Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Nolan's violent, elaborate epic is best for deep thinkers.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
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Where to Watch
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Tenet
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 29 parent reviews
Parents say this film is a visually stunning and conceptually ambitious piece that demands active engagement and careful attention from viewers, often leading to confusion, especially among younger audiences. While many appreciate the intricate plot, action sequences, and sound design, others criticize the complexity and dialogue clarity, suggesting it may not suit everyone and often requires multiple viewings to fully grasp.
- confusing plot
- visual spectacle
- requires attention
- mixed reviews
- may frustrate viewers
Summarized with AI
Based on 84 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a polarizing experience, with many viewers finding it a confusing and violent action movie lacking a coherent plot, while others appreciate its complexity and depth, especially for fans of thought-provoking cinema. Despite its impressive visuals and action sequences, the film's heavy violence and convoluted narrative make it more suitable for mature audiences who can handle intense themes and multiple viewings to fully grasp its intricacies.
- confusing narrative
- extreme violence
- requires multiple viewings
- targeted towards adults
- polarized opinions
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In TENET, a CIA operative known as The Protagonist (John David Washington) is given a secret mission to prevent World War III. As he moves deep into the world of international espionage and arms dealers, he investigates how a Russian oligarch (Kenneth Branagh) came into possession of a time-based weapon of the future. Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Michael Caine, and Clémence Poésy co-star.
Is It Any Good?
Cinematic master of time manipulation Christopher Nolan has created the Rubik's Cube of time travel movies. Many time travel fans love to study and analyze the genre's fictional rules, and Tenet might become a template to compare others against. Nolan dips into physics and quantum theory -- and he doesn't spend time explaining anything clearly. And although the production values are excellent overall, with great world building and viscerally exciting special effects and design, it doesn't help that audio involving key details is muffled by gas masks, spoken through walkie-talkies, etc.
While much of the movie is a whirlwind of "what?," the ending suggests that much of the complexity isn't as relevant to the overall point. You can enjoy it at the level of your choosing: If you want to crunch around in the minutiae, there's ample material, but if you want to jump to the takeaway, then it plays much more like a James Bond movie with a lot of complicated dialogue. It definitely sets up the possibility of a sequel, and it seems like the amount of details dumped on audience members are meant to entice viewers to rewatch it again and again.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the violence in Tenet compares to what they've seen in other action movies. Does the fact that it's not especially bloody or gory affect your reaction? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Nolan has received criticism for using his female characters to propel a man's story forward. Do you think he overcomes that critique here? Or is Tenet more of the same?
Which of the characters are role models? Why? How do they demonstrate courage, curiosity, integrity, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are those important character strengths?
What are the rules of time travel in Tenet and other movies? How does that compare to what scientists like Stephen Hawking and Albert Einstein suggest could be possible? Why do you think filmmakers -- and audiences -- enjoy this genre?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 3, 2020
- On DVD or streaming : December 15, 2020
- Cast : John David Washington , Robert Pattinson , Elizabeth Debicki
- Director : Christopher Nolan
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 150 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence and intense action
- Award : Academy Award
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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