News
Christopher Nolan's most underrated movie is much better than Inception

As I sat in the cinema, surrounded by the eerie silence of a Covid-19 pandemic-reopened theatre, watching Christopher Nolan's 2020 film Tenet for the first time, I was struck by its sheer audacity. It's a film that defies easy categorization, a blend of high-concept sci-fi thriller and mind-bending action movie. While many fans of Nolan's work will passionately argue for the merits of Inception, released six years prior, I firmly believe that Tenet is the more underrated, and better, film.
Inception, Nolan's blockbuster from 2010, is a movie that has become synonymous with the term 'mind-bending'. Its intricate plot, which revolves around the concept of implanting ideas into people's dreams, drawn attention worldwide. The film's visuals are inventive, and Hans Zimmer's score is nothing short of iconic. However, for all its strengths, I have always found Inception to be somewhat constrained by its own rules. The world-building, while certainly clever, is suffocated by a rigid adherence to its own logic. The deeper you delve into the film's narrative, the more rules are piled on top of one another, threatening to leave the movie feeling cold and overly calculated.
Enter Tenet, a film that takes a decidedly different approach. Rather than burdening its audience with a complex web of rules and regulations, Nolan chooses to let his imagination run wild. Tenet is a movie that is unapologetically willing to take risks, to push the boundaries of what is possible within its sci-fi framework. This freedom from constraint allows Nolan to create a film that is both intellectually stimulating and viscerally thrilling. The result is a movie that is at once thought-provoking and action-packed, a true masterpiece of modern cinema.
So, why do I believe that Tenet is superior to Inception? For me, it comes down to the film's willingness to experiment and take risks. Nolan's pragmatism often limits his own imagination, and Inception suffers as a result. Tenet, on the other hand, is a movie that is unafraid to challenge its audience, to push them outside of their comfort zones. This is a film that is unapologetically itself, a true original in a world of formulaic blockbusters.
The fact that Tenet was released in 2020, a time when the world was still reeling from the pandemic, only serves to highlight its prescience. A film that explores themes of time and memory, Tenet is a true reflection of our collective anxieties and fears. It is a movie that is both a product of its time and a commentary on the world we live in.
In conclusion, while Inception will always be a beloved classic, I firmly believe that Tenet is the more underrated, and better, film. Its willingness to take risks and push the boundaries of what is possible within its sci-fi framework makes it a true masterpiece of modern cinema. If you're a fan of Nolan's work, or simply a lover of great storytelling, do yourself a favour and give Tenet another look. You won't be disappointed.
A quick rundown of key facts and milestones surrounding the film:
- Tenet was released in 2020.
- The film was delayed from its original summer 2020 release due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Tenet has received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its innovative storytelling and direction.
- The film has been nominated for several awards, including the Academy Awards.
- Tenet has been a commercial success, grossing over $365 million worldwide.


