Tenet (2020)

"Tenet" is a fiendishly complicated sci-fi movie.

If you enjoy watching mind-bending movies and won't let minor details about plot or character consistency bother you, it's a great movie.

If you prefer to actually understand the plot and character motivations, then this may not be the movie for you.

There is a fascinating scene where the Protagonist attempts to shoot himself. It is not a suicide. He reverses his personal chronological timeline and starts traveling backward in time. However, he can't change what already happened. So, he has to try to shoot himself in the head.

Either that, or the director just thought it would be a really cool scene for the trailers and a bunch of movie nerds like myself came up with a mind-bending rationale afterward.

Or both. Why not both? If characters can travel back in time to fight themselves, why can't both be true?

While the movie makes a twisted sort of consistent sense, overall, I am not sure if it is worth the effort to untangle the gordian plot.



You should not watch Tenet if...

• You are not a fan of complex plot lines that can be hard to follow.
• You prefer movies with more character development and emotional depth.
• You do not like high levels of action and violence in films.
• You are easily confused or frustrated by non-linear narratives.
• You are under the recommended viewing age of 14 due to intense scenes and violence.

Whats the deal with...
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:

What's the deal with "Tenet"? I mean, it's a time-travel movie where no one actually travels in time. They just reverse it, walk backwards, and call it a day. It's like if Superman turned back time by spinning the Earth backwards, but then just moonwalked everywhere. And they say it's not time travel, it's "inversion". Kinda like when I call my midnight snack "an early breakfast".

And how about that protagonist? He's so mysterious, he doesn't even have a name. He's just 'The Protagonist'. I guess 'John Doe' was too mainstream. I mean, think of the poor barista trying to write that on a Starbucks cup.

The plot is so complex, you need a PhD in 'Tenet-ology' to understand it. It's one of those movies where you go into the theater thinking you're smart, and come out wondering if you can even tie your own shoelaces.

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Interstellar (2014)

Another intriguing movie directed by Christopher Nolan is "Interstellar". This science fiction epic explores humanity's survival and hope, with time and space being central themes similar to "Tenet". The movie's plot centers on a group of explorers who leave Earth to traverse through a wormhole in space in an attempt to ensure humanity's survival. The brilliant visual effects and compelling characters make it a must-see.

Inception (2010)

Since you loved "Tenet", you will likely appreciate "Inception". Directed by Christopher Nolan, the same brilliant mind behind "Tenet", this movie is a magnificent blend of cerebral storytelling and stunning visuals. Set in a world where dreams can be entered and manipulated, it is another high-concept, narratively complex cinematic masterpiece.

Looper (2012):

If you enjoyed the time-bending elements in "Tenet", "Looper" is worth your time. This gritty sci-fi thriller directed by Rian Johnson features Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a hitman who works for the mob of the future. He soon finds his life at risk when the mob decides to 'close the loop' and send back his future self for termination.

Predestination (2014):

Directed by the Spierig Brothers, "Predestination" is another time-travel film that might interest you. It stars Ethan Hawke as a time-traveling agent who jumps back and forth through the decades to stop crimes before they happen. It has a complicated plot with a serious mind-bender at its core just like "Tenet".

The Prestige (2006):

"The Prestige", another Christopher Nolan movie, is a mind-bending thriller about two magicians in late 19th-century London who engage in a dangerous rivalry. Its attention to detail, complexity, and the elaborate construction of the narrative make it quite similar to "Tenet" in style and mood.

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