‘Y2K’ Review: Kyle Mooney’s Directorial Debut Dives Deep Into Millennium Mania – SXSW

Do you remember where you were on New Year’s 2000? Were you home wondering if all the electronics in your home were going to short circuit? Kyle Mooney explores an alternative to what happened on that day in his directorial debut Y2K. His unique comedic voice and offbeat humor have prepared him for this ambitious project that emerges as a striking commentary on the intersection of technology, generational angst and the human spirit. Mooney, alongside co-writer Evan Winter, crafts a narrative that is at once a love letter to the turn of the millennium and a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked technological advancement.

Set against the backdrop of the year New Year’s Eve circa 1999, Y2K introduces us to Eli (Jaeden Martell) and his cohort of high school friends, including the effervescent Danny (Julian Dennison) and the ever-dreamy Laura (Rachel Zegler). The film kicks off with a throw-back view of AOL chat rooms and clips of Bill Clinton, setting the stage for a story that is deeply rooted in the era’s cultural and technological environment. As Eli and his friends navigate the pitfalls of adolescence, their journey is screwed by a deadly turn of events as the Y2K bug brings household electronics to life, turning them into killing machines including VCRs hurling video tapes and microwaves looking for heads to cook.

Mooney and Winter use this surreal premise to weave a larger narrative about the impact of technology on humanity. The film suggests that the digital age, for all its promises of connectivity and advancement, has left a generation grappling with the fallout of its own creations. The exploration of Y2K themes highlights technology’s double-edged impact: its capacity for unparalleled connectivity and its potential for causing isolation. 

The late 1990s internet boom symbolized a leap in global communication and knowledge sharing, yet paradoxically, it also fostered loneliness as digital interactions began to supplant real-life contact. This era, punctuated by the Y2K bug scare, mirrors the millennial generation’s mixed feelings—excitement for technological and global advancements contrasted with apprehensions about future uncertainties and the social implications of an increasingly digital world. In a world increasingly dominated by AI and technological innovation, the essence of the human condition—our capacity for emotion, empathy, and connection—remains irreplaceable.

What sets the movie apart is its nuanced approach to nostalgia. In a cinematic landscape often saturated with attempts to capitalize on the past, Mooney’s film stands out for its authenticity and restraint. The era is evoked not through heavy-handed references but through attention to the details that defined it—from the mix of subcultures to the influence of the internet. The film celebrates the diversity of the late ’90s and early ’00s, reminding us of a time when finding connection felt both simpler and more meaningful.

Y2k’s execution is not without flaws. The performances of Martell and Dennison, though earnest, occasionally fall short of conveying the full depth of the narrative’s ambition. Zegler’s Laura, in particular, feels underutilized, serving more as a plot device than a fully realized character. Moreover, the inclusion of Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst, while a nod to the era’s musical landscape, comes off as random and contrived. 

Despite these missteps, Y2K recovers much of its momentum through its sharp writing and a keen sense of pacing. Mooney demonstrates a commendable ability to balance humor, horror, and heartfelt drama, even if the film’s conclusion veers towards the predictable. The abrupt resolution may leave some viewers wanting, but it does little to diminish the film’s broader achievements.

Ultimately, the film is a testament to Kyle Mooney’s vision and a promising start to his directorial career. It captures the spirit of a bygone era with affection, offering a compelling reflection on our relationship with technology and with each other. As we navigate the complexities of the digital age, Y2K serves as a timely reminder of the values that truly define us. In a world increasingly dominated by screens, Mooney’s film is a vibrant call to remember the human connections that sustain us.

Title: Y2K
Festival: SXSW (Narrative Feature)
Studio: A24
Director: Kyle Mooney
Screenwriters: Kyle Mooney and Evan Winter
Cast: Jaeden Martell, Rachel Zegler, Julian Dennison, Daniel Zolghadri, Lachlan Watson, Kyle Mooney, Eduardo Franco, Alicia Silverstone, Fred Durst
Running time:  1 hr 33 min