“Don’t try to understand it — feel it.”

***

Dear 7-year-old self,

Sorry, buddy, but the dream to become a Ninja Turtle was just never meant to be. If wasn’t for lack of trying, though. I know you have your heart set on things extraordinary and exceptional, world-changing even … but don’t be disappointed with things realistic and ordinary. Fighting crime is cool but so is fighting boredom and fighting laziness. Get outside and sweat! Hard work is the only REAL superpower!

Dear 14-year-old self,

I feel your pain, dude. I know how much you want … how much you yearn. All the things you’ve convinced yourself that you don’t have, that have been withheld from you — those things rule your mind. It seems as if the world has direction and purpose while you struggle to see through the haze of your dorky-forced-glasses. I’ve got news for you, man: everyone you see is feeling the same thing! You aren’t alone in your separation. You imagine the world is discussing your bangs and braces … but they aren’t; they are too busy worrying about themselves! Burst your bubble of insecurity and breath the fresh air. Take it from me (which is you), life gets better. Hold tight and wait for understanding to catch up with life.

Also … don’t wear shorts to that school-dance! Semi-formal doesn’t mean just “part” of you is formal. Trust me: your calf-comfort isn’t worth the emotional-discomfort.

Dear 21-year-old self,

Bro, don’t be a fool. Your heart is not a toy. Your relationships are not a game. Every conversation you have is a nonrefundable investment. Set your eyes on “the one” and refuse to wander. I can see things clearly from where I stand: she is the girl you cannot do without. Don’t act like you can’t feel that?!

Also … take as many naps as you can. College was created for the naps! You are in your napping-prime, my friend.

***

Action. Movement. Guns. Terrorists. Woodwinds? “Tenet” begins with a siege on the Kiev Opera. Our protagonist (John David Washington) has been called on by the CIA to assist in the operation. Although he shows much skill, the job is a bust, all are killed, and the protagonist is captured. Instead of giving up any information, though, he chooses death …

Psych! The cyanide pill was a ruse. The protagonist wakes up to find it was an elaborate test — in the face of immense pain, he chose silence and strength. His reward? Enlistment in a super-secret organization that can’t be explained. His only clues: a word (“tenet”) and a gesture.

As he pursues his purpose, he finds a scientist attached to “the mission.” She is able to give him direction … it just isn’t the direction he is used to going. Reverse? A technology has been created in the future to allow objects to move backward through time. The possibilities are endless and ominous.

He traces the modified-metal in question to India where he procures the aid of Neil (Robert Pattinson), British intelligence. They get a difficult face-to-face with a billionaire who, in turn, tells them the true-destination for this mission lies in Russian arms-dealer Andrei Sator (Kenneth Branagh). His communication with the future leaves the present-world in total-jeopardy.

To get close to the antagonist, the protagonist needs help. How about a disgruntled wife (Elizabeth Debicki)? The protagonist quickly finds the situation much more complicated than ever imagined. If time is not consistent, then what is?! Nothing is as it appears …

Director Christopher Nolan has made a name for himself with his non-traditional narratives, his cerebral designs, and his refusal to water-down his style. Of all his brain-busting blockbusters, this one is by-far the most perplexing. My first viewing was full of confused-looks, hushed-discussions, and reluctant-resignations. It was just so much to take in. After the movie was over, we did our customary “stand in the parking lot and talk for way too long.” It was then that the movie started to take shape. Every reflection made the movie a touch sharper and clearer. Every reference increased my appreciation. But, even after many conversations (and a second viewing), I still have questions.

Nolan does wonders in this movie, both as writer and director. His complicated plot keeps you guessing — his reveals feed your excitement. You do wonder, though … can you be too complex? His directing leaves me breathless. He does stupefying things with a camera, things that just don’t seem possible. His inventiveness and dedication to practical-effects are so refreshing to me!

John David Washington was an effective “protagonist.” He carries “mystery” well and plays “resilient” with ease. The fact that he is Denzel Washington’s son is enough for me! His subtle mannerisms and delivery remind me of his father … which is quite the inheritance.

Robert Pattinson is good as Neil — he brings energy and unpredictability to each of his scenes. Elizabeth Debicki is great as the film’s heart and emotion — so much of the film is intellectual and imagined, so her balance is needed. Kenneth Branagh makes a great villain, very committed and crooked. There are moments of clear overacting … but playing the antagonist may call for that periodically.

Overall, it will twist your reason and squeeze your understanding. It will leave you wondering and guessing … without fully answering all your requests.

***

REPORT CARD: “Tenet”

Grade: B+

Comment: A mind-wrenching journey through time