Watch Weekender

Weekender is a drama film that depicts the UK rave scene of the 1990s. Directed by Karl Golden and released in 2011, the movie follows two childhood friends, Dylan and Kyle (played by Jack O'Connell and Perry Fitzpatrick, respectively), who embark on a drug-fueled journey to attend an illegal rave party in Manchester. Along with their love interests, Becky and Michelle (Zawe Ashton and Emily Barclay), the duo navigates through a 48-hour period of euphoric highs and devastating lows.

The opening scene of the movie sets the tone for the wild ride that is about to ensue. Dylan and Kyle, both working-class lads from Blackburn, are seen raving in a field with thousands of other music enthusiasts. The scene is chaotic, and the camera movements are dizzying, capturing the incredible energy of the rave scene.

After the opening credits, the movie jumps back to ten days earlier, where Dylan and Kyle are working dead-end jobs and dreaming of a better life. They learn about an upcoming rave in Manchester and decide to attend it, hoping that it would be a life-changing experience. They buy pills from a shady dealer and set off on their journey.

Once they reach Manchester, they meet Becky and Michelle, who are also attending the rave. Becky is a feisty girl who takes no nonsense, while Michelle is more reserved and shy. Despite their differences, the girls join the boys for the party.

The rest of the movie unfolds over the next two days. The group takes a pill each, and the effects kick in. The camera work changes, becoming more psychedelic and abstract, to match the trippy experience of the characters. The music takes center stage, with several long sequences showing the characters dancing and partying.

However, the highs are short-lived, and soon the group starts to face problems. Kyle, who has a history of violence, gets into fights with other partygoers. Dylan gets separated from the group and faces a perilous situation alone. Becky gets trapped in a tent with a creepy guy who tries to take advantage of her. Michelle faces her biggest fear, revealing a traumatic event in her past that she has been running from.

The movie explores several themes such as friendship, love, and rebellion. The characters are all searching for something in their lives, and the rave scene provides an escape from their mundane existence. The movie also highlights the dangers of drugs and the consequences that can follow, such as addiction, violence, and death.

The performances of the actors are impressive, especially Jack O'Connell, who shines in his portrayal of Dylan. He manages to convey the vulnerability and desperation of his character, who is searching for something to cling on to. Perry Fitzpatrick also delivers a strong performance as Kyle, making the character sympathetic despite his violent tendencies. Zawe Ashton is brilliant as Becky, bringing a fierce energy and wit to the character.

The cinematography of the movie is exceptional, highlighting the beauty and chaos of the rave scene. The camera movements are dynamic and fluid, capturing the essence of the music and the characters' emotions. The soundtrack of the movie is also noteworthy, featuring several iconic songs from the rave era.

Overall, Weekender is a poignant and gritty depiction of the UK rave scene of the 1990s. It manages to capture the energy and spirit of the time while also exploring important themes that still resonate today. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves music, partying, or a good drama.

Weekender is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5 and a MetaScore of 35.