Revisiting Tenet: Debunking Misconceptions About Christopher Nolan’s Thriller

Many viewers are revisiting Tenet now, and there are 10 misconceptions about Christopher Nolan's sci-fi thriller that were prevalent four years ago. Tenet, released in 2020, was a major blockbuster from the acclaimed director and stood out as one of the first theatrical releases during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the film received praise, it also faced mixed reviews, sparking debates among audiences. However, looking back several years later, many of the criticisms towards Tenet seem to have missed the mark.

In 2020, Tenet introduced a unique concept where the protagonist can navigate through time in both directions, shaping the film's visuals, storyline, and themes. The plot revolves around John David Washington's character, the Protagonist, who embarks on a mission to prevent World War III by utilizing the time travel element. Despite garnering a strong fanbase upon its initial release, Tenet also faced criticism, cementing its status as one of Nolan's most polarizing works in his illustrious career.

Tenet Isn't That Confusing

John David Washington as the Protagonist sits inside a car in Tenet. - Tenet Isn't That Confusing

Understanding Tenet's Story Isn't The Most Important Part

The main criticism of Tenet is that the film is confusing, but upon a rewatch, this criticism really doesn't hold up. Yes, Tenet is complex, with the film setting up the various rules and utilizing expansive worldbuilding in order to take audiences on a journey through the film's story. Tenet can become confusing if an audience member misses some exposition or a detail about how the film's time travel works. However, viewers that are paying attention should have no problem following Tenet, as it makes sure to explain every important aspect of the film.

John David Washington and Robert Pattinson in Tenet - Understanding Tenet's Story Isn't The Most Important Part

While understanding Tenet's story may not be essential for viewers, the real highlight of the film lies in its spectacular visuals and well-executed action sequences. From the impressive choreography to the intense music, Tenet captivates audiences with its thrilling spectacle. The film aims to immerse viewers in a time-bending experience, leaving them slightly puzzled just like the protagonist.

Tenet Justifies Its Runtime

Tenet-Ives - Tenet Justifies Its Runtime

One of the highlights of Tenet is Robert Pattinson's portrayal of Neil. Neil's character adds depth and intrigue to the film, with Pattinson delivering a standout performance. His chemistry with the Protagonist and the complexity of his character make Neil one of the most memorable aspects of Tenet.

Robert Pattinson behind bulletproof glass with shots in it in Tenet - Robert Pattinson's Neil Is One Of The Film's Best Parts

Neil, portrayed by Robert Pattinson, adds an intriguing layer to the film Tenet. Throughout the story, his role as a handler and his true intentions remain shrouded in mystery. The ambiguity surrounding Neil is one of the highlights of the film, keeping the audience engaged. He serves as a guide to the Protagonist, much like a self-insert character for Christopher Nolan, explaining the intricacies of the world and leading the way. It is only during the film's spectacular conclusion that Neil's true motivations are unveiled, bringing everything together seamlessly.

The Protagonist Is An Incredibly Complex Character

John David Washington wearing an oxygen mask as the Protagonist in Tenet - The Protagonist Is An Incredibly Complex Character

Despite initial criticisms, John David Washington's portrayal of the Protagonist in Tenet is far from bland. In fact, the character's complexity is revealed through his journey of growth and the unraveling of his arc, showcasing a depth that was initially overlooked. Neil's relationship with the Protagonist serves as a key element in the revelation of the Protagonist's true nature, adding to the film's intrigue and making it one of the standout aspects of Tenet.

The Protagonist's Depth Shines Through His Journey

Robert Pattinson pointing a gun as Neil in Tenet - Tenet's Looping Story Is Far From Convoluted

Tenet's intricate narrative structure may be a key attraction for many viewers, while some have criticized it for being overly complex. However, contrary to popular belief, the film's timeline is meticulously crafted, ensuring that all plot threads are neatly resolved by the conclusion. The seamless integration of various scenes and timelines in Tenet is what ultimately contributes to its overall success.

Tenet's Complex Themes Are What Makes It Great

Clémence Poésy as Barbara in a White Coat in Tenet - Tenet's Complex Themes Are What Makes It Great

Despite some criticism for being scientifically inaccurate, the complexity of Tenet's themes overshadows this flaw.

a plane crashing into a hangar in Tenet - Tenet Being Scientifically Inaccurate Doesn't Matter

Despite being a sci-fi movie, Interstellar is widely praised for its incredibly accurate science. Christopher Nolan's first sci-fi film after Interstellar was Tenet, leading many to expect the same level of scientific accuracy. While Tenet explores real-world theoretical physics, it falls short of the scientific precision seen in Interstellar - a deliberate choice. However, the lack of scientific accuracy does not detract from Tenet's overall quality, as its unconventional concept is still well-received.

Tenet's Audio Problems Aren't Unique To The Film

John David Washington as the Protagonist Looking Serious in Tenet - Tenet's Audio Problems Aren't Unique To The Film

While some viewers have criticized Tenet for its audio issues, it is important to note that this problem is not unique to this film. In fact, director Christopher Nolan's previous works, such as Dunkirk and Interstellar, have also faced similar criticisms regarding audio clarity. The sound mixing in Tenet was specifically tailored for a particular type of theater speaker system, which may not translate well to other audio hardware. Despite this, the film should not be judged solely based on its audio quality.

Tenet Doesn't Feel Too Much Like Inception

The poster for Tenet with both versions of Protagonist (John David Washington) next to the poster for Inception with Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), Ariadne (Elliot Paige), Yusuf (Dileep Rao), and Saito (Ken Watanabe) - Tenet Doesn't Feel Too Much Like Inception

Custom image by Sean Morrison

When Tenet was released, many viewers drew comparisons to Inception, noting similarities in themes and reality-warping concepts. However, this comparison only scratches the surface of Tenet's depth. While both films are sci-fi action movies directed by the same person, the uniqueness of Tenet allows it to distinguish itself and stand on its own. Therefore, the argument that Tenet is simply a rehash of Inception is not valid.

Editor's P/S:

The article effectively addresses the misconceptions surrounding Christopher Nolan's "Tenet," highlighting its strengths and dispelling common criticisms. It argues that the film's complexity is not a hindrance but rather an integral part of its appeal, and that its themes and visuals are more significant than its scientific accuracy. The article also acknowledges the audio issues but puts them in context with Nolan's previous works.

However, the article could have delved deeper into the film's narrative structure and the significance of its time-bending concept. Additionally, it could have explored the character development of Neil and the Protagonist beyond their contributions to the plot. Nevertheless, the article provides a well-rounded analysis of "Tenet," offering a fresh perspective on a film that continues to generate discussion and admiration.