Reminiscence

Reminiscence is a neo-noir science fiction thriller, that takes audiences on a cinematic journey through time, memory, love, and suspense. Released in 2021, this intriguing film is set in Miami in a near-future where the rising sea levels have altered life as we knew it. The city is barely holding on, submerged in water, with its denizens living in a nocturnal existence to escape the heat of the day. During this time, mankind has resorted to technology that allows them to peer into and relive their past memories, an escapism more pleasurable than the grim reality of their present existence.

The movie features the raw talent and versatile performance of Hugh Jackman, who plays the character of Nick Bannister, a rugged, war veteran turned private investigator of the mind. Alongside Jackman, the film co-stars the captivating Rebecca Ferguson as Mae, a stunningly mysterious woman who walks into Bannister's life and vanishes just as abruptly. Thandiwe Newton steps into the role of Watts, Bannister’s loyal aid, and a sharp, seasoned woman who is not afraid to express her insights or concern.

As a 'private investigator of the mind', Nick Bannister uses the technologically advanced 'Reminiscence Machine' that allows people to relive their past vividly as if it were happening in the present. He cautiously navigates the darkest alleys of the mind, probing the labyrinth of memories for hints and secrets that people want dug up or buried forever. His seemingly routine life sees a twist when he crosses paths with the alluring Mae.

Their interaction is brief, but Mae's mesmerising allure leaves an indelible impression on Nick. Once a hardened investigator, Nick suddenly confronts the softer side of his personality, urging him to invade his own spectra of memories. Rebelling against the temporal bounds, he embarks on a compelling quest as Mae disappears without any trace. As obsessed as he is infatuated, he employs his expertise in memory exploration to unfold the truth about Mae and her ominous disappearance, diving deeper into the chasms of the past than ever before.

As Nick delves into a world fragmented by time, the movie delicately blurs the boundaries between past and present, dream and reality. It presents a beautifully distorted universe where memories, with their sensory affluence, become deadly intoxicating lures. Moreover, while the film is a sci-fi thriller, it also operates as a love story where affection harbours both ecstasy and devastation.

Rebecca Ferguson immaculately delivers the enigmatic charm of Mae, making viewers as engrossed in her character as Nick. Thandiwe Newton, provides the fine balance to the equation, portraying strength and apprehension with relative ease. However, it's Hugh Jackman who dominates the screen, conveying Nick's earnest desperation and resolve with an intensity few could match.

The captivating narrative of Reminiscence is perfectly merged with enticing visuals that delineate a city submerged, drowned not just in water but in its collective past, reflecting on our world’s imminent future if proper care is not taken. It prompts viewers to contemplate the consequences of our actions, subtly weaving the narrative of climate change into its imaginative setting.

Reminiscence marks the directorial debut of Lisa Joy, known for co-creating the series Westworld, which also focused on complex narratives around memory manipulation. Joy demonstrates a knack for creating compelling mysteries threaded with underlying philosophical questions about human consciousness and existence. The film carries the thematic consistency of Joy’s earlier work, with its complex narrative structures and philosophical underpinnings around human consciousness and its interaction with technology.

With its mix of science fiction, romance, and noir elements, Reminiscence offers viewers a deeply immersive cinematic experience. Amid the dystopian decay and the luminous neon-lit streets, the crux of the story is human emotion—love, longing and the desperate attempt to hold on to what’s precious. The murky palette and a foreboding sense of escalating tension perfectly punctuate this narrative.

Reminiscence is an unforgettable ride that aims to haunt, provoke and enthrall viewers. The combination of a striking narrative, excellent performances, and beautiful visuals make it a must-watch film that continues to resound long after the credits roll. This film is part thriller, part love story, and part cautionary tale—beautifully interlaced with hard realities, dreams, and illusions.