Reminiscence (2021) is a sci-fi mystery thriller directed by Lisa Joy, co-creator of Westworld. The film blends elements of film noir with futuristic dystopia and explores themes of memory, loss, and obsession. It stars Hugh Jackman, Rebecca Ferguson, and Thandiwe Newton.

Overview:

• Director: Lisa Joy
• Starring: Hugh Jackman, Rebecca Ferguson, Thandiwe Newton, Cliff Curtis
• Release Date: August 20, 2021
• Genre: Sci-fi, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary:

Set in a near-future Miami that is partially submerged due to rising sea levels, Reminiscence follows Nick Bannister (Hugh Jackman), a private investigator who specializes in retrieving lost memories using a machine that allows people to relive their past experiences. Nick runs his memory retrieval business with his close colleague, Watts (Thandiwe Newton).

Nick’s life changes when Mae (Rebecca Ferguson), a mysterious woman, walks into his office seeking help to find her lost keys. What begins as a simple case turns into a deep obsession as Nick falls in love with Mae, only for her to suddenly disappear without a trace. Desperate to find her, Nick delves deeper into the dangerous and dark world of her past, using the memory machine to uncover hidden secrets about Mae’s life and identity.

As Nick uncovers a web of crime, corruption, and betrayal, he faces his own memories and the consequences of living in the past. His journey becomes both a quest for truth and a reflection on the destructive nature of obsession and memory.

Themes and Exploration:

• Memory and Obsession: At the heart of Reminiscence is the idea of memory as both a blessing and a curse. The memory retrieval technology allows people to relive their happiest moments but can also trap them in the past, making them unable to move on. Nick’s obsession with Mae symbolizes how memories can consume us, blurring the line between reality and fantasy.
• Nostalgia and Regret: The film portrays a world where people seek solace in the past, longing for a time when life was better. In this future society, nostalgia becomes a form of escapism, as people use technology to revisit lost moments rather than confronting their present struggles.
• Climate Change and Class Divide: The submerged Miami setting reflects a dystopian future shaped by climate change. The wealthy live in high, protected areas, while the poor are left to navigate the waterlogged, dangerous streets. This societal divide underpins the film’s exploration of inequality and survival in a collapsing world.

Characters:

• Nick Bannister (Hugh Jackman): A war veteran turned private investigator, Nick is a haunted and emotionally damaged man, obsessed with uncovering the truth about Mae. His reliance on the memory machine reveals his deep sense of loss and inability to let go of the past.
• Mae (Rebecca Ferguson): A beautiful, enigmatic singer with a troubled past. Mae’s disappearance drives the plot, as Nick’s obsession with her leads him down a dangerous path. Her true motives and identity are slowly revealed as Nick uncovers the darker parts of her life.
• Watts (Thandiwe Newton): Nick’s business partner and loyal friend, Watts is tough, pragmatic, and protective of Nick, though she is also struggling with her own regrets. She acts as the voice of reason as Nick becomes consumed by his search for Mae.
• Cyrus Booth (Cliff Curtis): A dangerous figure tied to Mae’s past. Booth represents the corruption and violence lurking beneath the surface of the world Nick is investigating.

Visuals and Tone:

Reminiscence draws heavily on film noir aesthetics, with moody, shadowy lighting, a brooding atmosphere, and a morally ambiguous protagonist. The flooded, decaying cityscapes add to the dystopian setting, while the memory retrieval scenes are visually striking, with characters floating through their memories in a dreamlike state.

The film’s visual effects and production design are impressive, creating a detailed and immersive future world. The contrast between the decayed lower city and the elite’s pristine environments emphasizes the class divide and the film’s commentary on societal breakdown.

Reception:

The film received mixed reviews from critics. While praised for its ambitious concept, performances, and visual style, many critics felt that the narrative was convoluted and the pacing uneven. Hugh Jackman’s performance as the tormented Nick was widely appreciated, and Rebecca Ferguson’s portrayal of the mysterious Mae was also noted as a highlight. However, some felt that the film’s philosophical themes and complex plot could have been more tightly woven together.

Conclusion:

Reminiscence is a visually stunning and thought-provoking film that blends elements of noir and sci-fi to explore the darker sides of memory, love, and obsession. While its narrative may be uneven, the film’s ambitious themes and strong performances make it an intriguing exploration of how the past shapes our future, for better or worse.