Tenet (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital)

Awesome movie! Gets confusing at some times. Never get tired of watching it.

For me, Tenet Is exceptional when you realize the flow of the movie is linear despite much of the action and scenes not taking place in a truly chronological way. The primary character is - at first - an agent with skill and devotion to duty who grows into a man with purpose which returns to duty and friendship. The beauty of this movie is that this happens in a highly intellectual way through scenes and brief interactions. This movie is not for those looking for a traditional story - though much of the payoff is when you realize that, in many ways, it really a story we’ve seen many times with a wonderful sci-fi twist. Much of the problem for some- I think - is that many of us are accustomed to trying to figure out what is going on throughout the story and predicting what’s next…and this movie does not lend itself to that at all. You need to take time to be able to see it all without interruption or having to explain it to your fellow movie watchers as it plays out. I watched the movie on a quiet night on the patio alone, and - based on some of the negativity - I think that helped immensely. The science fiction aspects of the movie are twisted and the effects and camera work reflect that - often in dizzying ways. For my tastes, the amount of planning and timing and editing that must been involved is nothing short of extraordinary. Where Inception dealt with mental concepts and Interstellar with time and space relationships, Tenet deals with cause and effect - free will versus determinism and the potential impact in small and large ways. It’s a sight to see and has the potential to be nothing short of exhilarating if you can be patient and wait for the movie and concept to come to you. To be fair, it’s not a perfect movie - some of the dialogue can be hard to understand at times and certain effects and music in the audio track overwhelm requiring you to really focus on the characters, but I can’t help but wonder if some of that is intended. Increasing your focus in those moments helps and there is context, and in real terms, it resembles our attempts to understand people in real life in a loud room or when others are talking as we try to listen to someone else. Only Nolan and the production team know for sure, but I wasn’t turned off by that aspect. To those with complaints about the acting, I will simply state - you are missing the point. The characters aren’t meant to be over the top and crazy. There isn’t Heath Ledger’s Joker in this movie (as incredible as he was), and that’s by design. These are humans dealing with something they never knew they would need to understand. The emphasis on development is OURS to see and learn and is never shoved in our faces. I loved this movie, but I f you’re looking for a fun ride to watch with a group of friends who like to chat or are constantly causing distractions - this is NOT the movie to watch. Missing small moments can leave future moments without context. Watching the movie in portions would likely detract from your experience. So set aside the time, and be ready to really take it in - it’s worth it.

I’ll admit: I probably have to watch this movie again. I’m usually pretty good at unraveling a Christopher Nolan movie when I watch it for the first time. Not since Memento (2000), have I had such a difficult time piecing together the intertwining timelines. At least with Memento, I was aided by the black-and-white sections. In Tenet (2020), time moves in both directions in the same scene. Sure, this is a visually-stunning feat, but it’s often a slap in the face of the Grandfather Paradox, which Tenet simply waves away with a shrug and a “don’t worry about it.” What’s interesting is how moments of foreshadowing in this film triggered my “lightbulb reflex” each time the corresponding portion of the plot came into focus and gave me the “aha moment.” I’m sure I’ll pick up more of these when I watch it a second time. As it stands after a single viewing, my mind was exhausted by the end as I tried to keep track of everything that was happening. Sure, it helps when the movie revisits a few key scenes in forward and backward time (thus giving the audience more time to piece together everything). I think the main issue I had with this film was how it was trying so hard to sell the “time travel” concept within the standard action film framework. Why did the antagonist want to destroy the world? Narcissism, probably—which isn’t that strong of a motivator in my book. I’m sure this would be the type of film Nolan would make if he tried his hand at the James Bond franchise. As it stands, I feel there are some logical plot holes that weaken the movie as a whole. Sure, I love the amazing Inception (2010)-like visuals but unraveling such a complex idea like this only caused me to ask more questions. Visually stunning, but mind-numbingly complex, I give Tenet 4.0 stars out of 5.

Not that I'm smart, mind you. But I was smart enough to know a) much of the technical & scientific concepts here are way over my head but b) I can still follow what the smart people are doing. It's like listening to Carl Sagan; I have no idea how he knows what he knows, but I know what he's saying is based in fact. That said, I thought I was going to dislike this movie, or be bored by it or disappointed in it. I have all of Nolan's movies and none of them is better than this. This is a sleeper. People won't figure out how incredibly good this is for years. It was all about the visuals for me until the one-hour point. Then, suddenly, it turned. I thought, Oh, this is where it's going to start to suck, like so many other viewers have written. But no. For another hour and 25 minutes, I couldn't leave my seat. I rewound it several times to make sure I caught what it looked like had just happened, just to make sure. This is Nolan's mind, unleashed. And because he took years to develop this in his head, there is a little too much here for it to be perfect. But I'm just glad he let me come along for the ride because, by the end, I was gobsmacked. I really believe that if someone says it's not that good or not Nolan's best, they watched it too casually, or maybe they didn't even understand it, even though they thought they understood the concepts. But I'm betting they didn't. Maybe if I wanted to point out some flaws I could talk about the editing, or the length of some scenes. But there were no flaws in script or acting. I was disappointed about one thing, which you might find funny. There's a teaser that's been airing for months, before the movie was mothballed because of the virus. Robert Pattinson is in a room with JD Washington, expressing a little doubt about whether or not something will work or happen. I can't remember his straight line right now, but JD says, "Well, try to keep up," in a facetious tone with a big smile. That's just a 2-second gem, but they took it out of the movie! Or at least the digital version I watched here. I bought the package with the added features, so I'll check to see if it's on DVD. But as I said, it's a small thing. And yes, the sound is muffled. I had to turn my computer and my television up to the highest volume in order to hear at all, & I watch with captions because of a hearing problem in one ear, so even then I didn't catch all the dialog. I'm about to get a Blutooth speaker, so I'll hook that up when it arrives and set it next to my couch so I can listen more closely. Other filmmakers and critics actually have mentioned the sound mix as well and I read an article by one of them, which Nolan also read and commented on. I'm not sure what he'll do about it, but maybe WB will do a re-issue of this film with an enhanced soundtrack. Of course, if I'd been able to see it in a theater, as I had planned to do, maybe the sound would be better. I saw Ford v. Ferrari in the IMAX theater at Seattle Center before the pandemic and that was SO worth it. But what if the sound mix on this movie is just as bad in the theater? I've read a few complaints indicating that. So, you don't need me to tell you the plot or really comment on the actors or the screenplay. It is what others have already said, except this: it isn't a spy thriller. That's a plot line, but it's not THE plot line. It doesn't conform in any way to any spy movie I've seen. The Protagonist exists independent of any agency. He never phones his boss for instructions or receives Top Secret documents or even is confronted by some phalanx of ideological bad guys with a network. He's on a journey and it takes him to dark places. There are bad guys. There is intrigue. But it's more about physics, and how they can be bent to achieve an end result, whether good or evil. Why it happens to JD in particular is not clear at all to me. And it doesn't end. It stops. There is more intrigue looming out there. Not sequel-worthy stuff, but more resembling real life, where nothing is ever neatly tied up in a bow while life goes on. It never resolves and that's just fine with me. I mean, do you remember the ending of Inception? or Memento? Or even Insomnia? Tying bows is not what Nolan in about. There's always something at the end of the tunnel that leads to the Batcave, but it's not what you expect. The important thing to say is that this movie is brilliant, but you might have to watch it a dozen times to appreciate it fully. There are some production mistakes, like this scene where Pattinson is lying down & then they cut to another angle and he's sitting up. There's no excuse for a bad edit like that, and it startled me & made me lose track, so I had to back it up in order to understand what they're talking about. In a movie so engrossing, every little misstep will be noticed and potentially ruin the viewer's concentration. So maybe I shouldn't have given it five stars, but if it mattered, i'd only deduct 1/10th of a star for a boo-boo. And if I'd been the editor, I would have made a few different cuts, but I'm not the editor (I have been a film editor), so I'm leaving it alone. Making a movie, bad or good, is incredibly hard from a pre- and post-production standard. This movie came together as if Nolan himself was describing it to you in person. I suspect it will be in the running for Best Musical Score, and if JD isn't nominated for Best Actor, I don't know what's wrong with the world. Nolan should also get Best Director for this. I often think about how scenes could have been directed better, but managing to tie all these ideas together cohesively and irresistibly would take God himself. I was humbled by the intricacy of the scenes, how he directed them, the choices he made. On many levels this is the best movie I've ever seen, though it won't stand up against East of Eden or Citizen Kane in the long run. It's 1 a.m and I'm writing this on a post-TENET buzz, but I believe I've written an honest review, based on the strengths and weaknesses of the movie. Buy it, rent it, watch it. It's absolutely worth it, incomparable and entertaining.

How does one rate a movie like "Tenet?" Should I rate it based on my own preferences or what I think general audiences should enjoy? It's a polarizing film and I want to be helpful to someone who might want to watch it. I guess I sort of have to just stay true to myself and hope that's helpful. With that I'd say "Tenet" is a good movie. Great? No, but good. The dialog is busy like an episode of "Gilmore Girls." The actors have to spit out their lines rapidly. This makes scenes feel rushed and unnatural. Adding to this problem is how scenes are cut very close to their essence/exposition. While there are establishing shots in some scenes in others there are not. It makes the pacing great but it makes the experience kind of loose. What I mean by that is that it feels like trying to read the pages of a comic book but each page is attached to a car of a passing train. You constantly feel like the story is getting away from you and you get almost fatigued from intense focus. All this not withstanding, whether you like it or not, important scenes will get past you and that is not a great feeling. The scene where the bullets have to be intended to be dropped before they can reverse entropy has similarities with "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure." It's subtle enough that the comparison is not obvious but that bit of silliness is hiding beneath the surface. In "Bill and Ted's" all they needed to do to place something where they needed it was to merely intend on changing it in the past and VOILA it was there! The Protagonist is told to interact with these reversed arms out of instinct. This was reminiscent of another Nolan film "Memento" where a different type of memory is triggered, "know how," when a physical action is done enough (burning the poloroids). While I'm on similarities to other Nolan films the notion of a hiest has become all to common in his movies now. This is the mark of a storied career but may also show difficulty stepping out of his comfort zone when pushing the narrative in his story. I've heard him mention "meeting narrative demands" before in reference to why time is a ubiquitous feature in his films but one's hand is not always forced. Indeed, at this point in his career he is the one pushing time into his films. Don't get me wrong I absolutely love it, but let's not pretend it's not his thing either. The mystery of how the world could come to an end is compelling but hiding the "how" question's answer comes with a cost, namely the price is tension. Because through much of "Tenet" we don't fully understand the threat we can't feel the need to see the Protagonist meet his goals. At one point I thought it was fascinating that I could not comprehend how the Protagonist could stop the end of the world because I didn't even know the problem, I just had to trust that he could stop these forces from the future from doing whatever it is they do. That curiosity is great but I was so far in over my head that I had to let the threat just wash over me because after all I couldn't understand it anyway (this part of the human condition is actually alluded to later). I believe Nolan tried to fix this with a very threatening antagonist and a score that helped me feel the threat as immediate. However I'd liken it to nuclear proliferation in the post Cold War world: I can't be expected to remotely be able to track something like that so I spend no time worrying about it even though I'm told I should be very worried about it (again all of this is alluded to later). In short: rather than the audience hanging on hoping that the antagonist will solve and resolve the problem in swift order we are really reduced to a babe in the woods with our heads buried in the sand even if we want to see the truth. Again, like in "Memento" we just have to believe the world is still there even when our eyes are closed. Now one can blame Nolan for supplementing the confusion with a doom inspired score. It is beyond effective, but I'd say it's too effective. The greatest thing about "Tenet" should be its rewatchability but alas there is a problem here as well: between the mental energy and stress one feels from hearing the gripping music and deep base of engines and distant explosions "Tenet" is stressful to watch. I'm not sure I really can come back to watch it that often. It takes something out of you. When the Protagonist enters the version of the world going in reverse entropy, the blue time frame, he's inverted and we are seeing what he sees. To this point we have seen several temporal interlopers as well as some bullets, vehicles, and many other things in a reversed entropic state. Now we are seeing the Red enter the Blue and the entire world is reversed entropy for our main character. The Protagonist is warned not to come into contact with himself or annihilation. This is a further hint of things to come and is letting the audience know what is ultimately on the line. This is Nolan at his best. He wanted us, the audience, to experience being inverted, not necessarily seeing time going in reverse. This, again, is similar to "Memento" where the narrative is told in reverse but only so we can experience short term memory loss. Additionally this has similarities to "Twin Peaks" and the Red Room. Everything except the main character, Agent Cooper, is reversed. It's a fascinating little cinematic experiment. Well "Tenet" dials that up by about fifty. The best way to experience this movie at this point is to experience what Nolan wants you to experience, he's trying to give you a feeling you've never had before and it is truly edifying to his audience. A note on the time line: The Protagonist is such for several reasons but an important one is that we see the story from his time line. When "Tenet" begins we are in the "red" timeline or more accurately the red entropy. So The Protagonist's timeline runs parallel with the red entropy. When The Protagonist enters the turnstile he goes into the blue entropy but temporally speaking is still forward for the protagonist yet is a reverse timeline. So, like the trains going in two directions at the beginning, so are the two timelines. During all of this the Protagonist is going forward. Simple enough, well, except one thing: the second turnstile. The Protagonist has now re-entered the Red entropy but earlier in the red timeline. So after about half way through the second act The Protagonist's timeline, while still forward, is actually behind where we begun at the start. This means things are still being manipulated by a force in the future. What is that force: WARNING SPOILERS That force is The Protagonist himself. As it turns out the movie "Tenet" is about one big temporal pencer devised by The Protagonist. We are told much of this at the very end. What is really interesting though is that the antagonist is dying and is going to take the world with him. The Protagonist passed a test at the beginning where he was willing to die to save others. This played out with the two trains going in opposite directions while a fight was on for the silver suicide pill that will come in later. So, as it turns out, The Protagonist is named as such for several reasons: we are following only his timeline, "Tenet" itself is about his temporal pencer strategy, and finally his unique position makes him the only possible protagonist as no one else has access to all the elements of the world. On that final point he is speaking to a character that asks him a question and The Protagonist responds, "divided knowledge" to keep him in line but in truth no one knows enough to be the protagonist but The Protagonist himself. Finally we learn that the protagonist is also posterity which is future generations. The final scene is him wrapping up all the loose ends and he did so from the beginning to the end.

Christopher Nolan's "Tenet," released in 2020, is an enigmatic masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of conventional cinema. With its intricately woven narrative, complex characters, and groundbreaking visual effects, the film represents a high-water mark in the realm of contemporary filmmaking. In this essay, we embark on an in-depth exploration of "Tenet," dissecting its narrative intricacies, thematic depth, and the innovative use of time inversion, all while examining its place within Christopher Nolan's illustrious filmography. "Tenet" catapults its audience into a world where time itself becomes a labyrinthine puzzle. The film opens with a heart-pounding opera house heist in Kiev, setting the tone for the mind-bending journey that follows. Nolan's narrative structure, a non-linear tapestry of events, challenges viewers to piece together the story gradually. At the heart of this narrative lies the concept of time inversion—an audacious twist on the laws of physics where objects and people move backward in time. The Protagonist, played by the charismatic John David Washington, remains a cipher throughout the film. His name and personal history are deliberately obscured, leaving us with a character defined primarily by his mission. Recruited into the clandestine organization known as Tenet, he embarks on a mission to thwart a global catastrophe orchestrated by the sinister Andrei Sator, portrayed with chilling brilliance by Kenneth Branagh. Sator, an arms dealer with access to time-inverted technology, emerges as the film's primary antagonist, his motivations and actions veiled in an aura of malevolence. In "Tenet," Nolan's commitment to exploring the repercussions of time inversion is evident. The film meticulously dissects the mechanics of this temporal anomaly, offering rich details about its operation and the potential consequences of meddling with time. This meticulous world-building grounds the science fiction elements in a veneer of authenticity, making the concept of time inversion feel plausible within the film's cinematic universe. The narrative is labyrinthine, akin to a Rubik's Cube where each twist and turn unravels new layers of complexity. Nolan refuses to hold the viewer's hand, preferring to challenge the audience to engage actively with the narrative. While this approach rewards those who invest their intellectual faculties in the film, it may bewilder or alienate those seeking a more straightforward cinematic experience. Nevertheless, for those willing to accept the challenge and immerse themselves in the film's intricate web of time, "Tenet" offers a profoundly satisfying intellectual and cinematic journey. The characters of "Tenet" are complex and driven by their missions rather than traditional character development arcs. The Protagonist, our enigmatic lead, navigates a world of espionage and time manipulation. John David Washington infuses the character with charisma and gravitas, making him a compelling figure despite the mysteries that surround him. Opposite the Protagonist is Neil, portrayed by Robert Pattinson. Neil serves as a crucial ally in the mission against Sator, adding a dash of charm and wit to the film's dynamic. The chemistry between Washington and Pattinson on screen is palpable, creating a central dynamic that propels the narrative. Kenneth Branagh's portrayal of Andrei Sator is a masterclass in villainy. Sator is a character driven by his own obsessions and a deep connection to the time-inversion technology. Branagh infuses Sator with an overwhelming sense of menace, making him a formidable antagonist who looms large throughout the film. Elizabeth Debicki plays Kat, Sator's estranged wife, who becomes entangled in the conflict. Her character serves as a moral compass within the chaos, and Debicki's performance adds a human dimension to the film's intricate narrative. While "Tenet" may not delve as deeply into character development as some of Nolan's earlier works, it's crucial to recognize that the film prioritizes its complex plot and thematic exploration of time over traditional character arcs. In this context, the performances are effective in service of the story, helping to maintain a sense of urgency and intrigue. One of the most striking aspects of "Tenet" is its technical prowess. Christopher Nolan has long been known for his commitment to practical effects and hands-on filmmaking techniques, and "Tenet" is no exception. The film showcases a staggering array of practical stunts and effects, including real-time inversion of objects and actors, intricate fight choreography, and awe-inspiring set pieces. Hoyte van Hoytema's cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking. From the wide-angle shots capturing action-packed sequences to the meticulous framing of intricate details, the film is a visual feast. The use of IMAX cameras adds an extra layer of immersion, making "Tenet" a cinematic experience that demands to be seen on the largest screen available. Ludwig Göransson's score is a perfect companion to the film's intensity. Featuring a pulsating and hypnotic motif, the score underscores the tension and action throughout the narrative. It works in harmony with the visuals to create a sensory overload that is both exhilarating and immersive. The commitment to practical effects and the utilization of real locations over extensive CGI lend "Tenet" a tangible and visceral quality. The sequences involving time inversion are particularly striking, requiring meticulous planning and execution to achieve the desired visual impact. Watching objects and people move backward in time on screen is a mind-bending experience, and the film's technical team deserves immense praise for their achievements. "Tenet" intriguingly connects to ancient history through the enigmatic Sator Square, a palindrome dating back to the Roman Empire. This connection adds an additional layer of depth to the film's narrative and hints at the cyclical and timeless nature of its themes. The Sator Square is a two-dimensional word square, often arranged as a 5x5 grid of Latin words. In the film, Andrei Sator's last name is a deliberate reference to this ancient artifact. The Sator Square appears multiple times throughout the movie, serving as a recurring motif and a symbol of Sator's obsession with time and manipulation. The use of the Sator Square in "Tenet" is a testament to Christopher Nolan's penchant for incorporating intricate details and historical references into his films. It ties the film's themes of time, destiny, and human obsession to an ancient symbol, suggesting that the manipulation of time has been a constant thread throughout human history. "Tenet" delves into a multitude of philosophical and existential themes, making it a thought-provoking experience for viewers. One of the central themes is the nature of time itself. The film challenges our conventional understanding of time as a linear progression and explores the idea that time may be more fluid and interconnected than we perceive. The concept of free will versus determinism also plays a significant role in the film. Characters grapple with the question of whether they are truly in control of their actions or if their destinies are predetermined. This philosophical quandary is mirrored in the film's intricate plot, where characters navigate a web of events that may already be preordained. Additionally, "Tenet" delves into themes of sacrifice and the greater good. The characters, particularly the Protagonist and Neil, are driven by a sense of duty and the belief that they must make personal sacrifices for the sake of preventing a global catastrophe. The film forces viewers to contemplate the ethical complexities of such decisions. "Tenet" stands as a monumental achievement in modern cinema, combining a mind-bending narrative, complex characters, technical brilliance, and philosophical depth. Christopher Nolan's dedication to pushing the boundaries of storytelling is evident throughout the film, from its meticulous world-building to its commitment to practical effects. While "Tenet" may not be the most accessible film for casual viewers due to its intricate plot and non-linear structure, it rewards those who are willing to engage with its complexity. The performances by the cast, especially John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Kenneth Branagh, and Elizabeth Debicki, add depth to the characters and elevate the storytelling. Moreover, the film's connection to ancient history through the Sator Square adds an intriguing layer of depth and symbolism to the narrative, reinforcing the film's themes of time, destiny, and human obsession. In the end, "Tenet" is a cinematic experience that challenges, provokes thought, and leaves a lasting impression. It invites viewers to explore the boundaries of time and the intricacies of human agency while delivering an exhilarating visual spectacle. Christopher Nolan's "Tenet" is not just a film; it's a thought-provoking and immersive journey through the complexities of time and existence.

Really good film

First, I'm somewhat dismayed at a number of negative comments, and I feel compelled to add my own observations. Made no sense - well, this is Christopher Nolan we're talking about. If you've seen Interstellar (one of my all-time favorites) and Inception, you understand that Mr. Nolan likes to take real science and then go, "but what if..." Isn't that the whole point of fiction? I had no problems at all following the plot, but I will qualify that by saying, you really do have to pay attention. Characters mumble - I didn't feel that anyone was mumbling. Did different characters hade different accents? Yes. But I didn't think anyone was mumbling. Maybe it has to do with the audio-visual system? I have a nice 7.1 surround sound setup in my house, and well... I thought the dialogue was quite clear. Soundtrack was loud/bad - the only time I found the soundtrack overly annoying was at one hour thirteen minutes. But I will kind of agree, I was not a fan overall. I have the soundtrack to Interstellar on Amazon Music and listen to it often. This is not a soundtrack I would ever want to listen to. Mr. Nolan should've stuck with his old soundtrack partner, the master, Hans Zimmer. Having said that, I find Mr. Zimmer's music beautiful, and this movie perhaps called for something more... abrasive maybe? In addition, there was some good acting. Kenneth Branagh was outstanding. He was such a frightening, intense character and he really nailed it. The action scenes were good too--the whole time going backwards/time going forwards thing was pretty cool. My one and only complaint is that it was a bit on the long side--2 hours and 30 minutes. I was able to tolerate that because I was watching it at home. I'm sure if I was in a theater I would've been fidgeting around the two-hour mark. Buuuuuut. The ending was pretty intense, and there was at least one, "ohhh, I didn't see that coming" moment. :-) In the end, I did mostly enjoy it, but I'm glad I didn't pay to see it in a theater. I've probably watched Interstellar a half dozen times, but I have no interest in watching this one again-one and done. Not 5 stars, but certainly not 1.