Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Screenwise Verdict

Look, The Matrix Resurrections wants to be clever—it knows it's a reboot nobody asked for and spends half its runtime telling you that. The problem? Being self-aware about making an unnecessary sequel doesn't make it a good movie.

The original Matrix (1999) was groundbreaking. This is... not. It's slow, confusing, and lacks the innovation that made the first film iconic. The 5.6 IMDb and 2.7 Letterboxd ratings tell the real story: audiences were disappointed. Even the 83% Rotten Tomatoes critic score feels generous when you actually sit through the two-plus hours of exposition and recycled ideas.

For teens 15+, there are some interesting philosophical questions about reality and identity, and the Neo-Trinity love story has emotional weight. But the action is less exciting, the pacing drags, and the meta-commentary gets exhausting. If your teen loved the original trilogy, they might be curious, but set expectations low. This is more of a 'watch if you're a completist' than a 'must-see.' Plenty of better sci-fi options out there.

Age Fit

This is for older teens (15+) who have context from the original trilogy and can handle complex, dark themes about reality and control. Honestly though, even adults found this one boring and confusing, so don't feel bad if your teen taps out halfway through.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

45

The film features significant action violence, dystopian themes of humanity enslaved by machines, and a cynical, self-referential tone that mocks its own franchise. While it models loyalty and love between Neo and Trinity, the overall emotional landscape is dark, meta, and often nihilistic. The pacing is uneven with long exposition dumps that feel chaotic rather than thoughtful.

Imaginative

62

The Matrix universe remains conceptually rich with its simulation-within-simulation premise and questions about reality. However, Resurrections is largely derivative of the original trilogy, rehashing old ideas with heavy-handed meta-commentary rather than genuinely expanding the world. The visual design recycles familiar aesthetics without the groundbreaking innovation of the 1999 original. Some credit for philosophical questions about choice and identity, but it's more nostalgic than novel.

Safe

55

Rated for ages 15+ by Common Sense Media. Contains sustained action violence including gunfights, martial arts combat, and people being killed (though mostly bloodless). Some profanity. Brief references to suicide. The violence is stylized Matrix-style but frequent and intense. No nudity or sexual content beyond romantic kissing. The themes of existential dread and reality manipulation could be psychologically heavy for younger viewers.

Enriching

48

Raises philosophical questions about reality, choice, and identity that could spark discussion, but the execution is muddled and overly self-indulgent. The meta-commentary about reboots and corporate franchises is more cynical than insightful. Limited character growth or meaningful emotional arcs. Entertainment value is questionable—the 5.6 IMDb and 2.7 Letterboxd ratings suggest audiences found it boring or disappointing despite decent critic scores. Doesn't build skills or offer clear takeaways beyond 'question your reality,' which the original did far better.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Explores philosophical questions about reality, simulation, and what makes us human—could spark deep conversations with teens
The central love story between Neo and Trinity shows commitment and sacrifice across lifetimes
Visual effects remain polished and the action sequences are technically competent
Meta-commentary about Hollywood franchises might resonate with media-savvy teens who understand the industry

⚠

What to Watch For

Frequent action violence with gunfights and hand-to-hand combat—people die throughout, though it's mostly bloodless
Heavy, complex themes about existential dread, loss of agency, and questioning reality that could be disturbing for younger teens
The film is confusing and slow-paced with long exposition scenes—even adults who loved the original found this one tedious (5.6 IMDb rating tells the real story)
References to suicide and self-harm in the opening act
Best for older teens (15+) who have seen and understood the original Matrix trilogy

Conversation Starters

"Do you think we could be living in a simulation right now? How would you know?"
"The movie is super meta about being a sequel that nobody asked for. Do you think that makes it clever or just annoying?"
"Neo and Trinity's relationship spans multiple lifetimes and realities. What does that say about real connection?"
"Why do you think audiences rated this so much lower than critics did? What makes a sequel worth making?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Writing about The Matrix Resurrections? Put this WISE score on your site