TICK, TOCK, TOCK, TICK... // A FILM REVIEW OF "TENET"

BY MATEO MORENO

The globetrotting TENET is exactly what you'd expect from a Christopher Nolan film. It's beautifully shot, dynamic staging, great acting and a twisting plot that takes time to unravel. It's also a new way to tell a time travel movie (it's not time travel exactly, but "time inversion"). The opening scene is an explosive and exciting heist set inside of an Opera house. Things begin to happen that are strange and we quickly realize that not all is as it seems to be. John David Washington is the new recruit into a secret organization and this first mission is essentially a test, which he passes. He begins to learn about "time inversion," which has to do with some objects moving forward in time and some moving backwards - at the same time.

Without spoiling much about the movie, Washington's unnamed protagonist has a mysterious partner who knows a bit too much about too many things and together they are after an egotistical madman played by Kenneth Branagh who wants the end of the world. His long suffering wife Elizabeth Debicki also plays a role in the proceedings and... well, again, I don't want to spoil much. Let's just say this mission, should you choose to accept it, leaves anything that 007 has done far in the dust.

Nolan knows how to do spectacle and it's no different here, with incredible hallway fights, time inversion craziness and a finale battle that makes you understand why he fought so hard to have us see it on the big screen. It's breathtaking. John David Washington is spectacular in the lead, making good on the acting promises he last showed in Blackkklansman. He's a wonderful action hero, serving as our eye into the world, and he also gives a refreshingly thought out performance. Robert Pattinson does is very good as well here, turning in to be a perfect partner for Washington. Elizabeth Debicki shines in a mysterious role and Kenneth Branagh chews up scenery just right. TENET is confusing, on purpose, and it does come together by the end (your patience will be rewarded. This is also most definitely a movie that will be rewarded with multiple viewings (Too bad so many theatres are still closed). It's exciting, thrilling and smart. If you are ready to go back to the movies, TENET is well worth your time. If you're not, don't fear. I have a feeling we may be in the era of films playing in theatres for months at a time again. So you've got time to catch it soon enough.

GRADE: A-

WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY Christopher Nolan STARRING John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Kenneth Branagh, Michael Caine. Now Playing at Theatres Worldwide, where possible.