December 2024 is packed with highly anticipated films like the gothic Nosferatu retelling, the provocative Babygirl, and the biographical drama A Complete Unknown. Amid all this prestige, I was looking forward to something lighter: former SNL cast member Kyle Mooney’s nostalgia-filled, seemingly Superbad-esque directorial debut, Y2K.

Set on December 31, 1999, the film follows two nerdy high schoolers, Eli (Jaeden Martell) and Danny (Julian Dennison), who plan to spend New Year’s Eve like any other day—listening to Y2K playlists burned onto CDs and waiting for slow-loading internet porn. But their mundane evening takes a turn when they run into Eli’s crush, Laura (Rachel Zegler), and her popular friends stealing booze for the big NYE party. Peer pressure and teenage bravado lead the boys to crack open Eli’s parents’ liquor cabinet for their first-ever shots before heading to the party.

Upon arrival, the audience is hit with a flood of early 2000s nostalgia, from the outfits to the conversations. The boys quickly make an impression when Eli rescues the party from a music failure by playing his Y2K-themed CD. While Eli awkwardly dances in the corner, Danny unexpectedly shines, becoming the life of the party, singing and dancing to the cheers of the crowd. However, things sour for Eli when he finally approaches Laura, only to be humiliated by Chris (The Kid Laroi), Laura’s boyfriend and the party’s host. Adding insult to injury, Danny betrays their friendship by spilling Eli’s embarrassing secrets for laughs and validation.

As tensions rise, midnight arrives—and chaos erupts. Danny scores a surprise New Year’s kiss while Eli watches, crushed, as Laura shares hers with Chris. Then the real madness begins: a power outage sparks mayhem as electronics come to life, hilariously and violently attacking the teens. After a partygoer is flung across the room by an electronic bed, the group realizes their technology has turned murderous.

Without spoiling too much, I will say that the party setting provides some fun carnage, though the script makes some questionable decisions that leave certain characters feeling underdeveloped. While the movie has its highs and lows, Julian Dennison’s portrayal of Danny stands out as a highlight; his charisma and comedic timing make him a joy to watch, and I hope to see him in more leading roles. Additionally, the film’s practical effects and detailed set design are impressive, clearly a labor of love for Kyle Mooney.

However, the film struggles with tonal consistency. While it’s not unusual for movies to balance humor with darker elements, Y2K often stumbles in its execution, leaving some scenes feeling jarring. Despite their talent, Jaeden Martell and Rachel Zegler lack chemistry, and their interactions feel forced. Moreover, while the film features some fun cameos from recognizable actors, they feel underutilized, having certain moments feel like a stretched out SNL sketch.

Ultimately, while the movie’s second half doesn’t quite recapture the charm of its opening, Y2K remains a fun watch with nostalgic appeal and creative moments. It’s a solid debut for Mooney, but it left me curious about how he might shine with a more straightforward coming-of-age comedy.

Rating: 3/5 Stars