Reminiscence is a science fiction thriller that has a few surprising twists and turns up its sleeve, making it a really fun watch.
If you are into science fiction thrillers that make you think you have it all figured out before they rip the rug right out from underneath you, Reminiscence is for you. This movie might feel like it is extremely predictable, and it is — for the first half. The second half is filled with shocking twists and turns that will have viewers on the edge of their seats trying to figure it all out.
This movie follows Nick Bannister (Hugh Jackman), who owns Reminiscence, a device that allows users to visit their past memories, and feel like they are reliving them. One day he meets Mae (Rebecca Ferguson) and his life changes. When she disappears, he finds himself going back into his mind over and over for clues on where she could be. Turns out, he might not have known her at all.
What Works With Reminiscence
There is a lot to love about this movie, especially if you like trying to piece together a puzzle. There are a lot of clues and hints dropped throughout the film, however it is still very unpredictable once you get to the second half. The beginning might feel like you know exactly what is going to happen in the movie, and you will, right up until about the one hour mark, after that — you are in for some surprises.
The cinematography in this movie helps to create the tension, and the ambiance of a world that has barely survived a disaster. Nostalgia is a big part of the film because the world is nearly destroyed. Water levels are rising and taking over cities, and it is too hot during the day so people have become nocturnal. This also leads to some gorgeous shots of buildings sticking out of water, and abandoned areas. There are some stunning underwater scenes as well.
Hugh Jackman once again proves what a fantastic actor he is. While yes, every actor in Reminiscence truly does hold their own, Jackman still steals the show. He puts his heart and soul into this role, and it is very obvious. Not to mention, he is still a great action star — taking part in some of the best action scenes of 2021.
What Doesn’t Work With Reminiscence
For some reason every movie lately feels it goes a little bit too long. There is no need to be two hours long just to be two hours long. Reminiscence is one of those movies.
With the first half being so predictable, it could have easily cut out 15 minutes from it, making it shorter. Because of the predictability of the first half, it does drag on a bit, and takes a while to get where it is going. That said, once you pass the middle mark, things get bonkers — in a good way.
Overall Thoughts
Reminiscence has action, heart, and a great story. It feels predictable and then takes a massive turn into the unknown and just gets better and better. Hugh Jackman shines, and has great chemistry with Rebecca Ferguson.
The cinematography is stunning and the plot captivating and intriguing. Just when you think you have it all figured out, you realize you don’t know a thing. Reminiscence will completely surprise viewers. Stick this one and I promise, the ending is worth the journey to get there.
About Reminiscence
Nick Bannister (Hugh Jackman), a private investigator of the mind, navigates the darkly alluring world of the past by helping his clients access lost memories. Living on the fringes of the sunken Miami coast, his life is forever changed when he takes on a new client, Mae (Rebecca Ferguson). A simple matter of lost and found becomes a dangerous obsession. As Bannister fights to find the truth about Mae’s disappearance, he uncovers a violent conspiracy, and must ultimately answer the question: how far would you go to hold on to the ones you love?
Reminiscence comes to theaters and HBO Max on August 20th.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. She is also a Freelance Writer. Tessa has been in the Entertainment writing business for almost ten years and is a member of several Critics Associations including the Critics Choice Association, Hollywood Critics Association, and the Greater Western New York Film Critics Association.