Reminiscence

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Rebecca Ferguson, Thandiwe Newton, Cliff Curtis, Daniel Wu, Mojean Aria, Brett Cullen, Natalie Martinez

Director: Lisa Joy

In the near future after a devastating war, Miami finds itself partially submerged underwater, with residents only coming out at night to party and commit crime. Bannister (Jackman) along with his friend Watts (Newton) run a private investigator business involving a process called Reminiscence, which allows him to enter people's memories. Reminiscence is not only helpful to the DAs to solve crimes but also helps people be nostalgic and relive happy memories from their past. Bannister's life is turned upside down by Mae (Ferguson), who lost her keys and is hoping they can help her find them. Bannister is intrigued by Mae and they fall in love until one day she mysteriously vanishes. Haunted by his memories of her, Bannister frantically searches them for clues and he becomes consumed with finding her.

I love a good high concept movie and despite having some issues with the film I think I liked this more than I should have. From the opening shots of a flooded Miami, the movie had my attention. It is a fantastic setting for the stylish, romantic, sci fi tinged noir that follows.

First time director Lisa Joy, who created Westworld with her husband Jonathan Nolan, has concocted an intriguing enough and well made mystery. I say intriguing enough because despite its sci fi exterior, it brings nothing new to the table. Astute enough viewers will figure things out a lot faster than Jackman's Bannister. I was still along for the ride and entertained though, thanks to the beautiful visuals and performances from the leads.

Jackman is fantastic in the role and he keeps his obsession in Mae believably grounded. Here he is reunited with Rebecca Ferguson, his costar from The Greatest Showman, and like that film they have fantastic chemistry. The movie wouldn't really have worked, especially in its set up, without them. Despite their chemistry and as much as I was drawn into the mystery, I would have preferred to see more of the romance between Bannister and Mae. Much of their relationship is played out through Bannister's memories and it would have been more effective to see their relationship live and then see them again later in a new context once Bannister starts learning the truth. Jackman also has fantastic chemistry with Thandiwe Newton as well. Watts is such an intriguing character and I wish more time had been spent with her than with some of the central mystery. Watts and Bannister have such an interesting connection that it might have almost made for a better movie. Newton also gets to be involved in the one really inventive action scene in the movie.

Despite three fantastic leads and a unique film noir setting, I can't help but be disappointed with the final product despite ultimately being entertained.

Grade: B-

Reminiscence is current available in theaters and on HBOMax.