A24
With simplicity as its foundation, “Y2K,” a new movie by Kyle Mooney, brings a unique sci-fi horror concept to the big screen. The film’s plot is set on New Year’s Eve in 1999 when a high school party takes an unexpected turn. Techno monsters, crafted from technology of that era, suddenly interrupt the celebrations. These techno monsters, controlled by a computer hive-mind, have a sinister plan to transform humans into microchip-controlled drones.
In the face of this techno apocalypse are the film’s stars, Jaeden Martell (known for the recent “IT” movies), Julian Dennison (“Deadpool 2” and “Hunt for the Wilderpeople”), and Rachel Zegler (from Steven Spielberg’s vibrant “West Side Story”). But the real scene-stealers are the practical effects from Wētā Workshop. The special effects team managed to bring director Kyle Mooney and co-writer/producer Evan Winter’s vision to life, including the real TV and computer monitor displays incorporated into the monsters.
Before the release of “Y2K,” we had a conversation with Mooney and Winter about their experience working with Wētā Workshop. They revealed that one of the monsters had pushed the boundaries of what the special effects team could achieve.
‘I think they told us that the larger creature was the heaviest practical suit they’ve ever built…’
A24
Mooney and Winter were clear about their vision for the techno monsters from the start. Mooney describes how they felt when they saw the first round of conceptual art from Wētā: “Their first round of conceptual art was so close to what we had in our head. It’s rare to find collaborators who can sync into your vision and add something extraordinary to it.”
Winter detailed the process of creating the practical suits worn by stunt performers. It was a year-long process that started soon after they got the green light to make the movie. They developed the designs, finalized them, and then began fabrication. Wētā sent them test videos and made cardboard cutouts to give an idea of size and look.
However, building practical effects also posed challenges. The larger creature was the heaviest practical suit they’ve ever built for a single person without puppeteer assistance. Winter explained the complexity of balancing the weight, making practical screens, and ensuring the performers could wear the suits for hours.
These amazing practical effects are now on display in “Y2K,” now playing in cinemas everywhere. You can also listen to more about our chat with Mooney and Winter, as well as stars Jaeden Martell and Julian Dennison, on the recent episode of the /Film Daily Podcast.
Subscribe to /Film Daily on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Send your feedback, questions, comments, concerns, and mailbag topics to bpearson@slashfilm.com. Please include your name and location, we might mention your e-mail on air.
FAQs:
Q: What is “Y2K” about?
A: “Y2K” is a sci-fi horror movie set on New Year’s Eve in 1999. The plot revolves around a high school party that gets interrupted by techno monsters controlled by a computer hive-mind.
Q: Who are the stars of the film?
A: Jaeden Martell, Julian Dennison, and Rachel Zegler are the stars of “Y2K.”
Q: What is unique about the movie “Y2K”?
A: The movie stands out for its practical effects created by Wētā Workshop, including techno monsters that incorporate real TV and computer monitor displays.
Q: How long did it take to create the practical suits used in the movie?
A: The process of creating the practical suits took almost a year, from conceptualization to fabrication.
Q: Where can I watch “Y2K”?
A: “Y2K” is currently playing in theaters.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
