'Tenet' Review

It's been a while since I shared a review. So long, in fact, that there's a new interface to the backside of this site since I used it last. With movie theaters shut down from COVID-19, I haven't been motivated to write in months... Nearly six months now, but I knew Tenet would reinvigorate my interest. As you can tell, that intuition proved correct... even if the film was delayed two or three times along the way. In a fun viewing exercise, I watched Christopher Nolan's entire filmography in reverse chronological release order leading up to Tenet. I am delighted to finally fill a few blind spots. 

Regardless, theaters are reopened, and I'm ecstatic. I've watched many movies these last six months and will share reviews in good time, but I knew it would only be right to return with a review for my most anticipated film of 2020. 

'Tenet' Review

Nominated For: Best Production Design and Best Visual Effects.

Won: Best Visual Effects.

Synopsis: Armed with only one word - Tenet - and fighting for the survival of the entire world, the Protagonist journeys beyond a twilight world of international espionage on a mission that will unfold in something beyond real-time.

Runtime: 150 minutes

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for intense sequences of violence/action, some suggestive references, & brief strong language)

Who should see it? Fans of Christopher Nolan and action movies.

As the latest addition to visionary writer-director Christopher Nolan's esteemed filmography, Tenet is Nolan's most expensive project to date, and he even regards it as his most ambitious. Considering that the filmmaker's tackled Batman, space exploration, dream heists, World War II, and storytelling in reverse chronology, this speaks volumes about Tenet's scale and scope. Spanning all of Nolan's work, the director's indicated a fascination with time, which he takes to a whole new level through the concept of "inversion." Inversion essentially means to experience events in reverse chronology. You move forward, but your surroundings move backward, and the same can happen vice-versa.

Coupled with intricate fight choreography, this plot device sets the stage for many impressive action sequences you'll be hard-pressed to forget. I'd dare say Tenet features the most exhilarating onscreen action I've seen since Mission: Impossible - Fallout, and Nolan's insistence on executing practical stunts certainly boded well for the final product. 

Atmospherically, the film is well supported behind the scenes by frequent collaborators and fresh blood. Nolan mainstays, such as cinematographer Hoyte Van Hoytema and production designer Nathan Crowley, continue to contribute masterful craftsmanship as one would expect. Meanwhile, Nolan had to part with two longtime peers. Editor Lee Smith was occupied seamlessly stitching 1917 together while composer Hans Zimmer opted to instead work with Denis Villeneuve on Dune due to his love of the source material. In light of this creative shake-up, Nolan turned to editor Jennifer Lame (Hereditary, Manchester By The Sea, Marriage Story) and the recent Academy Award-winning composer of Black Panther, Ludwig Göransson. As an admirer of their work, I've been interested to see how they'd fit into Nolan's creative space, and I'm excited to report that the two pulled their respective weight a thousandfold.  

That said, the sound mix is one element of the film which was noticeably lacking. While I adored Göransson's propulsive score, it was sometimes overbearing, making it difficult to hear the expositional dialogue. This had to be a deliberate choice by Nolan, and I had no difficulty following along, so it's not a huge sticking point for me personally since the "more difficult to interpret" sections of dialogue were ultimately inconsequential. However, I can see how it would really annoy others, so be forewarned. I'm eagerly anticipating the Blu-Ray release so I can watch the film with subtitles and dive deep into the behind the scenes bonus features. In the meantime, I'll surely revisit Tenet in theaters.

Suppose his breakout performance in BlacKkKlansman somehow wasn't enough to convince you John David Washington has what it takes to headline a blockbuster. In that case, Tenet will alleviate any concerns in a matter of minutes. Washington possesses a natural magnetism and intensity befitting of The Protagonist, which instantly draws you into the character. Nolan effectively utilizes Washington's star power, ensuring all eyes remain glued to the screen.

Playing second fiddle, Robert Pattinson's Neil proves to be a welcome supporting presence. Pattinson is currently enjoying a substantial career resurgence, emerging hot off a streak of first-rate indie performances to work with Nolan and don the Dark Knight's cowl in Matt Reeves' The Batman. Here, the onscreen pairing of Pattinson and Washington electrifies the inverted insanity. I hope to see this dynamic duo reunited down the line, potentially in Gotham City.

Filling out the supporting cast are Elizabeth Debicki, Kenneth Branagh, Dimple Kapadia, Himesh Patel, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Michael Caine in a swath of varied roles. Debicki and Branagh are most impressionable, portraying an exasperated damsel and a nefarious arms dealer, but everyone hits their mark. Whether they exist to spout exposition, incite nuclear catastrophe, or captivate the Protagonist, each cast member makes the most of their screen time.

After months of anticipation amidst delays and a pandemic, all I have for Christopher Nolan and my readers is a word: "Wow." For a filmmaker whose work has explored the depths of dreams, space, Gotham City, and the second World War, I consider that high praise. An inverted compliment, some may say. Nolan's palindromic take on international espionage is an invigorating actioner that hopefully helps theaters bounce back from their most desperate hour. If you're able to see it and feel comfortable venturing out to the cinema, seek Tenet on the largest screen possible!

Film Assessment: A