Trying to define what this movie is about is a disservice to the experience you have in the movie theater once the Warner Brothers (now Warner Media) logo shows. But if you would like a very brief synopsis, here you go. In Tenet, our main character is a secret agent who is on a mission to prevent World War III. In order for our hero to prevent the war, he must immerse himself in the world of espionage on a mission that will defy the flow of time as we know it.
It’s hard to make sense, right? It’s too vague, right? I agree. But that’s the best way for me to prevent spoiling the movie. Hmm...let me rephrase that. Even if I try, I think I will never be able to spoil it. I honestly don’t know how!! This is one of the rare experiences I have ever had watching a movie. How can you love something so much that you barely understand? Ladies and gentlemen, once Tenet starts, the movie never slows down. Believe me, you want to understand it, but director/writer Christopher Nolan layered so many different plot twists, a lot of characters, and a very unique “flow of time aspect” that prevents you from fully understanding what is happening on screen.
Is that bad? On paper, yes. But in a Nolan film, not necessarily. It's pretty simple, this movie has everything that an action summer blockbuster can ever dream of. The spectacular action sequences have so much precision. The amazing cast is led by the incredible John David Washington, who is a star and one of the most charismatic working actors. This film also has possibly the best original score of the year, thanks to Ludwig Göransson and a director in full control of his skills.
Tenet shows Nolan’s strengths and weaknesses. It finds Nolan on that middle ground, where you can see clearly his vulnerabilities as a director, but also you can appreciate why he is one of the most acclaimed and popular working directors of our generation. As I have been reading lately, Tenet is that film for the nitpicky critics who will have a feast bashing Nolan’s flaws as a screenwriter. But at the same time, it finds Nolan at the peak of his craftsmanship. He is in total control of his scenes, of the IMAX cameras, the style, and the intensity of his actions sequences (which are insanely choreographed).
In my opinion, Nolan has never been better with the action sequences and proof of that is the famous highway sequence and the bombastic opening. With Tenet, I got the sense that Nolan showed the audience exactly what he wanted us to experience. Nothing more, and nothing less. He doesn’t owe anything to the audience and knowing the fandom behind him, they will accept anything he brings to the screen, even if it’s a bit repetitive. In Tenet I got the impression that he has a clear path and full control over his project, therefore he is doing whatever he wants with a humongous budget. And believe it, you will see on-screen where the money is spent.
In conclusion, this is a movie about Nolan, not the characters nor the actors. It is about what he is capable of, and what he needs to continue working on to improve his storytelling. It's a true ambitious director, whose endless imaginative ideas continue to define the cinematic experience. The best way to describe Tenet is simply the most spectacular, bombastic, and exhilarating experience you will have possibly this year. I can’t wait to rewatch it over and over, mostly to have the same pleasant and exciting experience I had on my first watch and discover new things from the movie, which I know are too many to unfold in one viewing.
My suggestion? After the movie is over, have a nice yoga or meditation session to help turn down the adrenaline in your brain, the same way as I did.
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