Y2K, directed by Kyle Mooney and written by Mooney and Evan Winter, promises a chaotic blend of 90s nostalgia, coming-of-age comedy, and apocalyptic sci-fi. But despite its audacious premise—what if the infamous Y2K bug actually caused the end of the world?—the film struggles to deliver on its potential. With a messy tone, underwhelming humor, and shallow character arcs, Y2K often feels like a 90s-themed grab bag that never finds its focus.
While A24’s signature creative freedom gives Mooney room to play, the result is more of a curiosity than a cohesive or compelling film. The unpredictable twists are its saving grace, but the uneven execution leaves much to be desired.
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Nostalgia Overload
The film is unabashedly steeped in late-90s aesthetics, from glittery outfits and frosted tips to a soundtrack overflowing with boy band hits and grunge classics. The attention to detail is impressive, but it quickly becomes overwhelming. Instead of enhancing the story, the nostalgia often feels like a crutch—an attempt to distract from the lack of depth or cohesion in the narrative.
At first, the 90s party setting is charming, evoking memories of dial-up modems and Y2K paranoia. But as the plot descends into absurdity, the novelty wears off. The endless references feel like they’re trying too hard, serving as shallow nods to the era rather than meaningful elements of the story.
Plot in Chaos
The premise has undeniable potential: two high school outcasts, played by Jaeden Martell and Julian Dennison, crash a New Year’s Eve party on December 31, 1999, only to find themselves in the middle of an apocalyptic meltdown as the Y2K bug turns machines against humanity. It’s a wild setup, ripe for comedy, suspense, and even poignant commentary on technology’s grip on our lives.
But instead of capitalizing on this setup, Y2K spins its wheels in disjointed vignettes. The humor is inconsistent, with a few laugh-out-loud moments scattered among gags that feel forced or awkwardly timed. The film’s attempts to balance absurdist comedy with heartfelt coming-of-age beats fall flat, as neither element is given the space to develop fully.
The apocalyptic elements, while visually inventive, lack narrative weight. Sentient washing machines and rogue toasters provide brief amusement, but the stakes never feel real. The plot meanders between chaotic set pieces without any clear sense of direction, making it hard to invest in the characters or their journey.
Performances Undermined by a Weak Script
Jaeden Martell and Julian Dennison do their best with the material they’re given, but their characters are thinly drawn. Martell’s reserved, introspective misfit and Dennison’s brash, comedic sidekick are archetypes we’ve seen before, and the film doesn’t do much to make them memorable. Their chemistry is solid, but the script rarely gives them moments to shine.
Rachel Zegler plays a fellow student and the love interest of Martell’s character, adding a romantic subplot that never quite lands. While Zegler brings warmth and charisma to her role, her character feels underwritten, existing more as a motivator for Martell than as a fully realized person. Their budding romance lacks the depth and nuance needed to make it compelling, leaving it feeling like a missed opportunity to add emotional stakes to the story.
A24’s Signature Unpredictability
If Y2K has one thing going for it, it’s the sheer unpredictability of its narrative. A24 has a reputation for backing unconventional projects, and this film is no exception. The wild twists and absurdist set pieces keep the audience guessing, even if the payoff is rarely satisfying.
There’s a certain thrill in not knowing what will happen next—whether it’s a surreal encounter with a sentient computer or a sudden descent into full-blown dystopia. But the film’s chaotic energy often feels more random than deliberate, leaving viewers more confused than entertained.
Visuals and Soundtrack
Visually, Y2K delivers on A24’s reputation for inventive filmmaking. The party scenes are vibrant and chaotic, capturing the carefree spirit of the 90s with neon lighting and handheld camerawork. The machine apocalypse is rendered with quirky practical effects that are equal parts amusing and unsettling.
The soundtrack is another highlight, blending 90s hits with a synth-heavy score that adds a layer of surrealism to the proceedings. But while the visuals and music create a distinct atmosphere, they can’t compensate for the film’s lack of narrative cohesion.
Final Verdict
Y2K is an ambitious but deeply flawed film that gets lost in its own nostalgia. While the premise is intriguing and the visuals are occasionally striking, the story never finds its footing. The humor is inconsistent, the characters are underdeveloped, and the chaotic plot feels more exhausting than engaging.
Fans of Kyle Mooney’s offbeat humor and A24’s penchant for the unexpected may find moments to enjoy, but the film ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. Its saving grace is its unpredictability, which keeps it from being entirely forgettable. Unfortunately, the 90s nostalgia dump overshadows what could have been a clever and meaningful exploration of Y2K paranoia.
About “Y2K”
Synopsis: Two high school nobodies make the decision to crash the last major celebration before the new millennium on New Year’s Eve 1999. The night becomes even crazier than they could have ever dreamed when the clock strikes midnight.
Director: Kyle Mooney
Writers: Kyle Mooney, Evan Winter
Cast: Jaeden Martell, Rachel Zegler, Julian Dennison, Lachlan Watson, Kyle Mooney, Fred Durst, Alicia Silverstone
Rated: R
Runtime: 1h 31m
Releases: December 6, 2024
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