Remember 2021? It was a cinematic rollercoaster, especially for Warner Bros. Amidst the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, the studio made an unprecedented move, releasing films like Judas and the Black Messiah and Godzilla vs. Kong simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max. Some soared, while others... well, they didn't quite make a splash. One such film was Reminiscence, a sci-fi neo-noir starring Hugh Jackman and Rebecca Ferguson, which, sadly, didn't resonate with audiences at the time. But does this ambitious film deserve a second look? Absolutely!
In her directorial debut, Lisa Joy, co-creator of Westworld, paints a vivid picture of a future ravaged by climate change. Cities like Miami are partially submerged, and boats have replaced cars. In this world, the ultimate escape is nostalgia, accessed through a machine called Reminiscence. But here's where it gets controversial... This technology allows people to relive their memories, offering a temporary reprieve from the harsh realities of their existence. The story centers on Nick Bannister (Jackman), an operator of this machine, whose life is turned upside down when he meets Mae (Ferguson), a captivating nightclub singer. Their passionate affair takes a dark turn when Mae mysteriously disappears, plunging Nick into a desperate search for answers.
/Film's Chris Evangelista offered a mixed review upon its release, but Reminiscence has aged surprisingly well. It's a throwback to the kind of films that studios used to make regularly. The film masterfully blends science fiction with the classic elements of neo-noir. Joy's vision of a world consumed by nostalgia is refreshing. It's a fun mashup of influences from Blade Runner, Chinatown, and Vertigo. The film's dystopian themes are reflected not only in Nick's quest but also in the rising sea levels that have reshaped the planet. The film beautifully portrays humanity's clinging to the past as a coping mechanism for an uncertain future. The cinematography by Paul Cameron and production design by Howard Cummings create an oddly beautiful, lived-in world, especially during an underwater fight scene in a submerged movie palace.
Jackman delivers a compelling performance as a protagonist haunted by his past. He embodies the role of a former veteran, now a gatekeeper of others' happiness while suppressing his own. His narration, reminiscent of a '40s noir detective, adds another layer of intrigue. Joy's screenplay is filled with pulpy internal monologues that add to the film's charm, such as, "If there are ghosts to be found, it's us who haunt the past" and "Memory is the boat that sails against its current, and I'm the oarsman." The moment Ferguson appears as a captivating enigma in red lipstick, it's clear why Jackman is mesmerized.
So, what do you think? Does Reminiscence deserve a second chance? Do you agree with the film's take on nostalgia and the future? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! What are your favorite neo-noir films?
