Reminiscence is chockful of several genre cliches that have been fashioned together Frankenstein style. First and foremost, it’s an old timey detective story complete with hardboiled narration, a tough-talking Girl Friday, and a missing dame plotline. It’s also a pre-apocalypse movie where the world is on the verge of going to shit, but people still go about their business as if nothing’s happening. It’s also a pseudo-Virtual Reality flick as people hop into sensory deprivation tanks and relive old memories.
The central premise is interesting enough as the characters would all rather live in the past than face a present that includes rising tides that leave the city of Miami a virtual wading pool. They choose to relive memories through virtual reality than face the reality in front of them. Sure, it may be a tad on the nose, but it works.
Like many genre mash-ups, Reminiscence is a bit goofy. I mean are we supposed to believe that in the future people are still gonna dress like they’re in the ‘40s and frequent jazz clubs where sultry singers perform musical numbers? That kind of unabashed earnestness and commitment to the bit helps keep the film afloat even when the plot is spinning its wheels.
A good cast helps too. Hugh Jackman is great as the obsessed hero looking for his long-lost love, who may also be a pawn in an elaborate political scheme. Thandiwe Newton is a lot of fun as Jackman’s feisty partner, who is more adept at handling herself in a shootout than he is. Rebecca Ferguson is a bit bland as Jackman’s mystery lady, but that suits her character, who predictably is more than what she appears to be.
After a fun, breezy set-up (complete with a neat first act twist to boot), things sort of dawdle in the middle section. Just as Jackman chases his lost love, the movie chases its own tail. Thankfully, the climax is satisfying. Without spoiling anything, I will say it’s equal parts downbeat and bittersweet as it gives its characters closure while simultaneously allowing them to perpetually go back on their bullshit.
In short, Reminiscence is a flick worth remembering.
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