In his directorial debut, Kyle Mooney successfully creates a nostalgic teenage comedy yet fails to combine the gruesome slasher film elements that “Y2K” seems to aim for. The premise of the movie contains striking similarities to many classic teenage comedies: two outcast teenage boys, Eli (Jaeden Martell) and Danny (Julian Dennison), sneak their way into a New Year’s party with the goal of Eli kissing his crush, a popular closeted computer nerd, Laura (Rachel Zegler). However, the party comes to an abrupt halt as the clock strikes midnight, when every piece of technology somehow comes alive, binds together and starts killing everyone in its way, turning the party into a gruesome murder zone. Danny, Eli and Laura band together to escape to safety and fight against the technology.
While I wasn’t around during the 1990s, and therefore cannot certify the accuracy of the references that make up the majority of the film, “Y2K” successfully portrays the overall aesthetic of the time period. The movie is full of blasts from the past, including a cameo by the iconic metal band Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst, who plays a version of himself in the era. His appearance is a perfect example of the film’s ability to evoke the iconic music and pop culture of the era, offering a fun and authentic glimpse into that time, even if some of the references may not resonate with those unfamiliar with it.
While effectively creating nostalgia, Mooney also attempts to warn his audience of the future of technology. The film’s premise makes a statement about the enduring worries around technology and the universal anxiety that the machines humans create will inevitably turn on us. The film echoes a fear that, as we increasingly rely on technology, we may be heading toward an uncertain future where we lose control over the very systems we’ve designed to improve our lives. This theme remains relevant today, serving as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked technological progress.
The first half of “Y2K” is full of zany jokes and quick humor, leading to many laughs and evoking nostalgia for the era. The fast-paced, comedic energy sets a lighthearted tone, capturing the essence of teen comedies and providing a fun experience for the viewer. However, the second half of the film, which shifts into slasher territory, falls flat in comparison. As it tries to embrace an apocalyptic, even “Matrix”-like atmosphere, it struggles to balance its disparate elements. The slasher scenes feel disjointed and less impactful as the film tries to juggle too many things simultaneously — a gory premise, the tension of survival, a budding romance and a heavy focus on 1990s nostalgia.
Julian Dennison as Danny was by far the most memorable performance in the film. He brought a perfect blend of humor and heart to the role, capturing the essence of a great friend who just wants his best friend to kiss the girl of his dreams with impeccable comedic timing and emotional depth. His line delivery was hilarious, and he definitely earned the most laughs throughout the film, showcasing his ability to command attention and bring the audience along with him.
On the other hand, Kyle Mooney’s portrayal of Garrett (), the dreadheaded stoner sidekick who serves as an older brother figure to Danny and Eli, was equally hilarious but in a much more subtle, laid-back way. Mooney’s understated humor added a different layer to the film, providing a nice contrast to Dennison’s more exuberant performance while still contributing to the overall comedic vibe.
Despite the movie being rooted in a familiar and stereotypical storyline, it uniquely calls itself out whenever it falls too deeply into predictability. This self-referential humor works in the film’s favor, showing the filmmakers’ ability to poke fun at the typical tropes of the genre while still delivering a story that engages with its audience through wit and humor. The moment of self-aware laughter serves as a refreshing reminder that “Y2K” doesn’t take itself too seriously, allowing it to both entertain and critique the very formula it follows.
“Y2K” is a fun and entertaining experience that successfully taps into 1990s nostalgia while blending comedy with horror. The first half of the movie captures the nineties through its quick humor and hilarious moments. However, the shift into the slasher genre may have you feeling nostalgic for the lightheartedness of its earlier moments. While the film may falter in balancing all of its competing elements, it contains memorable performances and offers plenty of laughs, making “Y2K” a worthwhile watch for anyone looking for a mix of humor, horror or nostalgia for the nineties.
