The Matrix Resurrections (2021)

It’s difficult to describe the exact expectations I had going into the somewhat surprising fourth installment of the Wachowski’s franchise (although this one is solely Lana’s project). Despite still being a fan of the entire original trilogy, a new Matrix film would seem the dictionary definition of flogging a dead horse. But despite the mixed reviews for Resurrections, my anticipation remained unaffected either way; the reception for Reloaded and Revolutions (2003) was lukewarm and I still found much to enjoy from both. And once again, as I came out of Resurrections I had that familiar feeling; once more I was going hugely against the grain in liking a Matrix sequel. The idea that Neo wasn’t killed at the end of Revolutions originally seemed ludicrous, but having re-watched Revolutions recently it’s actually very plausible, and the way Resurrections is constructed means I wasn’t questioning it at all. So Neo is Thomas Anderson again, living out his machine enforced existence in the matrix, thinking he’s working as a video game programmer, one who is world famous for inventing the computer game (you guessed it) The Matrix. In actual fact, he’s back in his pod, opposite another old face in her own pod, in the real world. I don’t want to give away any more plot than is necessary, but suffice to say I actually thought the set up more than justified its existence, which in itself is some sort of miracle for Warner Bros. After shamefully promoting themselves earlier this year in Space Jam: A New Legacy, at least here they limit themselves to a single reference whilst discussing a sequel to Thomas Anderson’s matrix computer game. What really makes Resurrections work is Keanu Reeves and Carrie Ann-Moss; whatever they did with part four you simply had to believe in the characters and both of them do this with believable confusion and wariness. We all know there’s something not quite right with their existence, but they sell it completely. They’re the heart of the film, and the fact that Resurrections has one at all is really to be applauded. There’s some welcome cameos from old faces, as well as plenty of new ones; Jessica Henwick as Bugs is an absolute treat, and although you certainly leave the cinema hoping there won’t be fifth; if there (almost inevitably) is, you at least feel there’s a great character there to work around. Resurrections uses stock footage from previous installments to surprisingly welcome effect; the idea that it’s all footage from Anderson’s computer game but yet feels too real to be invented for him drives the point of the story, and I have to say it’s one I bought into. I’m fairly sure every point I’ve made here will be the exact reasons others hate The Matrix Resurrections, but after seeing the original trailer and throwing my eyes to heaven, it was a major surprise to walk out with a smile on my face. 6.8/10