(L-R) Jaeden Martell, Rachel Zegler, Julian Dennison Credit: Nicole Rivelli. Courtesy A24.
Y2K is a B-movie beauty. Leaning into the absurdity inherent in such flicks, this disaster comedy aims for amusement over scares. Yet, that doesn’t stop laughs coming from some ridiculously over-the-top violence. However, there’s also a charm to this tale of teens rising to the occasion. Its biggest flaw may be that Y2K is overly inclined to nostalgia gags, but there’s enough timeless humor to keep audiences entertained.
The story focuses on loveable losers, Eli and Danny, played by Jaeden Martell (It) and Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2). After crashing a major New Year’s Eve party, life seems headed in the right direction. That is until midnight strikes, and the dreaded Y2K virus infects all manner of machines. Teens are soon being torn apart by sentient appliances. Consequently, the few survivors realize they must bridge their clique divides to keep alive. After all, as the robot apocalypse intensifies, they may be humanity’s last hope.
The story focuses on loveable losers, Eli and Danny, played by Jaeden Martell (It) and Julian Dennison (Deadpool 2). After crashing a major New Year’s Eve party, life seems headed in the right direction. That is until midnight strikes, and the dreaded Y2K virus infects all manner of machines. Teens are soon being torn apart by sentient appliances. Consequently, the few survivors realize they must bridge their clique divides to keep alive. After all, as the robot apocalypse intensifies, they may be humanity’s last hope.
(L-R) Julian Dennison, Jaeden Martell Credit: Nicole Rivelli. Courtesy of A24.
It’s certainly an interesting premise. Anyone who lived through the era will easily remember myriad claims circulating about the catastrophic events Y2K was supposed to cause. Then, in an epically anti-climactic moment, nothing happened. Building off the strange disappointment doomsday never occurred, Kyle Mooney and Evan Winter have composed a comical catastrophe all their own. It’s a clever amalgamation of writer-director Mooney’s interests. His tendency to draw from Saturday morning cartoons, nostalgia, and the VHS era is apparent in the film’s various elements.
The opening portion of the film feels like several teen romcoms seen too many times before. However, Y2K manages to keep things from getting stale thanks to a combination of concise plotting mixed with Julian Dennison’s natural charm. Though the film initially follows the formula of 90s teen romances like Can’t Hardly Wait (1998), it gets to their overall point much quicker. Snappy one-liners allow the misfit lead characters to leap into the heart of coming-of-age comedies, seemingly reaching the pinnacle of social success, right when apocalyptic events ensue.
Although a small chunk of this portion feels too similar to Superbad (2007), the echoes fade away as Y2K quickly becomes its own film. Furthermore, this part of the picture does a solid job of establishing various other elements. From stoner nu-metal kids to romantic entanglements, this section is great at providing nostalgia gags as well as giving those unfamiliar with certain references a chance to get a sense of these characters. Essentially, the film provides personalities, even if they are somewhat caricatures, which are comical in various ways. In addition, there’s a real idea of the era put into play—differences between the past and present mined for jokes as well as striking similarities.
The opening portion of the film feels like several teen romcoms seen too many times before. However, Y2K manages to keep things from getting stale thanks to a combination of concise plotting mixed with Julian Dennison’s natural charm. Though the film initially follows the formula of 90s teen romances like Can’t Hardly Wait (1998), it gets to their overall point much quicker. Snappy one-liners allow the misfit lead characters to leap into the heart of coming-of-age comedies, seemingly reaching the pinnacle of social success, right when apocalyptic events ensue.
Although a small chunk of this portion feels too similar to Superbad (2007), the echoes fade away as Y2K quickly becomes its own film. Furthermore, this part of the picture does a solid job of establishing various other elements. From stoner nu-metal kids to romantic entanglements, this section is great at providing nostalgia gags as well as giving those unfamiliar with certain references a chance to get a sense of these characters. Essentially, the film provides personalities, even if they are somewhat caricatures, which are comical in various ways. In addition, there’s a real idea of the era put into play—differences between the past and present mined for jokes as well as striking similarities.
(L-R) Eduardo Franco, Lachlan Watson Credit: Nicole Rivelli. Courtesy of A24.
When the actual horror story sparks it explodes in a wave of absurd slaughter. Describing any of the initial kills would be a cruel spoiler. Suffice it to say, Y2K brilliantly walks the fine line between humor and horror even when blood is spilling by buckets. In addition, the well-orchestrated opening gives audiences a reason to laugh or cry when certain killings occur. For instance, Eduardo Franco (Stranger Things) as Farkas is such an obnoxious nu-metal shitgibbon, audiences will root for his demise.
Speaking of spoilers, Y2K contains one of the greatest comedy cameos of all time. I’m not saying it’s the best ever. Few things can top Robin Williams in Shakes the Clown (1991). However, not only is it comedy gold, it ramps Y2K back up right as it loses steam. Anyone who spoils this for you deserves a flogging with a frozen hose.
While that part is a pleasure, Julian Dennison easily steals several scenes. His expert comedic timing combined with an easy charm makes his character instantly likeable. Jaeden Martell fits the role of shy awkward guy perfectly, and Rachel Zegler (West Side Story) does a solid job as Eli’s dream girl. What really makes her role interesting is the performer’s ability to switch tones depending on who she’s talking to, more open with Eli because he knows the real her then cliché popular girl with her high school high status friends. Lachlan Watson (Chucky) absolutely nails the nu-metal persona they play. Their portrayal of Ash seems like they grew up in the 90s.
Speaking of spoilers, Y2K contains one of the greatest comedy cameos of all time. I’m not saying it’s the best ever. Few things can top Robin Williams in Shakes the Clown (1991). However, not only is it comedy gold, it ramps Y2K back up right as it loses steam. Anyone who spoils this for you deserves a flogging with a frozen hose.
While that part is a pleasure, Julian Dennison easily steals several scenes. His expert comedic timing combined with an easy charm makes his character instantly likeable. Jaeden Martell fits the role of shy awkward guy perfectly, and Rachel Zegler (West Side Story) does a solid job as Eli’s dream girl. What really makes her role interesting is the performer’s ability to switch tones depending on who she’s talking to, more open with Eli because he knows the real her then cliché popular girl with her high school high status friends. Lachlan Watson (Chucky) absolutely nails the nu-metal persona they play. Their portrayal of Ash seems like they grew up in the 90s.
Rachel Zegler Credit: Nicole Rivelli. Courtesy of A24.
Oddly enough, the high quality of nostalgia fueled comedy is a double-edged sword. Y2K features several laughable gags designed around past references. However, leaning so heavily into them tips the film towards a narrower audience. Although certain aspects of the flick, from its B-movie absurdity to its teen drama, are relatively universal, some of the best jokes will only land for those familiar with the references. Consequently, Y2K is likely more enjoyable for anyone who lived through the 1990s.
Still, that doesn’t detract from other aspects. There is an amusing and refreshing embrace of practical effects throughout the horror comedy. To a certain extent it seems done for humor, but it’s also pleasing for anyone inclined to the VHS era of 80s shlock horror.
Kyle Mooney does a solid job shooting this film. He steers Y2K with a steady hand. The movie is energetic and engagingly cinematic. Furthermore, he employs his SNL experience to compose context for certain gags that occasionally make knowing the references less relevant. Plus, this film continues the earnestness seen in his previous picture Brigsby Bear (2017). With these two movies, he’s established a pattern of insightful explorations of relationships through pop culture, albeit in surprisingly different ways. And he adds to this feature by playing Garrett, a sweet stoner who dispenses some fantastic gags.
Still, that doesn’t detract from other aspects. There is an amusing and refreshing embrace of practical effects throughout the horror comedy. To a certain extent it seems done for humor, but it’s also pleasing for anyone inclined to the VHS era of 80s shlock horror.
Kyle Mooney does a solid job shooting this film. He steers Y2K with a steady hand. The movie is energetic and engagingly cinematic. Furthermore, he employs his SNL experience to compose context for certain gags that occasionally make knowing the references less relevant. Plus, this film continues the earnestness seen in his previous picture Brigsby Bear (2017). With these two movies, he’s established a pattern of insightful explorations of relationships through pop culture, albeit in surprisingly different ways. And he adds to this feature by playing Garrett, a sweet stoner who dispenses some fantastic gags.
(L-R) Daniel Zolghadri, Lachlan Watson Credit: Nicole Rivelli . Courtesy of A24.
Y2K is an amusing horror comedy. Embracing B-movie absurdity, it delivers a humorous disaster tale enhanced by romcom plug-ins alongside coming-of-age code. Sometimes this strays into formulaic territory, but wonderful performances, particularly by Julian Dennison, always keep things amusing. The nostalgia gags may fly over a few heads, however, those familiar with the references are sure to be the most entertained. Plus, there’s enough universal comedy to leave others laughing. Y2K may not be a legendary comedy for the ages but it’s definitely a must see once.
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