What if the Y2K scare had truly occurred? In 1999, as the globe prepared for the new millennium, anxieties ran rampant that a trivial computer error could freeze society in its tracks. Although the anticipated chaos never came to pass, Saturday Night Live alumnus Kyle Mooney envisions an alternate universe in his directorial debut, Y2K — a zany sci-fi comedy that poses the question: What if the worst-case scenario really took place?

Starring a group of up-and-coming talents — including Jaeden Martell (It), Julian Dennison (Hunt for the Wilderpeople), Rachel Zegler (West Side Story), and Eduardo Franco (Stranger Things) — Y2K focuses less on technology and more on the tumult of adolescence. At its core, it’s a coming-of-age tale infused with absurdist gore, nostalgic nods, and a flurry of goofy jokes. But does this combination yield a fulfilling comedy?

Y2K: A Simplified Terminator with a Teen Spin

Crafted by Evan Winter, Y2K follows two high school outsiders skirting the edges of popularity. On the eve of New Year’s 1999, Danny (Dennison), the exuberant class clown, persuades his timid best friend Eli (Martell) to crash a party in hopes of finally being seen. While Danny passionately performs Sisqó’s “Thong Song” during karaoke, Eli awkwardly attempts to impress Laura (Zegler), a striking hacker with a mysterious allure.

Then midnight arrives — and all chaos erupts. As a result of the Y2K glitch, artificial intelligence becomes belligerent, and everyday devices morph into lethal instruments. Ceiling fans, microwaves, and even Tamagotchis join in the ridiculous massacre. The film’s rationale is flimsy, and Laura’s technology-laden explanations barely hold it all together, but that’s beside the point. Y2K aims not to be intellectual sci-fi — it’s a frenetic escapade through early-2000s culture, featuring a ragtag team of teens fighting to save the day.

A Tribute to the Early 2000s

Similar to Hulu’s PEN15, Y2K plunges into the era’s eccentricities: AIM away messages, dial-up internet, baggy T-shirts, and the sacred practice of burning CDs. The movie’s opening sequence is brimming with nostalgic elements that garnered major laughs and applause during its SXSW premiere. Mooney clearly knows how to tap into millennial nostalgia, though the humor leans heavily on recognition over punchlines — a tactic that may not connect with Gen Z, despite their recent Y2K aesthetic revival.

Some callbacks dig deeper than mere nostalgia, like Danny’s fascination with Tae-Bo through Billy Blanks’ omnipresent workout tapes. There’s even a surprising musical cameo that begins strongly but overstays its welcome. This tendency to extend jokes is a recurring flaw. At a mere 93 minutes, Y2K still feels somewhat bloated, and the film’s emotional core is undermined by its weakest character.

Dennison Dazzles, Martell Dimishes

Martell’s Eli is a recognizable trope: the bashful, geeky teen with a crush. However, the script provides little depth beyond his awkward exterior and passion for gaming. In a setting where household items are becoming murderous, Eli’s lack of dimension makes him an unusual lead. Laura, his romantic interest, is also inadequately developed — her character is characterized more by her appearance and tech skills than any substantial personality. While the film acknowledges this cliché with some self-referential humor, it fails to truly subvert it.

The real vibrancy stems from the supporting ensemble. Dennison shines as the unpredictable best friend, while Franco and Lachlan Watson (playing a sarcastic alternative girl) inject refreshing doses of character. Sadly, they are sidelined for much of the movie. Zegler undoubtedly has a strong screen presence, but Martell’s uninspired performance lowers the emotional stakes. The film recaptures its momentum with bursts of gory action, yet it’s hard not to wish Dennison had a larger part — he’s the comedic core of the film.

An Enjoyable Journey That Falls Short of Timelessness

As a first feature, Y2K is a chaotic, nostalgia-fueled adventure. The youthful cast exudes infectious energy, and cameos from Alicia Silverstone, Tim Heidecker, and Mooney himself (as a stoner video store clerk) add quirky charm. The film’s appreciation for early-2000s culture is evident — albeit mostly skin-deep — and the gags come rapidly enough to guarantee some laughs, even if a few don’t quite hit the target.

Nevertheless, Y2K lacks the emotional depth found in iconic teen comedies like Clueless, Mean Girls, or Superbad. It’s an amusing, silly stoner comedy built around a fantastic premise, but it