The Weeknd's Horror Debut 'X' Scrapes Bottom of the Barrel: Critics Declare It the Year's Worst Movie
The Weeknd, the multi-platinum, Grammy-winning artist, has faced a brutal reckoning with his foray into filmmaking. His highly anticipated horror debut, 'X,' has been slammed by critics and struggled at the box office, earning the ignominious title of “year’s worst movie” on Rotten Tomatoes. The film, which marks The Weeknd's directorial debut, opened with a meager $3.3 million (£2.4 million) in the United States, a disappointing start for a project backed by a major studio and boasting a significant fanbase.
Rotten Tomatoes' critics' consensus is scathing. With a current score of just 15%, the film has been widely panned for its predictable plot, uninspired visuals, and lackluster performances. While The Weeknd's musical talent is undeniable, many critics argue that his skills don’t translate to the world of horror filmmaking. The score reflects a significant portion of reviewers finding the film to be a miss, highlighting a disconnect between the hype surrounding the project and the final product.
'X' follows a group of young filmmakers who venture to Texas to make an adult film in 1979, unaware they are being stalked by a deranged killer. The premise, while familiar to the horror genre, seemingly failed to capture audiences' interest. Early reviews suggest the film relies too heavily on tired tropes and lacks originality, offering little new to the established horror landscape.
The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, is known for his chart-topping hits and his captivating stage presence. He has previously appeared in films like 'Uncut Gems'. This venture into directing was seen by many as a natural progression for the artist, allowing him to further explore his creative vision. However, the negative reception of 'X' raises questions about his future in filmmaking. The low opening weekend box office numbers further compound the disappointment, suggesting a lack of audience enthusiasm despite The Weeknd's considerable popularity.
Industry experts are now analyzing what went wrong with 'X.' Was the marketing campaign ineffective? Did the film fail to deliver on its promises? Or was it simply a case of an artist overreaching into a genre that doesn't suit his skillset? Regardless of the reasons, The Weeknd's horror debut serves as a cautionary tale for artists venturing into new creative territories.
Despite the negative reviews and disappointing box office performance, The Weeknd's career remains largely unaffected. He continues to be a dominant force in the music industry, and fans remain eager to see what he does next. However, 'X' will undoubtedly be remembered as a significant stumble in his otherwise stellar career.