The Greatest Showman duo consisting of Hugh Jackman and Rebecca Ferguson has returned to the screen in the form of another dangerous relationship. Set in climate change struck Miami, waters have risen, wars have taken place, and now humans have no choice but to live a nocturnal lifestyle. Nick Bannister (Hugh Jackman) alongside Emily ‘Watts’ Sanders (Thandiwe Newton) own a sensory deprivation tank that preliminary provides visitors a nostalgic trip into their past, revisiting their finest moments. They also help with other tasks, like crime cases, or even lost items. It’s a great premise that shouts Minority Report, and it could actually make an intriguing TV show if given a chance.
Our story begins when May (Ferguson) walks into Nick’s life. They instantly fall for each other, but then out of nowhere, May decides to disappear without saying goodbye. This sets in motion a series of life or death fights as Nick floats around a sunken Miami. He desperately seeks answers like an impatient detective working on a frustrating, unexplainable case. Strong visuals and cinematography are at play throughout.
On his – at times, long-winded – pilgrimage through not only Miami, but own memories as well, the stakes become even more extreme, and you can’t help but wonder if the average human would go to this length to find someone who left them like that? Will the truth behind May’s disappearance all be worth it? You’ll just have to find out. Nick’s committed level of aggressive obsession is portrayed well, his emotions get thrown all over the place, and through rooftop fights and drug dealer shootouts, it does boil into that classic Hugh Jackman rage at the right moment.
This directional movie debut from Lisa Joy (Westworld) is an interesting neo-noir, sci-fi combination that lines up with a long list of legendary influences, from an Inception-like opening, to narration that screams The Prestige, and a detective feel that evokes Blade Runner. Also, for those who love the Black Mirror episode San Junipero, you’ll enjoy the similarities here. Reminiscence tips its hat respectfully to many of its predecessors, but behind that, it struggles to stand out on its own. Reminiscence still shows promise for whatever Lisa Joy decides to do next, and it will also be debated by all that view it for years to come.
REMINISCENCE is out now in UK cinemas
