Reminiscence (2021) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Reminiscence (2021), written and directed by Lisa Joy, is a sci-fi noir film that explores themes of memory, love, and loss set against a dystopian future. Starring Hugh Jackman, Rebecca Ferguson, and Thandiwe Newton, the film is a visual and emotional journey through a sunken Miami, where memories can be relived through advanced technology. In this review, we’ll break down the film’s key elements and guide you on where to stream Reminiscence online, especially for U.S. viewers.
Plot Summary: A Dystopian Tale of Love and Memory
Set in the near future, Reminiscence unfolds in a world ravaged by climate change. Rising sea levels have left much of Miami underwater, and society has become increasingly fractured. Amidst this broken world, Nick Bannister (Hugh Jackman) runs a business that helps people relive their memories using an advanced machine. Clients can step into their past, escaping the harsh realities of their present lives.
Nick’s life takes a turn when a mysterious woman, Mae (Rebecca Ferguson), walks into his office seeking help. What begins as a routine session turns into an obsession for Nick as Mae suddenly disappears. Determined to find out what happened, Nick delves deeper into her past, uncovering a web of secrets, lies, and dangerous people. As he becomes more entangled in her story, he must confront the blurred line between memory and reality.
Thematic Exploration: Love, Loss, and Memory
At its core, Reminiscence is a meditation on the power of memories and how they shape who we are. The film delves into the dangers of living in the past, as Nick becomes trapped in his memories of Mae, unable to move forward with his life. This theme is further amplified by the backdrop of a world where people seek solace in the past because their future holds little promise.
Love and loss are central themes in the film, as Nick’s search for Mae becomes more about understanding his own feelings and confronting his grief. His journey is not just a mystery but an emotional exploration of how far one would go to preserve the memory of someone they loved.
Visuals and Cinematography: A Sunken World
One of Reminiscence‘s most striking features is its visual design. The film’s depiction of a flooded Miami is haunting and beautiful, with towering skyscrapers standing in the middle of a city submerged in water. The world-building is impressive, as Lisa Joy and her team create a future that feels both familiar and distant, with a strong neo-noir atmosphere reminiscent of classic films like Blade Runner.
Cinematographer Paul Cameron enhances the noir vibe with dark, moody lighting, sharp contrasts, and sweeping shots of the sunken cityscape. The use of water as both a literal and metaphorical element adds depth to the film’s themes of memory and emotional drowning. The city itself feels like a character in the story, its watery grave reflecting the weight of the past that hangs over the characters.
Performances: Hugh Jackman and Rebecca Ferguson Shine
Hugh Jackman delivers a strong performance as Nick Bannister, bringing intensity and vulnerability to the role. His portrayal of a man obsessed with finding answers is compelling, and he anchors the film with a deep emotional resonance. Jackman’s ability to convey Nick’s internal struggle as he becomes consumed by his memories of Mae is one of the film’s highlights.
Rebecca Ferguson’s portrayal of Mae is equally captivating. She embodies a femme fatale, mysterious and alluring, but with layers of complexity that unfold as the story progresses. Ferguson plays Mae with a perfect balance of intrigue and vulnerability, keeping both Nick and the audience guessing about her true motives.
Thandiwe Newton provides solid support as Nick’s loyal friend and business partner, Watts. Her character offers a grounded presence amidst Nick’s spiraling obsession, and Newton’s chemistry with Jackman adds a layer of emotional depth to the film.
Criticism: Pacing and Narrative Complexity
While Reminiscence has a lot to offer in terms of visuals, performances, and thematic depth, it has been criticized for its pacing and sometimes overly complex narrative. The film moves slowly at times, and its intricate plot can be difficult to follow, especially when it dives deep into the mechanics of its memory technology.
Some viewers may find the film’s noir elements too heavy-handed, with a reliance on familiar tropes such as the hard-boiled detective, the femme fatale, and the shadowy criminal underworld. While these elements are staples of the genre, their execution here feels a bit predictable, which detracts from the overall originality of the story.
Additionally, Reminiscence is packed with philosophical musings on memory, time, and human nature, but it sometimes feels like these ideas are more compelling than the actual plot. The result is a film that, while thought-provoking, may not fully satisfy those looking for a more straightforward narrative.
Why Reminiscence is Worth Watching
Despite its flaws, Reminiscence is a visually stunning and emotionally charged film that offers something different from typical Hollywood blockbusters. Its exploration of memory, love, and the consequences of living in the past resonates deeply, especially in today’s world where nostalgia often feels like an escape from reality.
Hugh Jackman and Rebecca Ferguson deliver standout performances that elevate the material, and the film’s neo-noir atmosphere, paired with its unique dystopian setting, makes it a fascinating watch for fans of the genre.
For viewers who appreciate sci-fi films that delve into complex ideas and emotions, Reminiscence is a thought-provoking and visually captivating experience, even if its execution isn’t perfect.
Where to Watch Reminiscence Online in the U.S.
If you’re looking to watch Reminiscence online, there are several platforms where you can stream, rent, or purchase the movie in the U.S.
Streaming Services: Subscription Platforms
- Max (formerly HBO Max): Reminiscence is available for streaming on Max. As a Warner Bros. film, it initially premiered on HBO Max during its theatrical release, and it remains accessible to subscribers.
Rental and Purchase Options
If you don’t have a Max subscription, Reminiscence is available for rental or purchase on various platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video: The film can be rented for $3.99 or purchased for around $14.99 in HD. It’s available for instant streaming after rental or purchase.
- Apple TV: You can rent Reminiscence on Apple TV for $3.99 or purchase it for approximately $14.99.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Google Play offers the movie for rent or purchase at similar pricing, making it easily accessible on Android and other devices.
- YouTube Movies: Reminiscence can also be rented or purchased via YouTube Movies for the standard price of $3.99 for rentals and $14.99 for purchases.
- Vudu: Vudu offers both rental and purchase options for Reminiscence, with rental starting at $3.99 for HD.
Conclusion
Reminiscence (2021) is a visually immersive sci-fi noir that explores the haunting allure of memories and the dangers of living in the past. While its slow pacing and complex narrative may not appeal to everyone, the film offers a unique blend of futuristic dystopia, noir aesthetics, and emotionally charged performances. Hugh Jackman and Rebecca Ferguson shine in their roles, and the film’s exploration of love, loss, and memory adds depth to its intriguing, if imperfect, story.
For those looking to watch Reminiscence, it’s widely available on streaming platforms like Max, as well as for rental or purchase on popular services like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
