Today’s quick review: Reminiscence. On the flooded streets of Miami, Nick Bannister (Hugh Jackman) and his assistant Watts (Thandiwe Newton) help their clients escape the dismal present by letting them relive their most treasured memories. After a chance encounter, Nick falls in love with Mae (Rebecca Ferguson), a singer with a checkered past. But when Mae disappears without a trace, Nick must search his own memories for a clue to her whereabouts.
Reminiscence is a science fiction mystery set in the near future. War and flooding have devastated the United States, resulting in widespread poverty and stratification. Nick Bannister, a war veteran with a machine that can replay memories, becomes obsessed with finding a woman he knew for only a few months. Reminiscence scores points with its setting, atmosphere, and acting, but some plot missteps keep it from reaching its full potential.
Reminiscence is a textbook example of how to build a science fiction world. The setting has enough in common with our world to be recognizable, but the differences speak to a country that has been put through the wringer. The visual of Miami half-submerged under rising ocean waters gives the movie a distinct looks, while organic references to wars, a drug epidemic, and the rise of land barons all contribute to a fully realized world.
The movie also has something to offer with its characters and its themes. Nick is a classic noir protagonist, continuing his investigation in spite of the troubling discoveries he makes. Hugh Jackman and Rebecca Ferguson handle their roles well. While the dialogue can be a little wordy at times, the movie has a knack for conveying wistfulness through whispered words, poetic imagery, and beautiful scenes.
However, Reminiscence fails to put its best foot forward when it comes to its story. The mystery has a lengthy setup period with very little to sustain it. Nick cares deeply about Mae’s disappearance but the audience has no reason to, and there is no indication early on of any foul play. The mystery eventually expands into a more intricate puzzle with clearer stakes, but the best puzzle pieces are introduced too late to make a real impact.
Reminiscence has a few other shortcomings. The dynamic between Nick and Watts has potential, but there is never really a moment that catalyzes their relationship. The story introduces several potent themes, such as the addictive nature of nostalgia, but lacks the craft to drive them home in a succinct way. Finally, the memory device enables certain elements of the plot but in general it is not used in very creative ways.
Reminiscence is a solid pick for fans of moody science fiction with an emphasis on plot and world-building. Its slow start and missed opportunities may put off sci-fi fans looking for more direct action, but its otherwise solid craftsmanship and rich setting provide plenty to chew on. Give it a shot if you don’t mind the whole being a little less than the sum of its parts.
For a sci-fi crime movie that makes better use of a similar concept, try Inception. For a romantic comedy that dissects a relationship through a couple’s memories of each other, try Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. For a more action-packed memory thriller, try Total Recall. For a similarly moody and indirect sci-fi mystery dealing with memory, try The Final Cut. For a darker mystery in the same vein, try Unforgettable.
[5.9 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3272066/). I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for strong artistic foundations and a decent but flawed mystery.