Reminiscence movie review: It's Hugh Jackman's show all the way

3/5

Story:

Nick Bannister is an ex-navy officer who now runs a reminiscence (a place where people can revisit their past). However, he is stuck with a memory about a girl he fell in love with. She is not what she seems to be like, which makes Nick want to investigate more about her even more. That is when Mae's story unfolds.

Review:

Reminiscence, starring Hugh Jackman in the lead role, is one of those stories that show you that while future is beautiful, sometimes the past can be your sunshine too. It talks about memories and not only the ones you have but also those you can make. Director Lisa Joy has managed to bring out that message beautifully.

The film begins on an interesting note. Tall buildings, sunshine and mysterious music build up the scene. The cinematography followed by the slow music end up making Hugh Jackman's entry much-awaited.

A reminiscence is a place where people visit their past. However, just like the film states, no person should be in the past for too long or it consumes them. Imagine what happens when the person helping people remember their past, finds a moment he wants to relive? That's what Hugh Jackman's character goes through.

The film has an aggressive lovemaking scene right at the beginning but somehow, the makers have managed to not creep people out with it. As Mae's past unfolds, we know there is so much more to the story than what appears on the face.

While the story grips you, the visuals take it to a whole new level. There are times when the filmmaker uses visuals to convey the dialogues. While it is not impactful many times, there are moments when it works magic. The characters being from the navy/military, however, are stereotypical.

The film also raises the question of what happens when people stuck in a monotonous job, start living. The obsession for life takes over and can haunt your own life sometimes. That is what happens to Hugh's Nick Bannister.

The story gets more gripping as it moves on. The antagonist is not someone you saw coming for a long time. Some scenes might be really stupid. For example, Nick cannot find the antagonist in question, who is hiding behind an opaque curtain. While he is cautious moving forward usually, that is the only time he gives in. It does not make any sense if he really has the senses heightened after serving his country.

The action sequences are good but predictable. The added music during the scenes does not help the moment in any way. It is the action itself that stands out on its own. The underwater action is quite gripping and makes you want to know the story ahead.

Mae's torture scenes will impact you and Hugh Jackman gives a beautiful reaction post that.

The film ends on a beautiful note. "Your best moments are behind you. So go meet that important person," is the message the filmmaker wanted to convey and he has succeeded in doing that.

Verdict:

Hugh Jackman is the reason why you should watch Reminiscence. It is his show all the way. The film has its moments but he really shines out especially in some of the brilliant scenes.

Reminiscence can be streamed on BookMyShow Stream.