Tenet

This was my first experience back at the cinema since the Covid-19 pandemic and it felt strange. In a way it felt like I never left but then again, it was strange sitting in a cinema with people wearing masks throughout and with different protocols, such as staggered seating and limited availability on seats. Not only did this make Tenet feel different, but a lot of other factors also make Tenet feel different to other Nolan movies. Kenneth Branagh and Michael Caine are the only returning members of previous Nolan movies to have a role in Tenet and his decision to dump his long-time composer Hans Zimmer. Normally, Nolan likes his recurring actors to star in his films but this time, we are graced with some fresh faces to lead his espionage thriller. Rising star John David Washington is our lead and our first person of colour in a leading role in a Nolan movie. His brilliant work in BlacKkKlansman which earned him a Golden Globe nomination propelled him onto a bigger stage after his successful run in HBO’s Ballers. Landing the role as the protagonist in Tenet shows how highly rated the young actor is, and it shows in the film. His charisma shines massively, as it does in his previous work, which benefits the film massively. As Tenet is massively influenced by the Bond movies, it only bodes well to have someone with a huge personality and charm to be the lead in this film. Alongside Washington, Debicki and Pattinson both make their Nolan debuts and shine, too. Pattinson, who is on an incredible run of great films and performances, shows that his return to blockbuster cinema can be successful once again (his last big blockbuster movie being the Teen sensation Twilight saga). Pattinson shows how versatile he is as an actor in Tenet. Taking on the role as a British spy, not only does he utilize his good looks and charm to mold into his role, but he shows how physically demanding and cool he can be. It feels like an audition to how bad ass he can be when we finally get to see him don the Cowl in The Batman in 2021. Debicki, another young actor who is quickly making a name for herself on the big stage. Starring in roles such as Widows and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2, the French born actress gives a good performance on screen in Tenet. Nolan’s decision to include a scene of Domestic Violence between Debicki and Branagh’s characters is a pivotal one as this has yet to be explored in Nolan movies and one that puts the spotlight on Debicki’s brilliant acting ability.

Immediately after watching the film and even now, my head is still spinning and trying to put the pieces together story wise. Tenet has to be one of the most complex stories that Nolan has told to date. Tenet takes no prisoners when it comes to introducing Inversion so be ready to keep your eyes glued to the screen and ears open. It’s very easy to find yourself getting lost in the events of the film and the characters intentions. Thankfully, you do have side characters that are clearly utilized to explain and dumb down certain parts of the film (for dummies like myself who get easily lost in complex movies). As the film progresses, I did feel like I was catching up to the events of the movie. Twists and turns are expected in any Nolan movie and this is another example of that. In terms of story, I wouldn’t say this is his strongest of his filmography. I am not saying this is a bad movie at all, quite the contrary. It’s a hugely impressive spectacle of a film. Revolutionary in regards to its visual storytelling. Just the story itself feels lacking in the emotional pull that previous Nolan movies have had on me in the past, such as Inception, Interstellar and Dunkirk. These films have a huge emotional impact towards the characters whereas Tenet doesn’t have that which is a shame. But, as mentioned before, the visual side of it all is just jaw dropping. How on earth he managed to film the majority of these sequences and piece it all together is remarkable.

If you do get around to braving a trip to the cinema, make sure you make it worth your while and see Tenet in IMAX. The sound alone was penetrating my chest, and kudos has to go to first time Nolan collaborator Ludwig Goransson. Known for his Academy Award win for his score for Marvels Black Panther. The Swedish composer is soon becoming a household name in Hollywood for his work. In addition to that, the film is magnificently shot by Cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema. Tenet is born for IMAX and cinema, so please, if you can, go see it in the cinema.