It has been an eternity, or at least feels as one, since we have returned to the theaters, sitting down in that dark room with our favorite snacks waiting to see where we are going to be transported to for the next few hours. I know some prefer the new streaming approach to watching films, however nothing beats the cinematic experience one receives when attending their local cinema. What better way to celebrate the return of the movie theater experience then with a film directed by Academy Award Nominee Christopher Nolan, an advocate for the movie going experience, in his latest new science fiction espionage original film. The best way to describe the plot of this film without spoiling any aspect of the movie is simply, James Bond meets Inception, yet way more original. A secret agent played by John David Washington, must prevent a nuclear World War III from occurring using the flow of time as weapon and a resource armed with the word Tenet. Along the way our Protagonist finds himself on a mission unlike any other that changes the way he thinks and approaches the world through Inversion. While all this may sound confusing at first glance, you find yourself ultimately picking up your jaw after it has been dropped as soon as the credits roll. Tenet is stunning, beautiful, on the edge of your seat, and insane all rolled into a two and an half hour film that still keeps you guessing 24 hours after you have seen the film. This is one of those films where you need to be paying attention to everything on screen, if you find yourself looking away even for a second, guaranteed your gonna miss vital information. While the whole movie itself is amazing, there are three key aspects that stand out for this Nolan project that make it excellent. First with the acting, from Washington's performance as The Protagonist, to Robert Pattinson as Neil, the chemistry among the two are outstanding and natural, here's hoping to see the two work in numerous other projects together, as well as being nominated for their roles. Kenneth Branagh delivers a Oscar-Worthy performance so menacing and threatening you find yourself shaking in your seat whenever he appears on screen. Next is the score of the film, done by Academy Award Winner Composer Ludwig Goransson in his first score for Nolan, as usual composer Hans Zimmer was busy composing Dune. Using sounds and beats far from anything that has been used before, the music allows you to be transported into this new world that catches you and leaves you hooked from the start of the film. The music alone will be a sure Oscar win for Mr. Goransson. Do not be surprised if you find the sounds stuck in your head for the next few days. Nolan's use of rapper Travis Scott for his new song created for the film The Plan adds a layer of swag to the film that is both ominous and alluring. Last but not least, the stunts and practical effects of the film. Nolan is no stranger to using practical effects rather than CGI for his films and the difference shows. He admitted the low amount of VFX shots and no use of green screen that stands out than any Marvel Film, which some say over use CGI. The amount of work brought into the stunts and shots the actors had to endure is opposite any other film has put out, and only someone such as Christopher Nolan was able to pull off. The car chase sequence alone leaves in awe, especially with the use of IMAX cameras, helps the scenes stand out. While some say this movie could be confusing, the sound mixing is off, the characters are too bland, etc. You have to experience this film in an IMAX big screen setting that helps you understand the nature of this film as a First Person novel. We are seeing the events unfold through the Protagonist's eyes and ears, everything we see and hear on screen is everything the director wants us to see and hear. We are brought in into the middle of this world of established characters that paint the picture of the situation at hand. These results do not come at first glance, it takes multiple showings and readings to truly understand this event film. Overall, Tenet guides you on a wild ride that you never want to leave and asks for more, the way Christopher Nolan wants us to feel it.
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