Where Happy Death Day was released ready for Halloween in 2017, the sequel Happy Death Day 2U came out ready for Valentines Day 2019. While the release date should have no real bearing on the content of the film, it was interesting to see there was actually a shift in tone between the two films, that brings a departure from the horror genre that the first film was in.
This is a direct sequel, taking place the day after the original film (which I suppose is technically the same day that the film ended on), and includes a return of the main and supporting cast.
Now where the original film was set as a horror slasher film with some dark comedy mixed into it, this sequel moves much further into the comedic element, and instead of focusing on the horror aspect, the film switches to a science-fiction plot, looking to explain the events that are unfolding. The added emphasis on comedy is again a great choice for the film, though, in all honesty, the hit-rate of the comedy is much lower this time around. Making use of both physical comedy, gallows humour, and some super corny content, Happy Death Day 2U keeps you entertained.
As far as the plot goes, I can't say that I'm totally on board with the shift into science-fiction. Both Happy Death Day films so far have a certain amount of suspension-of-belief, and while it works in a supernatural horror film, when you start trying to explain things with science by adding the word "quantum" to something, it starts getting harder to swallow. Science-fiction films are often designed to make you think, whether it be about ethical and moral quandaries, or opening the mind to new opportunities, but in this case, it ends up burdening the characters of the film and limiting the possibilities of the film. Once you start explaining something, you are placing restrictions on it.
If you have seen the trailer, you will know already that there is still a killer out there that needs to be found, but that plot line is quickly abandoned for the majority of the film for the sake of the sci-fi element. A good decision, as the horror was limited to a few simple, repetitive jump scares, and it did allow some very emotional character development (even if it does paint it on very thick).
Jessica Rothe is again brilliant. She really gives her all in this film and is very much the focal point every time she is on screen. It's not often you get to have recurring cast members in what was a horror franchise, and I certainly hope to see much more of Rothe in the future, evolving further and further into a badass.
The relationship between Rothe and Broussard's characters is one of the weaker points of the film. Perhaps they try to hammer it home because of the whole Valentines Day release, but it never feels truly earned considering from the perspective of Carter (Broussard), he has only known her for a day by the start of this film; even from the perspective of Tree (Rothe), she has maybe known his for a fortnights worth of time. Not enough to warrant the level of emotional affection being fed to us here.
The film did trap itself in its own tropes providing several false endings that take away from the climax of the film. As such the third act of the film dragged on and fouled what was otherwise a rather intriguing film. The film is at its strongest when it is throwing dark humour at the audience. Rothe has impeccable timing and a great handle on physical humour which engages with the audience. While the sci-fi plot does place restrictions on the direction, it also adds another dimension to an otherwise simple premise. If you liked Happy Death Day, then you are sure to get a kick out of Happy Death Day 2U.