Everything To Know About A24’s Upcoming ‘Y2K’ Movie
The Rachel Zegler-fronted film blends comedy, horror, and sci-fi to deliver a nostalgic-but-chaotic look at a New Year’s Eve celebration at the end of a cenutry.
It can be hard to stave off apocalyptic feelings at certain calendarial conundrums. (Remember rumors of the end of the Mayan calendar meaning the end of time?) A24's lattest film taps into this anxiety. Directed by Saturday Night Live alum Kyle Mooney and produced by Jonah Hill, Y2K is the buzzy studio's upcoming, genre-bending movie. Rahchel Zelger stars in the R-rated film, which promises to deliver a nostalgic yet twisted take on New Year’s Eve in 1999.
Read on to see its star-studded cast, plot details, and notes on where to watch it.
What is the Plot of Y2K?
The movie is a horror-comedy about a group of teenagers who decide to throw the ultimate New Year’s Eve party on December 31, 1999. What start as hard-to-believe conspiracy theories that the world would end at midnight slowly seem to become reality. The teen's quest to celebrate the dawn of a new century quickly spirals into absurdity as technology glitches, personal drama errupts, and apocalyptic rumors spread. Set against a backdrop of retro gadgets and more than a dozen pop culture references, the film follows the characters as they grapple with fears of societal collapse and their own coming-of-age struggles.
Fun fact: A movie of the same name was also released in 1999. The original Y2K tapped into similar angst, though it never won over critical acclaim.
The Cast
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes breakout actress Rachel Zegler stars alongside It star Jaeden Martell, promising a compelling dynamic as the duo embarks on their wild adventure. Meanwhile, Clueless icon Alicia Silverstone lends her star power to the film, rounding out a cast that balances fresh faces with nostalgic favorites. Other recognizable faces in the film are actors Julian Dennison, Fred Durst, and Australian rapper The Kid Laroi.
Why We're Seated
A24 has a reputation for crafting standout films, particularly in the horror genre (think Hereditary or Midsommar). Y2K adds a comedic twist to the studio’s portfolio. With its unique blend of humor, suspense, and sci-fi, the film seems poised to capture the chaotic energy of New Year’s Eve 1999 while exploring cultural paranoia of the era—a time when people feared computers would implode, for example.
Directed by Kyle Mooney, known for his quirky comedic style, and produced by Jonah Hill, Y2K has the creative muscle to bring audiences into the theaters. For any fashion lovers, Y2K instantly calls to the trend, which has been dominating the industry over the past few years. It follows that costumes in the movie will be on point. Katina Danabassis, who did costumes in Bodies Bodies Bodies and Past Lives, will also helm outfits in this movie.
From its nostalgic soundtrack to its sharp dialogue, early glimpses suggest a film that embraces the absurdity of its premise while keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
When and Where Can You Watch It?
Mark your calendars: Y2K hits theaters on December 6. Whether you’re drawn by its popular cast, A24’s track record, or a longing for the Y2K-era chaos, check out this film before the new year. Watch the official trailer below.
