Nostalgia is a powerful tool, especially when it comes to movies. The 2024 film Y2K aims to transport viewers back to the turn of the millennium—a time of dial-up internet, Tamagotchis, and Y2K paranoia. Unfortunately, while the movie dresses the part, it stumbles in its execution, feeling more like a Gen Z imitation of the late 90s than an authentic trip down memory lane.
A Gen Z Cast in 90s Cosplay
One of the biggest hurdles Y2K faces is its cast. While the actors are undoubtedly talented, they don’t quite sell the idea of being kids from 1999. The costumes and set designs may scream “late 90s,” but the actors themselves feel firmly rooted in the modern era. Julian Dennison, for example, brings a lot of energy to his role, but even his enthusiasm can’t make him believable as a 90s teenager. It’s hard not to feel like you’re watching Gen Z actors playing dress-up rather than embodying the era.
Oddly enough, when it comes to evoking nostalgia, Madame Web—another recent release—did a better job capturing the feel of its time period. And if Madame Web is winning in the nostalgia department, you know there’s a problem.
Trope Overload
The first third of Y2K is a collection of clichés. From the shy guy too nervous to talk to the pretty girl, to the overly familiar group dynamics, the setup feels more like a checklist of tired tropes than anything fresh or engaging. This might appeal to younger viewers who aren’t as familiar with these storytelling patterns, but for anyone who’s seen this play out countless times before, it’s exhausting.
As someone who’s seen their fair share of 90s and early 2000s teen movies, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. It’s time for Hollywood to retire the “awkward guy crushes on unattainable girl” storyline—it’s been done to death.
Chaos Saves the Day (Sort Of)
Things take a turn for the better in the movie’s second act, where the stakes are raised, and the body count starts piling up. Characters are killed off left and right, creating a sense of unpredictability that keeps the audience engaged. If nothing else, I respect the movie for being willing to take risks and avoid playing it too safe.
Still, this chaotic energy isn’t enough to save Y2K from feeling like it belongs in the “straight-to-streaming” category. It’s messy and uneven, but at least it’s not boring.
Horror-Comedy Without the Laughs or Scares
Here’s where Y2K really falters: it doesn’t seem to know what kind of movie it wants to be. Billed as a horror-comedy, it never fully commits to either genre. The humor feels half-baked, and the scares are almost nonexistent.
Had the filmmakers leaned more into satire—like the first two Scary Movie films—it could’ve been a much stronger experience. Those movies thrived on their over-the-top absurdity and sharp commentary on horror tropes. By contrast, Y2K tries to inject moments of seriousness into its story, creating a tonal whiplash that leaves the audience confused.
The Silver Lining
If there’s one saving grace, it’s the runtime. At just 90 minutes, Y2K doesn’t overstay its welcome. It’s a fast-paced ride that delivers a few fun moments, even if the overall product is underwhelming.
Final Verdict
Y2K is a movie that tries to do too much and ends up accomplishing very little. It has moments of potential, but its inability to commit to a clear tone or fully capture the nostalgia it’s chasing holds it back. This film might be worth a watch if you’re in the mood for mindless entertainment, but don’t expect it to become a beloved part of your 90s nostalgia collection.
Did Y2K work for you, or did it leave you as underwhelmed as it did me? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
