Take another red pill with The Matrix: Resurrections

It’s time to once again re-enter The Matrix. 

Some 20 years after the first film in The Matrix trilogy shattered the collective psyche with its red vs blue pill conundrum we once again see Keanu Reeves returning to the role of Thomas Anderson/Neo. This time around Thomas is back in the “real world” living out his life as a famous video game creator. However, the facade that is this happy reality is one again about to be shattered.

The Matrix: Resurrections kicks off with an opening act which is very self deprecating & forth wall breaking. This works very well as a opening to the sequel to a much loved trilogy after such a long break between releases. Once the film moves on past this point the nostalgia diminishes & the plot becomes a little bogged down in exposition.

Visually the original trilogy and this new entry couldn’t be more contrasting. The first trio of films were dark, cold and lit only with artificial blue light whereas The Matrix: Resurrections is bright, colourful, warm and littered with beams of natural sunlight. All of which seem to play into the trans allegory that Lana Wachowski has woven into the fabric of these film. Given that Lana only transitioned after the original trilogy this latest entry feels like it is a celebration of her finding peace with her true self.

As a heterosexual white male the trans allegory was perhaps lost on me whilst watching the original trilogy as a teenager. However, whilst watching The Matrix: Resurrections with this theory in mind and analysing the film through that lens the subtle nuances are all there, as previously mentioned thought the use of light and colour. But they don’t end there.

Across the four films Neo & Trinity are chore pillars for the story, only together are they able to achieve greatness. During The Matrix: Resurrections we see the power dynamic between these two characters switch from the male Neo to female Trinity, perhaps another reference to Lana Wachowski’s own transition.

Overall The Matrix: Resurrections feels like fresh and enjoyable re-entry point to the world of The Matrix. The film has all of the action packed fight sequences, riddled with copious bullet time moments, visually stunning cinematography and a thumping soundtrack. But perhaps most off all this film feels like it brings more depth, nuance and meaning to a franchise which spans two decades now.

The Matrix: Resurrections easily takes second spot in the rankings of The Matrix franchise.

★★★★