A24’s upcoming thriller “Y2K” imagines what may have occurred if the widely feared Y2K bug had caused real-world chaos. Set on New Year’s Eve 1999, the movie shows how turning electronics could have become dangerous if computers failed at midnight.
The film stars Rachel Zegler, Jaeden Martell, and Julian Dennison as teenagers attending a party when this scenario unfolds. Directed by Kyle Mooney, “Y2K” aims to blend comedy and tension reminiscent of movies like “Superbad” and “Final Destination.”
Yet some question if it accurately captures late 1990s culture. One critic who was a teen then noted details like a character filming on a “camcorder” seemed anachronistic. Cameras were typically not used that way.
Music choices also caused doubts. While the plot device of Y2K dangers is “both obvious and brilliant,” songs like “Tubthumping” predated 1999. References more fitting the era included “Smooth” by Santana.
Costumes and fashions also reportedly seem slightly off for the period. However, Mooney himself experienced the 1990s as a teen. His script, co-written with Evan Winter, explores what many feared and technologists worked to prevent.
Analysts predicted system failures if computers could not comprehend four-digit years. Governments and companies spent billions in fixes. Ultimately, the date change caused no major disruptions. But “Y2K” considers an alternate scenario where that work failed with chilling results.
Audiences will see how the film handles this premise when it releases on December 6, 2024. Whether it resonates with those who lived through Y2K or appeals more to younger viewers curious about that era, the movie aims to rekindle discussions about recent technological history.
