Background & Production
In 2024, Y2K will be the American apocalyptic teen sci-fi comedy-horror film starring Kyle Mooney, who makes his feature directorial debut, alongside co-writer Evan Winter. The movie was produced by A24 alongside American Light & Fixture and Strong Baby Productions.
Joined by an ensemble cast, the movie will feature Jaeden Martell, Rachel Zegler, Julian Dennison, The Kid Laroi, Lachlan Watson, Daniel Zolghadri, Mason Gooding, and Fred Durst. The film’s creative team also has Bill Pope as cinematographer, David Marks as editor, and Danny Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans composing the score.
Release Timeline
South by Southwest SXSW screening will take place on March 9, 2024, and will be followed by the American theatrical release on December 6 the same year. The film will then be available on VOD by late December and streaming on Max by early 2025.
Plot Summary
The narrative is set on December 31st, 1999 as the infamous Y2K bug activates. Socially awkward high school juniors Eli (Jaeden Martell) and Danny (Julian Dennison) decide to crash a party as the clock strikes midnight. The rest is history.
Electronics and appliances all over the world suddenly gain the ability to think and, murder. Everyday items such as microwaves, VCRs, Tamagotchis, and blenders start to transform into lethal devices. With the increase in the use of such appliances, the world has entered a party of its own, separating people from reality. Looking at the newly increasing use of appliances, the appliances can be seen to lose their common sense as VCRs drop from the top floors, people lose their lives to microwaves and Tamagotchis as well as blenders go berserk in parties.
Aside from all of the chaos happening, Eli and Laura, along with a small group of survivors figure out that the machines are operated through a single head called ‘The Amalgamation.’ This head seeks to take control over humans. Laura, in the end, creates a kill code that is meant to destroy the head, but in the end, gets electrocuted before being able to execute the code.
Due to a series of unfortunate events, Eli loses all of his plans as well and in a weird twist of events, Eli is able to use a condom to temporarily insulate his hand to void the upload. The good thing is that, the plan indeed goes through, attesting to the fact that the machines indeed getting turned off does prove that everything is finally at peace. Just like everything starts returning to normal, Eli and Laura are finally able to kiss as well.
In a flash forward, its the year 2005. This time, Laura and Eli are at the graves of their friends who died during the tragedies. With everything that has happened, there is still the eye- catching glimpse of the iPod that indeed hints that there is still a dire problem left at hand.
Cast & Creative Ensemble
Jaeden Martell as Eli – a timid, geeky teenager who becomes an unwilling savior.
Rachel Zegler as Laura – a sharp-witted computer whiz and love interest.
Julian Dennison as Danny – loyal friend to Eli, whose destiny changes in tragic ways.
Fred Durst as Himself – took on a surprise, comedic, and slightly heartfelt mentor role.
In smaller roles, The Kid Laroi, Lachlan Watson, Daniel Zolghadri, Mason Gooding, Eduardo Franco, and Lauren Balone are featured.
B. Pope is responsible for the film’s cinematography, while D. Marks is the editor. The film’s score was done by D. Bensi and S. Jurriaans.
Themes & Style
The Y2K is a cherished time-capsule era. From AOL Instant Messenger and dial-up internet to butterfly hair clips and baggy jeans, the aesthetics of the era overflow. The film captures the essence of the Y2K period. The soundtrack is also filled with 90’s bangers.
The film also humorously tackles the panic and absurdities surrounding the Y2K scare. A fear surrounding a digital crisis is turned into a sci-fi comedy horror film. The humor of the film is often based on the absurdity of lethal household appliances, and it simultaneously mocks the teen party film genre in a blend of parody and genuine coming of age moments.
Perhaps the most surprising standout is the performance Fred Durst gives. A self-parody as the frontman of Limp Bizkit, Durst’s performance is surprisingly earnest. He adds to the film’s bizarre charm.
Critical Reception
Reviews for Y2K were mixed. Some praised the film’s playful absurdity, inventive death scenes, and commitment to the year 1999. They appreciated the quirky fusion of genres and its delightfully silly demeanor.
Other reviewers were less favorable, pinpointing the film’s loss of narrative momentum in the second half. The second half of the film shifts focus from a chaotic party to a survival drama. Some people critiqued the film for its blend of silly comedy, gory horror, and sincere romance.
Audience reactions were a reflection of the critics. Those with nostalgia for the late 1990s were appreciative, while others felt the film leaned too much into nostalgia instead of a well-crafted plot.
Legacy & Appeal
While it is unlikely that Y2K will be remembered as one of the major cinema hits, the film stands a chance at achieving cult classic status. The blend of apocalyptic teen comedy and retro throwback will appeal to fans of absurdist humor and 20th-century nostalgia.
While not universally accepted, the film’s gonzo energy and outrageous gadget kills, mixed with the unapologetically kitschy aesthetic, definitely makes it memorable. It tries to explore an oddly charming and strange “what-if” scenario about the millennial turn for the worst, which could be intriguing for those fascinated with the Y2K era more than those who lived through it.
Final Thoughts
Equally unapologetically weird and energetic, Y2K (2024) is a mashup of so many things, creating a chaotic assembly of random and offbeat pieces. It’s full of mess and personality, which, unlike many films, is why it thrives. This random unexpected ride through modern history’s biggest “non-event” is perfect for those who are seeking far more than polish.
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