Imagine a fusion of Scream and Groundhog Day. The result? Happy Death Day, released in 2017. This review focuses on its sequel, the aptly titled Happy Death Day 2U, a film that expertly navigates the challenges of creating a compelling sequel.
Tree (Jessica Rothe) has escaped the time loop where she was repeatedly murdered by a masked assailant. She awakens alongside her boyfriend, Carter (Israel Broussard), seemingly returned to normalcy. However, Carter’s roommate, Ryan (Phi Vu), soon reveals that he is now trapped in a similar loop. The trio attempts to rescue Ryan, but their actions inadvertently escalate the situation beyond their comprehension.
Having previously encountered Happy Death Day through trailers, I seized the opportunity to watch it on Netflix. I was pleasantly surprised by its effective blend of suspense, strong performances, and dark humor. Consequently, I eagerly anticipated the release of the sequel.
Happy Death Day 2U, written and directed by Christopher Landon (who also directed the original), manages to deliver a familiar yet distinct experience. While the narrative revisits the time loop of the first film, it introduces the concept of alternate dimensions. I will refrain from divulging specific plot details to avoid spoilers, but the screenplay demonstrates considerable ingenuity.
One aspect that distinguished the first film was its genuine moments of suspense, which are less prevalent in Happy Death Day 2U. The sequel leans more heavily into comedy, as exemplified by a particular scene involving a bikini and an airplane.
Regrettably, several plot threads remain unresolved, which detracts from the overall experience. Furthermore, I received a DVD edition for review, a rarity since 2009, as Blu-ray or UHD 4K formats are now standard. While a DVD might suffice for a film-only review, our focus at senses.se extends to evaluating picture and sound quality, crucial components of the home theater experience. The film’s availability on Blu-ray in Sweden further underscores this point. Happy Death Day 2U is not particularly effects-driven, but the lower resolution and compressed audio of the DVD format negatively impacted the viewing experience. The transition back to standard definition visuals and compressed audio is challenging after becoming accustomed to Full HD/4K and lossless audio tracks. The supplemental materials consist of brief promotional documentaries and deleted scenes (understandably omitted from the final cut), along with an entertaining blooper reel.
In conclusion, Happy Death Day 2U features a clever script that builds upon the original film while introducing new twists. Jessica Rothe delivers a standout performance in the lead role, particularly during a scene showcasing her comedic talent through expressive facial acting. However, the film suffers from notable plot inconsistencies (including a significant issue with the character Ryan) and a diminished sense of horror compared to its predecessor.
The film’s ending hints at a potential third installment, but the underperformance of Happy Death Day 2U at the box office makes the prospect of a sequel unlikely.
Despite its shortcomings, Happy Death Day 2U offers an engaging viewing experience, although my home theater setup presented certain limitations.
