Movies - Y2K Brings Millennial Panic to the Big Screen with a Comic Twist

By Mulder, 20 august 2024

Y2K, the highly anticipated disaster horror comedy film, directed by Kyle Mooney in his directorial debut, is set to hit theaters on December 6, 2024, following its world premiere at South by Southwest on March 9, 2024. The film, which stars Jaeden Martell, Julian Dennison, and Rachel Zegler, blends nostalgia and chaos, depicting a wild New Year's Eve in 1999 where the Y2K bug actually unleashes havoc.

The story follows two high-school students, played by Jaeden Martell and Julian Dennison, who decide to crash the last big party before the new millennium. What begins as a typical teenage night out quickly spirals into a surreal and terrifying experience as the feared Y2K bug becomes a reality, disrupting the world around them in unimaginable ways.

Y2K has garnered attention not only for its unique premise but also for its impressive ensemble cast, including Daniel Zolghadri, Lachlan Watson, Mason Gooding, and Rachel Zegler. The film also features performances by The Kid Laroi, Eduardo Franco, Miles Robbins, Fred Hechinger, Alicia Silverstone, Tim Heidecker, and Sebastian Chacon, among others. Notably, the special effects were crafted by the acclaimed Weta Workshop, adding a layer of visual spectacle to the film's chaotic narrative.

The film's production took place in various locations across New Jersey, including Ringwood, Chatham Borough, and Clark, with principal photography beginning in April 2023. Despite the challenges of bringing a 1999 setting to life in 2024, the filmmakers successfully recreated the era, complete with period-appropriate technology, fashion, and cultural references.

The film's soundtrack, composed by Danny Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans, complements the film's frenetic energy, underscoring both the humor and the horror of the Y2K panic. The production, backed by A24, Strong Baby Productions, and American Light & Fixture, is expected to draw in audiences looking for a blend of nostalgic thrills and dark comedy.

As the release date approaches, Y2K is poised to become a cultural touchstone for those who remember the turn of the millennium and a fresh, chaotic experience for new generations. With Kyle Mooney at the helm and a cast of rising stars, the film offers a unique take on the millennial anxiety that gripped the world in 1999, with a humorous twist that only hindsight can provide.

Synopsis :
On New Year's Eve 1999, two high-school students decide to crash the last big party before the new millennium. At midnight, the night becomes crazier than they could ever have imagined.

Y2K
Directed by Kyle Mooney
Written by Kyle Mooney, Evan Winter
Produced by Jonah Hill, Matt Dines, Allison Goodwinn, Christopher Storer, Cooper Wehde, Evan Winter
Starring Jaeden Martell, Julian Dennison, Rachel Zegler, Daniel Zolghadri
Cinematography : Bill Pope
Edited by David Marks
Music by Danny Bensi, Saunder Jurriaans
Production companies : A24, Strong Baby Productions, American Light & Fixture
Distributed by A24 (United States)
Release dates : March 9, 2024 (SXSW), December 6, 2024 (United States)
Running time : 93 minutes