About the film (courtesy of Warner Bros):
Armed with only one word—Tenet—and fighting for the survival of the entire world, the Protagonist journeys through a twilight world of international espionage on a mission that will unfold in something beyond real time. Not time travel. Inversion.
It’s odd to be posting a “new” movie review for a title that’s been playing in theaters for more than a month. Then again, it’s 2020 and there has been very little that’s felt normal for the majority of the calendar year. And due to the unprecedented global pandemic that we’ve all been affected by, one way or another, adjusting on the fly has become a part of our everyday lives. Staying in our arena of films, these challenges have been daunting at times, and yet here I am to finally share my thoughts on the highly anticipated Christopher Nolan action sci-fi, Tenet.
The quality of Nolan’s films over the last 20 years has been nothing short of solid to sensational. With his unconventional breakout hit, Memento (2000), fans immediately recognized that there was something special about this visionary. As the hits began to build, we all started to become aware that his mind is something to be in awe of. His projects brought wonder, intrigue, entertainment and even a sense of dumbfounded-ness. You needed to go back for a second watch, not necessarily because the title was so good, but more likely because you realized that there were plot points that you missed. And that practice makes studio execs happier than anyone because it translates into a larger box office haul.
Tenet brings together an astounding cast featuring the likes of John David Washington, Elizabeth Debicki, Robert Pattinson, Michael Caine, Kenneth Branagh, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Himesh Patel, Clémence Poésy and others. And just like the most intricate of parts in a complex piece of machinery, all pieces are needed in order to bring an all-encompassing experience. Robert Pattinson continues to distance himself from a role that seemingly defined his career for a long time before forcing his skills as a multidimensional actor to be reevaluated. Elizabeth Debicki is another one that gives a clear example of her skills blossoming further still to the point where you can’t help but wonder what’s next. And there’s John David Washington whose swagger and skills puts a bow on this gift of superb performances.
From a cinematic perspective, Tenet puts all of its visual exploitations to good use. The landscapes, locales and precise choreography brings forth a well polished piece of work that is just a pleasure to witness. Everything about the production aspect has been well-prepared and presented with pride. In a time where many are desperately seeking a distraction, your mind will have bitten off more than it can probably consume in one sitting.
I will say that this is one of the most “Christopher Nolan-est” experiences of Christopher Nolan films that he has ever offered. Even with all of its positives, Tenet is not without its flaws. But as a maestro of mystery and intrigue, audiences will be swept away for two and a half hours of pure enjoyment, even if they may feel lost along the way at certain times. Have no shame as I was right there with you. The good news is that you can see this film in markets that have recently opened for box office business. Be sure to check it out once, twice or however many times it takes to absorb all of what’s coming at you.
