Originally published in the October 2020 issue of The Journal.

Along with the rest of the world, on March 16^th theaters across the United States decided to shut down due to the Coronavirus. This was a real upset for movie junkies, as highly anticipated movie premiers were delayed for months and there became an uncertainty whether theaters would ever reopen. While some would-be blockbusters like Disney’s Mulaneventually decided to make the shift to online streaming services for “home premiers”, a few decided to tough out the wait to be released on the big screen.

Tenet, the long awaited Christopher Nolan Sci-fi film, was originally meant to premier on July 31 and was delayed twice until it eventually premiered on September 3. Since then, it has passed $250 million globally, but only $36 million in the U.S.These low numbers, while disappointing, can only be expected with the people who don’t want to risk going to a theater, the amount of theaters still closed, or the restrictions placed on the open ones.

Rated PG-13 for some intense action scenes and violence, along with some inappropriate language, this mysterious sci-fi thriller will have you questioning every move that is made by every character. The cast is stellar, with lead John David Washington (Protagonist) joined by Robert Pattinson (Neil), Elisabeth  Debicki (Kat Sator), and Kenneth Branagh (Andrei Sator). Watching Tenet takes a lot of concentration and focus to be able to process what is happening as it’s occurring, but even then, there is much that can be easily looked over.

The sequence follows the character Protagonist, who is unnamed, as he uncovers and tries to foil a plot devised by Andrei Sator to begin World War Three. He remains unnamed throughout the film, as his identity is top-secret. Only equipped with a single word, Tenet, he has to navigate through unknown social territory, while trying to figure out if he can trust his new ally Neil and protect Andrei’s estranged wife Kat.

The amount of twists is astounding, there was a new development every few minutes, keeping it very entertaining and engaging. After the movie had finished, I was left with many questions and was honestly quite confused about some logistics, but I took the advice a scientist (that introduces the Protagonist to Tenet) gave when she said, “Don’t try to understand it. Feel it.” There were some aspects of the movie that I was confident about understanding and comprehending, but others were completely lost on me.

Overall I enjoyed the film thoroughly, despite the confusion, because I think a good movie should always make you think inquisitively.

Going to the movies has always been a beloved pastime for many, and for those who have been looking forward to returning, trips to the theater may look a little different with restricted seating and contactless tickets and concession sales. Although our local Regal as shut down AGAIN, I was grateful to be able to go back while it was open.