Hurry Up Tomorrow is an upcoming American musical psychological thriller directed by Trey Edward Shults. The film is already getting a lot of attention, not only because of its unique storyline but also because it stars music sensation The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), who also co-wrote the script. He’s joined by talented actors Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan.
The movie is inspired by The Weeknd’s upcoming album and tour, making it a fresh blend of music and thriller. It follows the story of a musician who suffers from insomnia and meets a mysterious stranger. This meeting takes him on a long, emotional journey with many twists and turns, self-discovery, and times when he can’t tell what’s real and what’s not.
Where Was Hurry Up Tomorrow Filmed?
Hurry Up Tomorrow was filmed in several cities in the United States. The choice of locations plays a huge role in building the mysterious and dreamlike mood of the film. Two major cities where filming occurred were Chicago, Illinois and Los Angeles, California.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago played a massive role in Hurry Up Tomorrow. The film’s themes of music, mystery & mental struggle were perfectly captured by the city’s bold, urban energy. I love how the movie felt moody and immersive because of Chicago’s mix of old-world charm and modern edge. The crew shot in several important places:
- Historic Music Venues: The famous music clubs in Chicago were used to film scenes of the musician’s late-night shows. These places made the story more real by tying it to the city’s rich music scene.
- Neon-Lit Streets in Wicker Park and River North: The bright neon signs in these areas made for a dreamy, almost surreal setting. They were a perfect fit for the film’s psychological tone, which made every scene look great.
- Lakefront Paths: The quiet, windy boardwalks along Lake Michigan were used to show how alone the main character was. These scenes are eerily personal, showing how he struggles with the city’s size.
The movie’s different settings in Chicago made it feel both real and otherworldly, which made it stand out.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles was also a major filming location and it’s easy to see why. L.A. was the perfect place to tell a story about a musician’s mental journey because it is the center of the music business. The city’s lively and diverse settings made the film’s dreamlike mood even stronger. This is where the cameras started rolling:
- West Hollywood Recording Studios: These studios filmed scenes that showcased the musicians’ idea generation process. They also had surreal hallucination scenes that mixed reality and fantasy in a way that kept you interested.
- Downtown Rooftops: The movie uses high-rise rooftops in downtown for some of its most emotional scenes, particularly at sunrise. These scenes show how the character is struggling with L.A.’s huge skyline.
- Mojave Desert Outskirts: The desert’s huge, otherworldly landscapes were great for the film’s more serious and deep scenes. They made the story feel more lonely and mysterious.
- Santa Monica Pier: This is where a key scene with Abel and Anima was filmed. The pier’s lively but creepy atmosphere made it a great place for their complicated, emotional interaction.
Hurry Up Tomorrow had a dynamic and unforgettable look thanks to L.A.’s mix of glamour, grit, and open spaces.
Other Possible Locations: Bozeman, Montana?
There’s some buzz on social media, particularly from posts on X, suggesting that a scene involving a house being burned was filmed in Bozeman, Montana. According to rumors, the homeowner even requested the destruction of the house for the movie. While the claim hasn’t been officially confirmed, it’s an intriguing possibility that adds to the film’s bold production choices. If true, Bozeman’s rural setting could have provided a stark contrast to the urban locations.
When Did the Filming of Hurry Up Tomorrow Take Place?
Filming for Hurry Up Tomorrow started in early 2023 and wrapped up by July the same year. The team moved between different locations, carefully picking spots that matched the emotional and visual style of the movie.
By choosing two contrasting yet complementary cities like Chicago and Los Angeles, the filmmakers created a unique visual journey that mirrors the mental and emotional path of the main character.
“Hurry Up Tomorrow” Behind The Scenes
The making of Hurry Up Tomorrow was as emotionally charged as its storyline. Director Trey Edward Shults, known for films like Waves and It Comes At Night, collaborated closely with Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd) to craft a deeply personal narrative. Shults described the film as “an introspective study on a fictionalized version of Abel,” highlighting its metaphorical depth.
Jenna Ortega, who stars alongside Tesfaye, shared that she felt “very lost” when she began working on the film during a challenging period in her life. However, the collaboration, especially with Tesfaye on this semi-autobiographical project, was grounding and comforting for her.
The film’s authenticity was further enhanced by its technical choices. Cinematographer Chayse Irvin shot the movie on 35mm, 16mm, and Super 8 film, providing a raw and immersive visual experience. Additionally, renowned sound designer Johnnie Burn, known for his work on Under The Skin and The Zone Of Interest, contributed to the film’s haunting auditory landscape.
Despite facing challenges during production, including initial difficulties in attracting distributors, the team remained committed to their vision. The film was eventually picked up by Lionsgate and released on May 16, 2025.
Hurry Up Tomorrow stands as a testament to the power of personal storytelling, blending music and cinema to explore themes of identity, vulnerability, and transformation.
Hurry Up Tomorrow Official Trailer
Stay tuned with NetFilming for more updates on filming locations, cast info, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of entertainment.
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