"You don't get to commit sin, and then ask all of us to feel sorry for you when there are consequences."

It has been recorded in history how men act before they think... and here it is depicted on the big screen. Theoretical physicist, J. Robert Oppenheimer, a team of scientists, and soldiers work on a top-secret "Manhattan Project" during World War II to build none other than the atomic bomb. Two of which are used to bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 that kills hundreds of thousands of people and results in Japan's surrender. Soon after, Oppenheimer, "father of the atomic bomb", begins advocating against the use of his own invention and further productions of it.

Keep in mind that this is a biopic and not a documentary. Hence, the focus on Oppenheimer himself, the dramatisation of events, and inadvertent inaccuracies. We are introduced to Oppenheimer, through his angst about his developing theory along with his impulsivity and conscience. Though he doesn't only hold important theories and lectures, but also important choices and decisions. To me, the film almost feels like a video game, and Oppenheimer is our character. It is this immersion that makes every decision impactful and the unfolding events so consequential. Plenty of instances show what Oppenheimer is capable of and the weight of the result of his actions which can be burdening. Besides the title character, we also have other intellectuals, leaders, influential people, and ordinary people with different temperaments and lessons to teach. And yes, they're mostly men and — apart from it making sense for the time period — that's kinda the point. Through these characters who are based on real life personalities, we're urged to analyse and criticise their motivations, decisions, and actions; how some result in such catastrophic situations to the point that taking responsibility and accountability is already the most that they can do. This film is a cautionary tale on how even the brightest of ideas need thinking through and to not be caught up in your own ego and vengefulness as neither is the best judge for a good decision. And being distraught over the consequences of your own conscious and deliberate actions do not necessarily garner sympathy.

The incredible cinematography and music help the viewer fully immerse in the movie. I didn't watch this on IMAX because I easily get nauseous, but IMAX was not needed for me to feel like I was there myself — or to even feel like I'm Oppenheimer himself (like the video game feel I mentioned earlier). Although seeing a famous veteran or peculiar actor or an actor who is famous for an iconic role (Hughie from The Boys, Rodrick from the original Diary of a Whimpy Kid movies, Josh from Drake & Josh, and Will Stronghold from Sky High y'all... to name a few) takes me out for a second, I think they ultimately play their roles well enough. Especially, the main cast: Florence Pugh, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, and Cillian Murphy, who act in their roles exceptionally well. I was also delighted to see Macon Blair (who plays the lawyer, Lloyd K. Garrison) in such a big picture that could finally show the world how incredible of an actor he is (loved him since seeing him in Jeremy Saulnier's Blue Ruin). Anyway, I can foresee the Oscar nominations already. The movie runs for three hours but it feels fast paced and never feels slow (so long as you're engaged) as there are a lot to uncover — from the drama to the morality. Because I haven't seen Tenet, it's interesting to hear fairly newcomer composer, Ludwig Göransson. And he's able to hold his own especially for the fact that he's taking the spot that is usually Hans Zimmer's. The editing throughout the dialogue scenes (99% of the film then) is jarring, but I suppose that is attributed to the chaos and fast pacing of the plot.

Barbenheimer really dropped their criticisms on patriarchy on the same day this year... and also brought cinema to life again. Talk about killing two birds with one stone (or four birds with two stones?). July has been a cinema month for me — with one being an indie horror! And I haven't been this hyped for the cinema in so long! Dressing up with my friends not only for Barbie but Oppenheimer as well will be a core memory for me. Check out my Instagram reels for Oppenheimer and Barbie!