The Matrix Resurrections – A Successful Rebirth (Early Review)

When it looked like viewers were done with the world of the matrix following 2003’s The Matrix Revolutions. this is no longer the case with the aptly-titled The Matrix Resurrections. Now 18+ years later, many may wonder how another film could work considering how that last film ended. When it comes to Resurrections, it does make it work for the most part. More so a sequel that continues the story of the two sequels, its justification for its existence will inevitably not sit well with all audiences. That being said, there’s just something about seeing Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss as Neo and Trinity once again (the absence of Laurence Fishburne’s Morpheus is explained in the film and it works). What essentially feels like a prologue to potentially another trilogy of films (if not a sequel), the film maintains that same style and edge from the original trilogy but adapting it to today. That depth is also there as it once again forced audiences to think but considering all that has come since the original Matrix trilogy, it is therefore not as impactful these days.

The Matrix Resurrections saw Thomas Anderson/Neo (Reeves) as a renowned video game designer looking for his next big hit, coming of the heels of his hit video game, The Matrix. Consumed by his work and the immersive worlds he creates, his grip on reality was an issue that held him back. Suffice it to say that his psyche would be challenged as mysterious characters began to appear, forcing him to question what he believed to be his current reality while reminding him of his past life as The One. Trinity (Moss), on the other hand, also found herself in this same reality, seemingly living a normal life with her family as a woman named Tiffany. Though those transitions were inevitable, this different sides of these character nonetheless made for an interesting dynamic to watch played out on screen as they found themselves once again.

A lot has changed as far as the real world was concerned. The human survivors have continued to adapt as a war that was once between humans and machines became one for energy and in the end, Neo and Trinity played a vital part within this new ecosystem. Missing and presumed dead following the events of  The Matrix Revolutions, their legend only grew over what would be decades as countless frantically searched for them. Ultimately, The Matrix Resurrections was all about bringing Neo and Trinity back together. Their bond has been the driving force of the franchise and this continues to be the case here as a new villain looked to take advantage of the new matrix for their personal gain. Along with its ambitious story with plenty of exposition to set up future films, an underdeveloped villain would hold the film back as it tried to bring it all together. Nevertheless, it still had its fair share of moments along the way.

Those looking for some action will not be disappointed with The Matrix Resurrections. Matrix fans will be right at home here with well-shot slow motion fight sequences and gun battles features characters doing extraordinary things be it diving, flipping, running across walls as fantastic special effects were sprinkled in to heighten that sense of wonder as anyone can be a threat within the new matrix. Though many of these elements have been done before, it’s hard to deny that it’s still very cool here. On the other side, it could be jarring for some while others are sure to just find it all silly. Meanwhile, the film brings it once again in terms of its epic score that hit the right spot more often than not thematically, especially during the climax. However, the cinematography was good in spite of being on the drab side at times.

The performances within The Matrix Resurrections were stellar across the board despite the exposition-heavy script with Reeves and Moss and their dynamite chemistry leading the way, not losing a beat as they returned to their iconic roles of Neo and Trinity. Though the film was lacking in the latter, she certainly made up for it later on. Seeing each put different takes on their characters made for a compelling watch while their star power still shines through. Reeves shows more range as Neo eases himself back into the world of the matrix but the middle part of the film lagged before finishing strong. The film was at its best whenever he and Moss were on screen. Though she had moments of her own, this was undoubtedly Reeves’ film. Meanwhile, series newcomer Abdul-Mateen II as a new version of Morpheus simply exudes charisma whenever he appeared on screen and Jessica Henwick as Bugs was an ass-kicking and scene-stealing delight both in limited roles. Hopefully, they get more time to shine in the future.

At the end of the day, whether or not The Matrix should have returned, The Matrix Resurrections may not all work but it does enough to justify its existence while adapting the classic action franchise for this current generation.

still courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.