Tenet

Did I understand anything? No. Was this peak? Absolutely. I knew I would love Tenet coming into it, and somehow it still exceeded my expectations. Tenet is less about completely understanding every detail and more about experiencing the feeling of it. Nolan even tells you early on, "Don't try to understand it. Feel it." While I do think that idea has some flaws, the sheer spectacle of Tenet is impossible to ignore. I don't think I'll ever see scenes like this again. The way characters move backward through time during fight sequences is something I couldn't even comprehend while watching. The creativity behind the action is insane, and Nolan somehow turns a confusing concept into some of the most unique action I've ever seen. Hot take: out of all the Nolan films I've watched, Tenet might have my favorite score. The electronic and constantly pulsating sound perfectly matches the energy of the movie. It isn't as emotional as some of his other scores, but it doesn't need to be. The music makes every moment feel intense and futuristic, which fits the film perfectly. Tenet is a movie that almost demands multiple rewatches. Every time you revisit it, there's a good chance you'll understand something new and appreciate it more. The concept is absurd, but Nolan commits to it completely, creating one of the most refreshing takes on time travel I've seen. Every actor does a great job. John David Washington gives The Protagonist a grounded presence, and I love watching him slowly realize that he's part of something much bigger than himself. Robert Pattinson's Neil is my favorite character in the film. His performance brings the emotional side that the movie needs, especially through his loyalty and sacrifice during the final moments. Elizabeth Debicki also gives a very heartfelt performance. Her story is much more personal, focusing on her attempt to escape an abusive relationship and reunite with her son. Meanwhile, Kenneth Branagh's Sator is a genuinely intimidating villain. His need for control and his unpredictable nature make him a constant threat. However, with all of its strengths, Tenet might have Nolan's weakest writing. The film sometimes overexplains things while still being confusing. I want to understand what's happening, but there are moments where I'm hit with so many complex ideas and terms that it's difficult to follow. The highlights are still incredible. Everything involving Freeport is amazing, especially the hallway fight. Seeing later that Neil had already witnessed The Protagonist and that The Protagonist was fighting himself adds another layer to the scene. It's the kind of sequence that becomes even better once you understand more about it. The final battle is also unbelievable. The practical effects, explosions, and the full use of time inversion create a finale that feels completely unique. It shows the scale of Nolan's ambition and why this movie could only really be made by him. Overall, there are definitely flaws with Tenet, especially with its writing and complexity. But the film isn't meant to simply be explained; it's meant to be experienced. Did I understand everything? No. Did I love what I watched? Yes. Nolan Ranked