The Matrix Resurrections celebrates everything that fans love about the original trilogy – the philosophical commentary, the slow motion action sequences, and the amazing lore of this world. Just as one should expect from another entry in the Matrix franchise, Resurrections will have you questioning reality and your own existence as you watch the characters move forward in this visually stunning film.
The callbacks to the original version are not that subtle, but are justified in the context of the film’s plot, so count them as more than just nostalgic fan bait.
Neo is back, and Keanu Reeves’ portrayal feels familiar but also more nuanced as he’s grown in his career. The older physical features are welcomed as they feel natural because they are. No presence of de-aging CGI as far as I could tell.
While the first three Matrix films are visually defined by the classic green on black iconography and dark hues to portray a conflict against oppressive machines, Matrix Resurrections is a visual masterpiece that deserves a theatrical viewing by fans. Whether it’s a portrayal of life or a simulation of it, the world building shots of this film are awe-inspiring and feel like the next evolution for this franchise.
Without giving away too much, by the last third of the film, new ground is broken for the series as the thematic focus is brought center stage for fans to see play out amongst these characters, new and old.
Catch the Matrix Resurrections in theaters now and on HBO Max. But as stated before, the visuals of the film are better enjoyed in a theater.