Tenet

Movie Trailer

Release Date
September 3, 2020 (USA)

Genre
Science Fiction, Action, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• John David Washington as The Protagonist
• Robert Pattinson as Neil
• Elizabeth Debicki as Kat
• Kenneth Branagh as Andrei Sator
• Dimple Kapadia as Priya Singh
• Michael Caine as Sir Michael Crosby

Director
Christopher Nolan

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Inception (2010)
• The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005-2012)
• Interstellar (2014)
• Dunkirk (2017)
• Memento (2000)

Producer
Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan

Writer
Christopher Nolan

Budget
$205 million

Production Company
Syncopy, Warner Bros. Pictures

Running Time
150 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Intense action sequences
• Violence
• Complex narrative structure

Movie Story
“Tenet” is a mind-bending science fiction thriller that explores the concept of time manipulation in a way that only Christopher Nolan can deliver. The story follows a character known only as the Protagonist (John David Washington), a CIA operative who is recruited by a mysterious organization called Tenet. His mission is to prevent World War III, but not through traditional means. Instead, he must master the concept of “inversion,” a process that allows objects and people to move backward through time while everything else moves forward.

The film opens with a thrilling sequence at an opera house, where the Protagonist is involved in a covert operation that introduces the concept of inversion. After surviving this mission, he is inducted into Tenet and begins to unravel a conspiracy involving Russian oligarch Andrei Sator (Kenneth Branagh), who has the ability to communicate with the future and intends to use this power to destroy the world.

As the Protagonist delves deeper into the world of inversion, he partners with Neil (Robert Pattinson), a mysterious and knowledgeable ally, and Kat (Elizabeth Debicki), Sator’s estranged wife who becomes central to their mission. The film’s plot is a complex puzzle, weaving together forward and backward timelines in a narrative that challenges the viewer’s perception of time and causality.

“Tenet” is filled with breathtaking action sequences that defy conventional physics, such as car chases, fights, and explosions that happen in reverse. These scenes are not just visual spectacles but are integral to the story, illustrating the high stakes and the innovative concept of time inversion.

The climax of the film involves a temporal pincer movement, where two teams—one moving forward in time and the other moving backward—execute a coordinated assault to stop Sator from triggering a device that would annihilate the world. The Protagonist’s journey through these events leads to revelations about the true nature of his mission, his relationship with Neil, and the origins of Tenet itself.

Special Effects
The special effects in “Tenet” are groundbreaking, with Nolan pushing the boundaries of practical and digital effects to create sequences where time flows in multiple directions simultaneously. The choreography of the inverted action scenes, particularly the hand-to-hand combat and car chases, is meticulously crafted to maintain coherence while delivering a visually stunning experience. Nolan’s decision to minimize the use of green screen and instead rely on real locations and practical effects enhances the realism of these surreal moments.

Box Office Performance
“Tenet” was released during the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted its box office performance. Despite these challenges, the film grossed over $363 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 2020. Its performance was seen as a testament to Nolan’s drawing power and the film’s appeal to audiences seeking a cinematic experience.

Filming Locations

• Tallinn, Estonia
• Amalfi Coast, Italy
• Mumbai, India
• Oslo, Norway
• London, England, UK
• Los Angeles, California, USA

Notable Quotes

• “Don’t try to understand it. Feel it.” – Neil
• “We’re living in a twilight world.” – The Protagonist
• “What’s happened, happened.” – The Protagonist

Behind-the-Scenes
“Tenet” was one of Christopher Nolan’s most ambitious projects, involving a global shoot across seven countries. The film’s production faced numerous challenges, especially with the complex stunts and the inversion effects, which required extensive planning and precise execution. Nolan and his team employed a combination of practical effects, in-camera techniques, and CGI to create the film’s unique visual style. The soundtrack, composed by Ludwig Göransson, played a crucial role in building the film’s tension, utilizing inverted sounds to complement the film’s themes.

Awards

• Nominated for 2 Academy Awards (Won for Best Visual Effects)
• Nominated for BAFTA Awards (Best Special Visual Effects, Best Production Design)
• Nominated for Critics’ Choice Awards (Best Visual Effects)

Final Verdict
“Tenet” is a bold and innovative film that pushes the boundaries of storytelling and cinematic technique. While its complex narrative may challenge some viewers, it rewards those who engage with its intricacies. The combination of thrilling action, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking concepts makes “Tenet” a must-watch for fans of science fiction and Christopher Nolan’s work.

IMDb Rating
7.3/10