The story of the release of Christopher Nolan’s film Tenet will forever be marked by COVID and how the global pandemic affected movie releases through 2020 and beyond. When the film was finally released with distributors hoping to see that a big tentpole film just might be able to save movie theatres, the reception was more tepid than hoped for. Regardless, the time-bending tricks throughout the film are incredibly executed and the film delivers a complex, unique story. But does the Nolan-ness of the film hold it back from being great? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we add to our Original Science Fiction series in this members’ only episode about Nolan’s 2020 film Tenet. We talk about the complexities in the film and do our best to piece together the story. We look at the big picture and why perhaps this film is Nolan demonstrating the best and the worst of his filmmaking tendencies – an incredible technical achievement with a complex, intricate plot but one which drops all connections to emotion. We discuss John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Kenneth Branagh, Elizabeth Debicki, Dimple Capadia and more, looking at what they’re each bringing to the screen. We look at the Sator Square and the nature of palindromes, and how Nolan uses this idea to craft a story that’s moving both forward and backward at the same time. We touch on how this film is basically Nolan’s answer to a Bond film – fantastic globe-trotting, big set pieces, an over-the-top villain with a unique lair, the beauty torn between the protagonist and the antagonist. It’s all here. And we talk about how multiple viewings really help in this case. We have a great time with this film, and certainly more fun talking about it. Check out the film, then maybe watch it again with the subtitles on, then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins! Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!
Film Sundries
- Watch this film: JustWatch
- Script
- Original theatrical trailer
- Original poster artwork
- Flickchart
- Letterboxd
