Story
Thomas Anderson (Keanu Reeves) – who, as Neo, was at the centre of humankind fighting against the enslavement of the Machines – is trapped back in oblivion. Anderson is now a successful computer game designer and developer of a game trilogy called The Matrix. He seems to have forgotten his past as Neo but is haunted by dreams, hallucinations, psychotic episodes, and suicidal ideation. He enlists the help of a therapist (Neil Patrick Harris), who prescribes him Blue Pills.
When Anderson encounters a mysterious woman called Bugs (Jessica Henwick) and her associate Morpheus (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), he realises that his thoughts and delusions are actually memories. Anderson decides to take yet another leap of faith, finding himself extracted from his pod and back in the ‘real’ world.
As Neo once again, he learns that 60 years have passed since his closest companion Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) was killed in the Machine Wars and he was fatally injured. Free humans have since built a new bastion. A new version of The Matrix is in place and humankind is being exploited and harvested for their energy more than ever. Neo’s goal is clear – free Trinity (who, like him, had been restored and enslaved once more) and set things straight within The Matrix.
Themes
Crime; suicide; drug and alcohol dependence; death; serious illness; family breakdown; death of a parent; animal cruelty; children as victims; natural disasters; racism
Violence
The Matrix Resurrections has frequent action violence. For example:
- Characters shoot guns, use other weapons, punch, kick, push, and throw opponents through the air. They are seen injured, bleeding and spitting blood, and having their jaw broken.
- A character has their throat slit.
- Characters are chased and trapped by angry, violent mobs. They are emotionally and verbally threatened and abused.
Sexual references
The Matrix Resurrections has some sexual references. For example, Neo’s friend makes a remark on the phone that he has company and has romantic interests.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
The Matrix Resurrections has some use of substances. For example, Neo is seen drinking to deal with his mental health issues.
Nudity and sexual activity
The Matrix Resurrections has some nudity and sexual activity. For example, Neo and Trinity are seen naked as they are freed from their pods. No breasts or genitals are shown.
Product placement
The Matrix Resurrections includes frequent references to previous Matrix instalments.
Coarse language
The Matrix Resurrections has some coarse language.
Ideas to discuss with your children
The Matrix Resurrections is the long-awaited fourth instalment of The Matrix series, following 1999’s ground-breaking film, The Matrix, and subsequent films, The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions.
The Matrix Resurrections includes recurring characters from the previous films, frequent references, flashbacks, and re-used archive footage. It is recommended to watch at least the first movie to understand the post-apocalyptic world as a setting, as well as main characters' histories and relationships.
As in the original trilogy, there are frequent action fight scenes, filmed in famous bullet time. There is also a fair amount of tongue-in-cheek humour. Because of its violence, sci-fi doom and gloom setting, and themes, this isn't a family movie. It's most suited to older teens and adults.
These are the main messages from The Matrix Resurrections:
- things are not always what they seem
- sometimes you have to take a leap of faith and fight for what (or who) is really important to you.
Values in The Matrix Resurrections that you could reinforce with your children include courage, teamwork, sacrifice, perseverance, and fighting for what you believe in.
The Matrix Resurrections could also give you the chance to talk with your children about the importance of:
- believing in change and progress
- not judging everything and everyone in black or white
- negotiation and cooperation.