Everything We Know About Reminiscence

The science fiction genre is a broad one that allows for movies that explore everything from artificial intelligence to time travel. Sci-fi cinema encompasses tones as wildly different as the Ridley Scott horror movie "Alien" and the Steven Spielberg film "Ready Player One." The genre has also provided plenty of opportunity for social commentary over the decades, as well as being an effective agent of change itself. All this means that science fiction fans are often in for a treat when a new movie garners attention, but the broad possibilities also allow for a degree of uncertainty, by giving a filmmaker an array of tools to choose from.

One of the newest additions to the genre is poised to be the upcoming movie "Reminiscence." First announced in January 2019, the film was acquired by distributor Warner Bros. later that year before it began shooting in October 2019. The film has already garnered some attention for the talent both in front of and behind the camera, and here's what we know about "Reminiscence" so far.

When will Reminiscence be coming out?

"Reminiscence" is due to be released in US theaters on August 20, 2021. In accordance with the arrangement Warner Bros has made, the film will make its debut on HBO Max on the same date as well, available for viewing by subscribers for a month on the streaming service before it'll be removed. The movie will continue be available in theaters.

"Reminiscence" has gone through quite a bit of turmoil on its way to release. The movie was initially slated for release in mid-April before it was pulled off the schedule in December 2020, as Warner Bros. instead focused their efforts on "Mortal Kombat", which came out in theaters on April 16, 2021. After some shuffling, "Reminiscence" was slated to be released on September 3, 2021, to align with the Labor Day weekend, before the studio decided to change its release date once again, to open two weeks prior to Labor Day (per Deadline).

The shifting of schedules, paradoxically, suggests that Warner Bros. has confidence in this film: it likely means there's a desire to give the movie its own breathing room, instead of opening it on a weekend that would cause it to face stiff competition (such as getting rolled over by, for instance, the latest entry in the MCU, "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings"). Not only does the studio want the movie to do well, it's also apparent that they believe fans will be interested in seeing it regardless of its spot on the release schedule.

Who is in the cast of Reminiscence?

The cast of "Reminiscence" will be led by the duo of Hugh Jackman and Rebecca Ferguson. Jackman, who is best known for his role as Wolverine in the "X-Men" movies, is no stranger to science fiction. Comic book adaptations aside, he also starred in the 2006 Christopher Nolan film "The Prestige," as well as 2011's "Real Steel", and the 2015 film "Chappie." Ferguson, best known for her role as Ilsa Faust in the "Mission: Impossible" franchise, is also a familiar face to fans of the genre, having appeared in the 2019 film "Men in Black: International." Ferguson and Jackman also appeared together in the 2017 musical "The Greatest Showman."

Among the supporting cast of "Reminiscence" are a number of notable performers, including Thandiwe Newton, Cliff Curtis, Daniel Wu, and Natalie Martinez. Newton has made her mark in science fiction in recent years, as she has been a main character in the HBO series "Westworld," as well as having appeared in "Solo: A Star Wars Story" in 2018. Cliff Curtis has also appeared in the science fiction films "Sunshine" and "Push," while co-starring with Ferguson in the 2019 Stephen King film "Doctor Sleep." Wu, best know for his lead role in the AMC series "Into The Badlands," also appeared in the 2017 science fiction vehicle "Geostorm," and was seen in the 2018 film "Tomb Raider." Martinez, meanwhile, was last seen in the CBS All Access miniseries "The Stand." 

What will be the plot of Reminiscence?

"Reminiscence" is set in a dystopian Miami, Florida, where most of the city has gone underwater due to rising sea levels. Jackman will play Nicolas "Nick" Bannister, a private eye providing a unique service; giving clients the ability to relive any memory they want. He meets a woman named Mae, played by Ferguson, and the two begin a relationship. However, a wrench is thrown into the affair when Nick spots Mae in the memories of another client, indicating her involvement in violent criminal activity. When Mae goes missing, Nick has to delve into her past to find her, and find out who she really is.

The film is written and directed by Lisa Joy, best known for co-creating the science fiction drama "Westworld" with Jonathan Nolan. Joy has previously written for a number of TV shows, and directed the Season 2 episode of "Westworld" titled "The Riddle of the Sphinx." This film, however, will mark her feature film debut. Joy will be reteaming with two performers from "Westworld" – Thandiwe Newton and Angela Sarafyan — for this project.

Numerous TV writers have tried to make the jump to feature films in the past, with varying degrees of success. Where Joy lands with "Reminiscence" will be seen when the film is released in August.