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Reminiscence

Reminiscence is a 2021 American neo-noir science-fiction thriller film written, directed, and produced by Lisa Joy in her feature directorial debut.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Reminiscence is a 2021 American neo-noir science-fiction thriller film written, directed, and produced by Lisa Joy in her feature directorial debut. The film stars Hugh Jackman, Rebecca Ferguson, and Thandiwe Newton. It follows a man who uses technology that can access memories while searching for a missing love.

Plot

The film follows Nick Bannister, who uses a machine to explore memories for paying clients. His search becomes personal when a client named Mae disappears, drawing him into a larger mystery.

Production

Reminiscence was written, directed, and produced by Lisa Joy, marking her first feature film as director. Jonathan Nolan is also listed among the producers in some sources.

Release

Warner Bros. Pictures released the film in U.S. theatres on 20 August 2021. It also had a simultaneous streaming release on HBO Max in the United States.

Reception

Available sources describe the film as receiving mixed reviews, with some critics noting its atmosphere and ambition while comparing it unfavourably to other noir and science-fiction works.

Key facts

  • Reminiscence is Lisa Joy’s feature directorial debut.
  • The film centres on Nick Bannister, a private investigator who helps clients revisit memories.
  • Its story is set in a near-future Miami affected by climate change and social division.
  • The film was released in the United States on 20 August 2021.
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Canadian context

The film was distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a major studio with a strong Canadian theatrical and home-entertainment presence, and it was available through HBO Max in the U.S. during release windows that were widely discussed in North American media.[2][10]

Frequently asked questions

What is Reminiscence about?
It follows a man who uses memory-access technology to help clients relive the past, then becomes obsessed with finding a missing woman.
Who directed Reminiscence?
Lisa Joy wrote, directed, and produced the film.
Who stars in Reminiscence?
The film stars Hugh Jackman, Rebecca Ferguson, and Thandiwe Newton, along with Cliff Curtis, Marina de Tavira, and Daniel Wu.
When was Reminiscence released?
It was released in U.S. theatres on 20 August 2021.
What genre is Reminiscence?
It is described as a neo-noir science-fiction thriller.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reminiscence_(2021_film)
    Supports: Basic film identification, director, cast, and plot premise.
  2. Wikipedia — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reminiscencia
    Supports: Release date, HBO Max simultaneous release, and mixed reception.
  3. Wikipedia — https://ko.wikipedia.org/wiki/%EB%A0%88%EB%AF%B8%EB%8B%88%EC%84%BC%EC%8A%A4_(%EC%98%81%ED%99%94)
    Supports: Film identification, director, cast, and plot premise.
  4. Wikipedia — https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reminiscence
    Supports: Genre, cast, and premise.
  5. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/reminiscence
    Supports: Setting, plot summary, release date, runtime, rating, and thematic context.
  6. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/reminiscence_2021
    Supports: Synopsis, rating, genre, and streaming release date.
  7. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/reminiscence-movie-review-2021
    Supports: Description of the film’s tone and release window.
  8. Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q81207836
    Supports: Film identification and year.