performance has been called "alright" but "not all that interesting," with some critics suggesting he should stick to music. Others have been harsher, claiming that "no one loves The Weeknd as much as The Weeknd," and that the film is a "feature-length ego stroke of monumental hubris". The film currently holds a low critic score of 15% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Specific criticisms include the overuse of spinning camera shots, which some found distracting. Some critics have also pointed out the film's self-seriousness and lack of humor, especially when compared to other pop star-centric films like Robbie Williams' Better Man. The film's attempts at surreal and haunting imagery have also been called overwrought and inauthentic. Even the concert performance scenes within the movie have been described as lacking dynamism.

Jenna Ortega, despite being a plus point for some, couldn't salvage the movie. Her performance as Anima, an obsessed fan, has been described as solid, but the character and the plotline have been criticized for being uninventive. Barry Keoghan, another star name attached to the project, is considered forgettable until the end.

However, Hurry Up Tomorrow has garnered some positive reactions from The Weeknd's fanbase. Some fans have praised the film as a "must-see love letter," lauding its gripping story, stunning visuals, and incredible acting. These fans also appreciate the film's connection to The Weeknd's music and the Easter eggs referencing his previous work. This divide in reception is reflected in the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, which stands at 74%, a stark contrast to the critic score. Some fans seem to enjoy the film as a companion piece to The Weeknd's album of the same name, interpreting the visuals and themes in relation to his music.

Despite the negative reviews, The Weeknd has stated that making the film was a cathartic experience for him, a catalyst for conversations about emotions, mental health, and vulnerabilities. The film is described as a psychological thriller exploring themes of fame, identity, and personal trauma. The Weeknd portrays a fictionalized version of himself, an insomniac musician struggling with the dark side of fame.

Ultimately, Hurry Up Tomorrow appears to be a divisive film that caters primarily to The Weeknd's dedicated fanbase. While critics have largely panned it as self-indulgent and lacking in substance, some fans appreciate its artistic vision and connection to the artist's personal journey. Whether the film finds a wider audience remains to be seen, but initial reactions suggest it will be remembered more for its controversy than its cinematic merit.