I thought "Gen. Klytus" had met his end on spikes way back in 1980, but apparently not. He’s back now, performing songs by “The Weeknd” – that's Abel Tesfaye – in what feels like a rambling and disorganized journey into pop star craziness fueled by drugs and alcohol. It’s obvious he’s struggling; we learn his girlfriend has left him, and his manager "Lee" (Barry Keoghan) seems only concerned with getting him back on stage. To give credit where it's due, the concert visuals do a decent job of highlighting his popular songs, but once you leave the performance space, the story seems to be loosely based on real life, or at least inspired by it. One night, things become too much, and he decides to escape – that’s when he sees “Anima” (Jenny Ortega), a young arsonist, in the crowd, and they spend a night with different goals in mind. Meanwhile, "Lee" is frantic because he has no idea where his star client is, while these two are in a fancy hotel room analyzing the meaning behind “Blinding Lights.” The story takes on a kind of exaggerated absurdity, and it’s clear that Ortega isn't at her best as an actress, nor was he ever really present. Keoghan might be the one to save this film. His portrayal of the opportunistic manager who feeds into his client’s ego with extravagant praise, lots of cocaine, and alcohol, could offer a glimpse into the backstage power struggles that happen when millions are on the line – even when doctors recommend taking time off. (Unfortunately, we don't hear that advice in the cinema!). It’s clearly a passion project for Tesfaye and the director, but for everyone else, it feels like a self-serving showcase for “The Weeknd’s” music, stretched out with runway-style performances and some pseudo-intellectual conversations that often seem to have been filmed inside a lava lamp. Perhaps just listen to the music online and let this drawn-out display of self-indulgence go to a streaming service?

Source on TMDB