Tenet (2020) - Movie Review

Tenet - Nolan is Getting a Little Too Confusing

Rating - 7/10

“Don’t try to understand it. Feel it.”

    Christopher Nolan’s Tenet is an ambitious and cerebral spectacle that pushes the boundaries of what a blockbuster can be. It is bold, stylish, and brimming with confidence, as Nolan once again dives into the complexities of time and perception. From the first gunshot that moves backward through glass to the film’s explosive final act, Tenet demands your full attention and never lets up.

    The concept of time inversion is both fascinating and overwhelming. Nolan constructs a puzzle that feels like it is folding in on itself, and while the science might not always add up, the sheer audacity of it is thrilling to watch. Every scene feels meticulously crafted, from the choreography of reversed fight sequences to the massive set pieces that blur the line between forward and backward motion. Visually, the film is stunning, and the practical effects and cinematography deliver the kind of cinematic intensity that few directors can match.

    However, that brilliance comes at a cost. The emotional core is often buried beneath exposition and complex rules. The characters, including a solid performance from John David Washington as the unnamed Protagonist, sometimes feel more like vessels for ideas than fully realized people. Robert Pattinson and Elizabeth Debicki help ground the film with charisma and empathy, but the script’s focus on structure and spectacle leaves little room for connection.

    Where Tenet truly excels is in its craftsmanship. Ludwig Göransson’s score is pulsing and relentless, and the sound design creates an almost physical sense of tension. Yet, the dialogue often gets lost in the mix, a recurring complaint that only adds to the film’s sense of confusion. Still, despite its flaws, there is something magnetic about watching Nolan’s mind at work. It may not always make perfect sense, but it is impossible to look away.

    Tenet stands as both a triumph and a challenge. It is not the easiest film to follow, but it rewards patience and curiosity with moments of awe and excitement. For fans of cerebral action and high-concept storytelling, it is an experience worth unraveling, even if it leaves you dizzy by the end.