Review: "The Matrix: Resurrections"

The original Matrix that the Wachowski brothers created way back in 1999 was ahead of its time with its spectacular action sequences as well as its special effects. Fast forward twenty-plus years and the original is still beloved while the subsequent sequels are less so. It isn't surprising to see that Warner Brothers studio would opt for a soft reboot in Resurrections, but at the end of the film, it is increasingly difficult to question whether this film was even necessary. Neo and Trinity are back, but yet Morpheus and Agent Smith are recast in a weird decision as there is an intent to have a younger cast for a new potential trilogy, but the way the characters are made isn't treading new ground or particularly interesting, just like the central plot.

The plot takes place twenty years later within the Matrix and sixty years later in reality. Neo, or Mr. Anderson (Keanu Reeves) is found in the Matrix, struggling to discern what is real. He is now a successful video game creator who has made a game out of memories he had from his previous adventures. Eventually, old allies find him and he is faced with a familiar decision, the red pill or the blue one? This decision leads him back down the rabbit hole once more but despite the familiar surroundings he has one desire, to free Trinity (Carrie Ann Moss). Meanwhile, the Matrix and the rebellion against Machines has taken a turn that he could have never seen coming.

The plot isn't imaginative or innovative like the original was and does little to actually reboot the series. The introduction of Jessica Henwick's new character of Bugs is an interesting one and could very well be a new branching point in the franchise, but ultimately the story revolves around the romance between Neo and Trinity while everything else falls to the way side. The film and Lana Wachowski seems more intent on delivering on nostalgia and poking fun at the industry rather than actually being original. For instance, the fact that Neo is running a game based on the Matrix is a bit on the nose. Even beyond that, his boss in the studio is Agent Smith who explains to him that Warner Bros studio wants a fourth Matrix game. The writers and directors probably hoped that these instances would be played for laughs, but instead, it falls flat.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen's turn as Morpheus will surely be a sticking point for most fans. Abdul-Mateen has proven to be a rising star in the industry but this one may have been a misstep and to no fault of his own. The writing of the charactere is odd as yet again, it is played for nostaglia and his arc is just flat out strange. Every scene of his alongside of Neo he attempts way too hard to come off like Laurence Fishburne. The same can be said for Jonathan Groff's take on Agent Smith. There are multiple scenes in the opening act where he is seen delivering verbatum lines from the original Matrix to Neo and his deliver of such is awkward at best. Nostalgia can be an effective way to entertain the masses but when it is the only thing you are pedaling throughout a two and half hour film, why make it?

The strongest point of the film is again the relationship between Neo and Trinity. It is the driving force of the entire franchise and even more so here in Resurrections. The religious overtones that were ever present in the original trilogy still remain, but this time with a twist that like many other things with this film, will surely divide fans. Despite that, Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss and Jessica Henwick all give good performances throughout the film and to no surprise the film features some rather impressive action sequences. The final set piece is a standout in particular and the effects, to no surprise are of course incredible.