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Read the film reference Availability and pricing vary by region.TenetA movie brief.
2020 / Science fiction action / Directed by Christopher Nolan
Time is not on their side, but it's their only chance.
What is Tenet about?
A secret organization called Tenet must prevent a catastrophic event from occurring, as they navigate a complex web of time travel and inverted entropy. The Protagonist, a CIA operative, is recruited to lead the mission.
Five things to know.
Global Ambition
Tenet was released in 70 countries, with a runtime of 150 minutes, following preview screenings in Australia and South Korea.
Complex Concepts
The film explores complex scientific concepts, including entropy, time inversion, and the grandfather paradox.
High-Stakes Action
The film features high-stakes action sequences, including a plane crash and a battle in a hypocenter.
Cinematic Craft
The film was shot using a combination of 70mm film and IMAX, with a focus on practical effects and stunts.
Critical Divide
The film received generally favorable reviews, but divided critics, with some praising its ambition and others finding it confusing.
A thought to take with you.
The Protagonist enters a mission where cause and effect can be approached from opposite directions, but the explanation of the technology is only part of the challenge. The story asks the audience to track how information changes when characters experience events in different temporal orders.
Is it your kind of movie?
Choose it for a puzzle-driven spy thriller with reversed-time action and dense exposition. It rewards close attention and may be less satisfying as casual background viewing.
Sources & scope
This AI-assisted brief is based on the linked secondary reference. Facts and interpretation are separated; it does not claim personal viewing or independent expert review.
Source details checked September 8, 2026. Suggest a correction · Our editorial approach