If you come in expecting a major motion picture, then drop those expectations. It's an enjoyable performance of the bulk of the album with brilliant live vocals from The Weeknd. Some strange parts but pretty fluid from start to finish and overall an enjoyable performance and experience.
11 Reviews
Good if you're a fan
Pruikhoofd28 February 2022
World of The Weeknd
therealljessemac7 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
A beautiful musical delivery as expected from Abel Tesfaye, the lighting blends with the music creating an effect of perfection on the play of music. Abel Tesfaye's look creates an imagery of a god-like figure with the ability to sing.
The lyrics are euphemistic and a listener has to read into its meaning to understand words out of the mouth from Abel Tesfaye, we are slowly driven into a lonely world of intense darkness where love means death and to die is to love.
You are invited to join The Weeknd in this experience. Welcome if you honour this invitation.
The lyrics are euphemistic and a listener has to read into its meaning to understand words out of the mouth from Abel Tesfaye, we are slowly driven into a lonely world of intense darkness where love means death and to die is to love.
You are invited to join The Weeknd in this experience. Welcome if you honour this invitation.
Encapsulating!
cxm-9637926 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This short 30 minute film really encapsulates what Dawn FM is about. The Weeknd (Abel) really excels in drawing in his audience into this mysterious, dark and twisted world. His live vocals once again were beautiful, adding his signature flare for live performances to this film. The choreography as well was stunning, as well as the dark, cobalt-esk night club which this takes place in. He was able to make the sound of Dawn FM become a visually pleasing spectacle. My only point would be that he sadly didn't perform every song from the album, although this is just a short nitpick. It doesnt affect the overall viewing experience as he includes the best of the best from the album. Personal favourite was the change of pace for Out of Time, although different from the original, it felt almost more calming and enjoyable as well. The theme of purgatory has been perfectly visualised here, truly an amazing watch for any fan of The Weeknd and his music. Overall this is an amazing venture for Abel, cant wait to watch the rest of this story unfold!
I realized something about the weekend...
Moviedude9026 March 2022
...what I liked about his first few hits is what I hate about all the rest of his music-it all sounds eerily identical. 90's synth, Michael Jackson wannabe high harmonies, can't dance or perform for the life of him. Great vocals, but his over-the-top attempt to be 'art nuvo' takes away from the music. Videos are supposed to enhance the music, this looked like they got the makeup guy that turned Kyrie into an old geezer doing young things-had ZERO to do with the music or presentation, just a silly distraction and use of fx.
The Weeknd Has Come To Save Us!
dzrosen1314 March 2022
This is exactly what our flatlined, dull brains needed after being in lockdown for two years! This short film is an audiovisual masterpiece, a sensory delight. The solemn, post-apocalyptic discotheque is complete with supernatural night-club goers who sway to the rhythm of this techno/pop epic dance album. The technical perfection, along with The Weeknd's pure, melodic vocals will leave you in a trance (and dancing in your living room). This is exactly what our dull senses needed, especially among the out of control rap music videos, and repetitive themes in today's music. The concept of an "album experience" transports you back (for those old enough) to Michael Jackson's Thriller era; although much more sophisticated and modern. The Weeknd doesn't need to do any speaking since the amazing expression he emotes through his eyes is all that we need to see. This is a defining moment in the future of music, and the paired down but incredibly
Modern and futuristic presentation of his music is genius. No crazy over the top theatrics. The music in itself will make your brain dance. It awoke my feel good, dance and have fun brain center - which has been in lockdown along with everyone else. If you are feeling at all melancholy, this dance numbers will pull
You out of your funk. I was surprised to see that Calvin Harris produced since a lot of music tends be very pop. The sounds are reminiscent of something Pharrell Williams would produce, accompanied by the great Quincy Jones himself. I am not sure how anyone can critique something so creative and original, especially coming out of our own Covid, creative apocalypse. The WEEKND HAS BROUGHT US BACK from the brink of creative disaster - here's to the reigning King of Music. It's amazing.
It's cute but not beautiful
romeovision200219 March 2022
I have only seen one Weeknd concert. I thought he would be dancing and stuff. Yet, his huge following means something as I was late to the party with Starboy. This was what I needed to see so there is no guilt about not going to another live concert! I wish him the best in future endeavors.
Not the best
Hallelujah2893 December 2022
High production and a good sound mix; however, a lack of story and some pretentious lyrics make this short film a less than stellar experience.
I had hoped that the aged look of the main character meant a larger story. Granted, I did not finish this film. I watched about three quarters of it. From what I can tell though, there was not a bigger reason for the stage makeup.
The songs, when you listen to them, have much to do with a man that is unfaithful and kind of working on not cheating. The catchy beat and effects don't quite obscure this unflattering theme. Song after song had something to do with this concept, and at a certain point I was unwilling to listen further.
I think that if you don't mind the lyrics, there's a cool kinetic feel to the film. Lots of dancing and a nice use of color. I think the film is most like a music video that sort of tries to be a film, but doesn't quite get there.
I had hoped that the aged look of the main character meant a larger story. Granted, I did not finish this film. I watched about three quarters of it. From what I can tell though, there was not a bigger reason for the stage makeup.
The songs, when you listen to them, have much to do with a man that is unfaithful and kind of working on not cheating. The catchy beat and effects don't quite obscure this unflattering theme. Song after song had something to do with this concept, and at a certain point I was unwilling to listen further.
I think that if you don't mind the lyrics, there's a cool kinetic feel to the film. Lots of dancing and a nice use of color. I think the film is most like a music video that sort of tries to be a film, but doesn't quite get there.
Bubble gum music dressed up
supergye-4387614 March 2022
"Its like a dream what she feels for me" and "take my breath away and make it last forever". If superficial lyrics like this bother you then you may still enjoy the rhythm since it's catchy, that is for night club music. Also Weeknd is made to look like a Sr citizen yet is moving around on the floor like a young Mick Jagger. That is a bit jarring to say the least. Thought it would have visually made more sense if he de-aged while singing, then at the very end while Carrey is doing the commentary he ages back to an old person. That being said this is a vid mostly for preordained fans.
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