Reminiscence

Movie Trailer

Release Date
August 20, 2021

Genre
Science Fiction, Thriller, Mystery

Cast & Crew

• Hugh Jackman as Nick Bannister
• Rebecca Ferguson as Mae
• Thandiwe Newton as Emily “Watts” Sanders
• Cliff Curtis as Cyrus Booth
• Daniel Wu as Saint Joe
• Marina de Tavira as Tamara Sylvan
• Mojean Aria as Sebastian

Director
Lisa Joy

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Reminiscence is Lisa Joy’s directorial debut for a feature film, but she is also known for her work as the co-creator and executive producer of the TV series Westworld.

Producer

• Jonathan Nolan
• Michael De Luca
• Aaron Ryder
• Lisa Joy

Writer

• Lisa Joy

Budget
$68 million

Production Company

• Warner Bros. Pictures
• FilmNation Entertainment
• Kilter Films
• Michael De Luca Productions
• Lisa Joy Films

Running Time
116 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Violence and action sequences
• Strong language
• Some sexual content
• Dark and mature themes

Movie Story
Reminiscence is a neo-noir sci-fi thriller that dives into the mysteries of memory and obsession. Set in a near-future Miami, where rising sea levels have submerged much of the city, the story follows Nick Bannister (Hugh Jackman), a private investigator of the mind who helps clients relive their memories through a sophisticated machine that allows them to explore their past. People in this dystopian world, scarred by wars and societal collapse, often seek solace in their most cherished memories, making Nick’s business thrive.

Nick’s life takes a turn when he meets Mae (Rebecca Ferguson), a mysterious woman who comes to him seeking help to find her lost keys but ends up capturing Nick’s heart. Their passionate relationship is suddenly cut short when Mae vanishes without a trace, leaving Nick haunted by her disappearance. Unable to move on, Nick becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about Mae, using the memory machine to replay their moments together, hoping to find clues.

As Nick delves deeper into his memories and those of others connected to Mae, he uncovers a web of deception, crime, and corruption. His investigation leads him to dangerous figures like Cyrus Booth (Cliff Curtis), a violent enforcer, and Saint Joe (Daniel Wu), a ruthless crime lord. Alongside his loyal friend and colleague, Watts (Thandiwe Newton), Nick must navigate the murky waters of memory, where the line between truth and illusion becomes increasingly blurred.

Reminiscence explores themes of love, loss, and the human need to hold on to the past. It questions the reliability of memories and the lengths people will go to relive the past or alter their perception of it. Lisa Joy’s direction creates a visually stunning, atmospheric world that combines elements of classic film noir with futuristic dystopia, all while telling a deeply personal story about the power and peril of memory.

Special Effects
The special effects in Reminiscence are integral to its storytelling, especially in the depiction of the memory retrieval process and the submerged cityscapes of a future Miami. The film uses a mix of CGI and practical effects to create a hauntingly beautiful yet decayed world, emphasizing the dystopian atmosphere. The visual effects work seamlessly with the film’s narrative, enhancing the emotional weight of the story while providing striking, memorable imagery.

Box Office Performance
Reminiscence struggled at the box office, grossing only about $16 million worldwide against a budget of $68 million. The film’s release was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and its simultaneous release on HBO Max, which affected its overall financial performance.

Filming Locations

• New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
• Miami, Florida, USA

Notable Quotes

• “The past can haunt a man. That’s what they say. But it’s the future that torments us.” – Nick Bannister
• “Nothing is more addictive than the past.” – Nick Bannister
• “You’re going on a journey. A journey through memory. All you have to do is follow my voice.” – Nick Bannister

Behind-the-Scenes
Reminiscence marked Lisa Joy’s first feature film as a director, following her success as a co-creator of the TV series Westworld. The film was praised for its ambitious concept and visual style, with Joy drawing heavily from her experiences in television to craft a complex narrative. The movie’s production design, particularly the submerged city of Miami, was inspired by real-world concerns about climate change and rising sea levels.

Awards

• Nominated for the Golden Reel Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing
• Nominated for the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film

Final Verdict
Reminiscence is a thought-provoking and visually captivating film that offers a unique blend of sci-fi, mystery, and noir. While its ambitious narrative and complex themes may not resonate with everyone, those who enjoy cerebral and visually driven storytelling will find much to appreciate. Hugh Jackman delivers a compelling performance, supported by a strong cast and Lisa Joy’s confident direction. Despite its box office struggles, Reminiscence is a film worth experiencing, especially for fans of dystopian and noir genres.

IMDb Rating
5.9/10