The Matrix Has Been Revived- Literally- But is it Worth the Hype?

After nearly two decades of silence, The Matrix: Resurrections joins in as the fourth movie to be a part of the majorly successful movie saga, bringing back some of the original cast such as Carrie-Anne Moss and Keanu Reeves. Its thematic meaning is still as dull and philosophical as the first three films. The Matrix is considered by many to be one of the best– if not the best– science fiction movies ever produced, a “shining pinnacle” of pop culture’s fascination with the cyberpunk genre.

Director Lana Wachowski, (1/2 of the Wachowski duo that created the original series), stated that the original decision to direct The Matrix: Resurrections came to her after the passing of her parents and that bringing back the two lead characters Neo and Trinity was a sort of form of art therapy for her. The return of the central characters left viewers questioning whether the film was a sequel, remake, or reboot.

In typical Matrix fashion, the answer to the question ended up being all three, as the movie ended up being a deconstruction of the franchise, where Neo is reintroduced as a video game designer who thinks that he was the one who created the events that take place in the original trilogy as a game. Naturally, this opened the door for all sorts of different and complex renditions of the film. At the movie’s core, however, it all focuses on the love story between the two main leads: Neo and Trinity.

“Honestly, the movie was a little bit of a disaster. Like, when I heard that a new matrix was coming out, I wasn’t like, thrilled to the point of jumping out of my socks. But I was excited to see what Lana Wachowski would bring. Because she’s the one who literally birthed The Matrix anyways.” Said Leo H., a freshman at AISG.

The reunion of the two main leads was nothing short of delightful, but viewers say that regardless of the heartwarming scene where Trinity and Neo finally reunite, and the addition of Jessica Henwick and Jonathan Groff, the movie was “jaw-droppingly misguided.”

“I say this with no intention of offending the Matrix franchise and the fans who are a part of it, but this movie, compared with its predecessors, is an utter flop,” said Christine L., a freshman at AISG.

Despite the disappointing shortcomings of the film, The Matrix: Resurrections has good aspects of nostalgia, the comeback of the original cast adding onto the feeling.