The Matrix Resurrections was it a sequel worth waiting for?

The Matrix franchise has finally been resurrected. But if somebody asks if it was necessary, the answer would definitely be negative. Was it still an entertaining watch? Fair to say that it was. In comparison with the last two films of the franchise, some would even claim Resurrections to be a success. Caught uncomfortably between a sequel and a reboot, the film still manages to intrigue and at times, excite!

Mind-jolting originality is not to be expected nor to be found in Resurrections. Lana Wachowski must be a firm believer in the power of nostalgia because everything that works in this film is derived from touching upon elements and themes that made the original film so groundbreaking back in 1999. Matrix: Resurrections works within the tested and proven boundaries established by the original trilogy. But that is not something that should be held against the film, as there remains a deep well of concepts, philosophical and interesting, to be pondered in the world of The Matrix.

However, the new instalment suffers from an uncontrolled case of self-referencing. It was as if the film kept reminding the audience that these are the things that make The Matrix great and that these are the elements we are bringing back to you. This consistent self-awareness became a bit too exhausting at times.

Now onto the good parts. Resurrections have found a sensible way of continuing the story after the events of Revolutions. The writing did not feel stiff and the film flowed quite well-paced. The principle narrative was established without indulging deep into uninteresting and pointless sci-fi jargon. The nostalgia was well capitalized upon. What Matrix fan wouldn't get a thrill out of watching Neo and a fashionably-programmed Morpheus spar?

The cast collectively delivered a solid performance. Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss reprised their roles as Neo and Trinity and acted with a mature flare. Neil Patrick Harris was a surprising but wonderful fit as The Analyst. The action sequences were choreographed well enough but strayed far from being striking. Director Lana Wachowski managed to integrate the action scenes within the main plotline of the film and they did not seem out of place or overbearing.

The visual effects were also efficient but nothing out of the ordinary. There was no bullet-time(again, self-consciously) to get the audience out of their seats, no flying battles, exquisitely crafted machine cities or multiplying agents. But the movie still felt modern and captured the sense of desperation and dystopia.

Without giving away too much, the romance between Neo and Trinity was the foremost driving force of Resurrections. The bond between them was the implicit centrepiece among the webs of philosophical dilemma and dynamics in the original movie. This connection was excellently executed in both writing and acting. The film throws towards the audience, once again, all the questions and curiosity that comes with the franchise. Destiny, duality, free will, coexistence with machines and, most importantly, love are the main themes of the movie. Overall, there might be several reasons for Matrix fans to not enjoy this latest addition to the franchise, but there is surely no reason for them to not watch it.