"Y2K", directed by Kyle Mooney of "SNL" fame, is a gory tribute to maturing in the lights of the 1990’s, set with a backdrop of New Year’s Eve 1999. The story follows the adventures of Eli (Jaeden Martell) and Danny (Julian Dennison), as they navigate a New Year's Party with one goal in mind - to not be alone when the clock ushers in a new millennium. However, things take an unexpected turn when the apocalyptic Y2K bug brings all household appliances to life, instigating a mechanical uprising. The characters find themselves banding together to combat against the robotic takeover and potential loss of humanity to these new mechanical overlords.
While the film is filled with ‘90s references, Mooney and screenwriter Evan Winter intended the film to be a universal story, capturing the chaos, uncertainty and excitement of teenage life. The popular teen movie/coming-of-age genre naturally provokes introspective thoughts, regardless of the era in which individuals grew up, making it the perfect genre for a film intended to transcend time.
Whilst exploring the ramifications of the Y2K problem and the integration of technology in people’s lives, Mooney also, quite literally, brings back the '90s. However, apart from the nostalgia and references, what Mooney truly wants is for people to have a good time immersed in his directorial debut.
The movie features an impressive selection of practical effects, from the robots to the larger creature suits, created with the New Zealand-based visual effects company, WETA. It's this attention to detail that lends the film a strong visual identity, adding another layer to the viewing experience.
The film drives home the idea of the swift and inescapable changes that come with growing up, from the end of high-school to the beginning of college. The transformation or cringe-worthy past experiences resonate with viewers, making it a narrative rich with familiarity of the highs and lows of youth.
The probing theme of humans losing control to technology serves as a powerful metaphor reflecting the contemporary society that has become heavily reliant on it. Despite the dramatic portrayal, "Y2K" is a thrilling movie, intended as much for laughs, shocks, and tugs at the heartstrings as it is for highlighting societal issues.
"Y2K" premiered on December 6th, showcasing the unique blend of creating something "organic" from mechanical tones, re-introducing '90s pop culture and algorithmic tech apocalypse all in one.
