The Matrix Resurrections first reactions call it weird, romantic, and superbly meta

Last Updated on December 18, 2021

Whoa! The anticipated press screening for The Matrix Resurrections happened the other evening, and critics are ready to share their first reactions. According to an Anderson-like army of journalists and fans, Lana Wachowski’s latest film in the Matrix franchise is a love letter to everything that made The Matrix so captivating in the first place.

In looking at the barrage of comments online, The Matrix Resurrections is more than just another sci-fi sequel to a beloved property. According to some, it’s romantic, cleverly self-deprecating, and builds on everything that’s come before its release. While critics are reluctant to get into spoilers at this time, the praise I’ve seen for the film has been universal. In fact, in addition to celebrating the performances of Matrix royalty like Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss, many have highlighted to efforts of stars like Jonathan Groff, Jessica Henwick, and Neil Patrick, too.

Let’s jump into the Twitter rabbit hole and see what we can see:

This was a treat! Really enjoyed taking the red pill once again! https://t.co/jfPVfuD5w5

— Jïmm¥†ðtheO (@JimmytotheO) December 17, 2021

Keanu Reeves gives one of his best performances in THE MATRIX RESURRECTIONS. Him and Carrie-Anne Moss still have that magic chemistry, carrying a gorgeous, dynamic film that’s rough in patches yet still discovers great additions in Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Jessica Henwick. pic.twitter.com/oIRfGcel30

— Robert Daniels (@812filmreviews) December 17, 2021

#TheMatrixResurrections is too self aware of its existence. Poking fun at itself a bit too much, it’s very heavy on the love story, with not a lot of showstopping action and effects, which is what the people want. Best part is Jonathan Groff but that’s just life at this point. pic.twitter.com/kXd8usdV0M

— Clayton Davis (@ByClaytonDavis) December 17, 2021

#TheMatrixResurrections is a terrific, awe-inducing, meta mind-bender completely in line with the franchise’s legacy. Finds an innovative, high-concept way to frame the new story. Keanu Reeves & Carrie-Anne Moss’ chemistry burns. Jessica Henwick is a revelation! @TheMatrixMovie pic.twitter.com/xRawqiOcuu

— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) December 17, 2021

Saw #TheMatrixResurrections the other week (in IMAX!) and I enjoyed it! Easily better than 2 and 3. It feels like The Force Awakens – a nostalgic sequel/reboot to (maybe?) kick off a new franchise. Definitely rewatch the entire original trilogy in advance. Full review next week. pic.twitter.com/XHGQtkLcEB

— Kirsten (@KirstenAcuna) December 17, 2021

#TheMatrixResurrections is the 22 JUMP STREET of Matrix sequels. It’s a high octane thrill ride that is cheekily meta, hella violent, and in its core, has a beautifully romantic plot. Lana Wachowski might have just made her best sci-fi romance flick yet. #FilmTwitter #Matrix4 pic.twitter.com/J7bHUKEkm1

— Rendy Jones (@Rendy_Jones) December 17, 2021

So #TheMatrixResurrections is brilliant. It plays with time, putting the old in conversation with the new through visual poetry that’s given life by Lana Wachowski’s reflective yet playful direction. It is one final great film to end the year & I can’t wait to write more about it pic.twitter.com/hM7Ey0szcD

— Chase “Hutch” Hutchinson (@EclecticHutch) December 17, 2021

Directed by Lana Wachowski from a screenplay she wrote with Aleksandar Hemon and David Mitchell, the film has the following synopsis:

Return to a world of two realities: one, everyday life; the other, what lies behind it. To find out if his reality is a physical or mental construct, to truly know himself, Mr. Anderson will have to choose to follow the white rabbit once more. And if Thomas…Neo…has learned anything, it’s that choice, while an illusion, is still the only way out of—or into—the Matrix. Of course, Neo already knows what he has to do. But what he doesn’t yet know is the Matrix is stronger, more secure and more dangerous than ever before. Déjà vu.

Wachowski’s creative team behind the scenes included Sense8 collaborators: directors of photography Daniele Massaccesi and John Toll, production designers Hugh Bateup and Peter Walpole, editor Joseph Jett Sally, costume designer Lindsay Pugh, visual effects supervisor Dan Glass, and composers Johnny Klimek and Tom Tykwer.

What do you think about The Matrix Resurrections reactions? Are you excited to re-enter when it arrives in theaters and on HBO Max on December 22?