The story of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb.

In what feels like a return to form for Nolan, Oppenheimer absolutely nails almost everything it is going for from start to finish. Keep in mind, Nolan’s recent films have worked for me, but Interstellar is his most recent masterclass. Also, a film like Dunkirk just doesn’t have the same impact upon rewatch. While I can’t speak upon Oppenheimer’s re-watchability, the story here is immensely more interesting, and the characters feel more fleshed out. I made a Mank comparison going in, as Mank is a film that accomplishes its goal yet never goes beyond that. Oppenheimer accomplishes its goal but takes this a step further by integrating top tier editing (s/o Jennifer Lame), a phenomenal visual style, and some emotionally captivating moments that will have you struggling to grasp the magnitude of how important this man actually is. Next to the editing, which should be in line to win an Oscar if nothing tops it, this is Ludwig Göransson‘s best score. His work has always been great, but he takes what he has learned and creates a masterpiece.

The music next to Nolan’s distinct eye makes for a lethal combination that will blow movie-goers away. Speaking of a distinct eye, Hoyte Van Hoytema has moved his way into my list of favorite cinematographers. The ongoing gag on Twitter right now is to bash this IMAX experience for being nothing but close-ups. First off, these close-ups are a big reason why Oppenheimer makes you feel the way it does. Second of all, we get some immaculate wide-shots that will take your breath away. This is the first time all year that I felt as if I was actually there with our characters, specifically when they were venturing through the desert to find a home for this project; these shots were stunning. Sucking you into a world on this level requires the perfect combination of sound, cinematography, and lighting; I truly believe Oppenheimer nails all of these things. It also nails the “bomb” sequence that everyone is hyping up. The story itself is centered around the person rather than the event, but this moment is captured beautifully.

Beyond placing you in the midst of this captivating setting, Oppenheimer has to allow you to feel the weight that these real-life characters are feeling. The sequences where Oppenheimer is struggling with his decision-making work so well because they will have you contemplating along with him. Never has Nolan been able to capture emotion on this level, and never has a cast of his worked so well. Emily Blunt is a force when she gets time to shine. Robert Downey Jr. is on track to get an Oscar nomination, and he currently (as of July) has a win locked down. This is the best he has ever been. Damon adds a touch of humor yet keeps the emotions intact for his weighty scenes, and he is great. Alden Ehrenreich and Jason Clarke are surprising standouts here, as their scenes are highlights. Clarke would be in that supporting actor conversation if it weren’t for Downey (and possibly Damon), but it always feels as if he goes overlooked. Florence Pugh is also great in her limited time, but her character may have needed more fleshing out.

My hesitations come within the beginning and end of this experience. The first 20 minutes are spent cutting back and forth a few too many times, and the same can be said about that finale. It has that “Return of the King effect” where the film ends but still has almost 30 minutes remaining. While those final scenes feel integral, and Downey is captivating, they move in a way that will lose certain viewers. I can’t say I was lost, but being a long movie, there is this thought that it could have wrapped up much sooner. It will be interesting to see how a second watch either fixes or doesn’t fix this issue. Being such a layered true story, Oppenheimer feels like one that deserves a second viewing. My biggest hesitation going in was the run-time, but the fact that I’m not hesitating to see it again so quickly is a massive victory for Nolan and his crew. Oppenheimer is a masterful look into the life of a complicated man and his work. This movie is monumental in every way, as Nolan delivers his best script yet and something that is more than just your standard biopic. The experience is unforgettable, and this is a light shining on an important moment in history.