Time is a delicate thing. As we know it, it is subjective. It’s something we often fantasize about but I’m pretty sure our knowledge of time is equal to our knowledge of the ocean. All we know and still, it’s just a drop in the sea. I’m not gonna try and write up something intelligent about physics and quantum mechanics. Science has never been my strongest subject. More than likely, it never will. I can’t attempt to properly explain anything even close to that field. If you have a Netflix account, go watch Bill Nye the Science Guy. Seems like that dude can just about explain anything. I can at the very least say things within the scientific realm do fascinate me.
When you glance through the filmography of director Christopher Nolan, time seems to be a common theme throughout his movies. Memento depicted Guy Pearce trying to solve the death of his wife before the day restarted. Interstellar was literally about time and space. At least, to a degree. A portion of the big twist within The Prestige was the use of time as well. Inception took us to the dream world and showed us how time within dreams works differently from time in our normal reality. Nolan may be one of the only directors working today to do something of this magnitude.
His latest offering in Tenet makes time a bit more centralized. Tenet follows a pair of gentlemen, John David Washington and Robert Pattinson respectively, traveling simultaneously through past and present in an effort to stop another world war. In some parts of this movie, it can feel like a buddy picture. But make no mistake, this is in every way, shape, and form Washington’s movie. From his cinematic opening to the twist that throws him into the main plot and all the action that lies in between - Washington shines above the rest of the cast with ease. Throughout he wears the hats of both action star and charismatic leading man with ease.
The action of Tenet is nothing short of incredible. With the grounded approach of time travel, Tenet welcomes some new mesmerizing fight choreography. From one on one to the climatic ending battle, you’ve never seen fight sequences done quite like this. In the same vein, Nolan does a phenomenal job at creating a spectacle. Tenet hinges on a wildly original premise with daring visuals that will delight and stun. I don’t want to make it sound like I didn’t enjoy any other performance in the movie. On the contrary, Pattinson turns in another stunning performance. His chemistry with Washington is nothing short of brilliant. The added element of mystery surrounding the relationship allows for the two to endure a wide range of emotions. In the end, leaving viewers with an undeniable satisfaction about the two arcs.
Perhaps the only performance, or use of a character, that falls flat would be Elizabeth Debicki’s Kat. While she plays the wife of the antagonist, played by Kenneth Branagh, she seems more like a plot point than an actual character. For as progressive as the film feels with its action, visuals, and narrative - she makes Tenet feel nostalgic in certain ways, playing more to the score of damsel in distress in favor of seeing her progress her character even the slightest bit. She has mild development with the film’s ending, but even that isn’t enough to warrant her agonizing fate throughout the remainder of the runtime.
Overall, Tenet is another feat for Christopher Nolan. He seems to top himself once again, creating a refreshing piece of art that is as visually stunning as it is intriguing. Power house performances from John David Washington and Robert Pattinson solidify the film’s status as a future classic. With groundbreaking fight choreography, a thrilling score, and a distinct visual style - Tenet proves Nolan is a master of the craft who is ever evolving. The only piece of the film that doesn’t evolve is Elizabeth Debicki. More plot point than actual character, Debicki gets the short end of the stick in this otherwise flawless movie. Tenet will glue you to the edge of your seat and keep you guessing from start to finish. This is the very reason we go to the movies.
RORSCHACH RATING
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Victims and Villains is written Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey (and produced by), Caless Davis, Dan Rockwood, & Brandon Miller. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. Tenet is property of Warner Brothers Pictures. We do not own nor claim any rights. Tenet is now playing in select theaters and opens nationally September 3rd, 2020. Edited by Cam Smith.
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