Another year, another critically acclaimed biopic. Last year brought us Elvis, and the year before that, Spencer. Now the biopic spotlight shines on the father of the atomic bomb, J. Robert Oppenheimer, as Christopher Nolan presents his latest film, Oppenheimer, a gripping 3-hour journey.

Honestly, I'm not the biggest Nolan guy. His signature style is a bit too intense and action-packed, which isn’t the most enjoyable for me. While undeniably thrilling, I find myself gravitating toward films with a slower burn. That's exactly what drew me to Oppenheimer. It's that slow-burn pace that I like, paired with an absorbing hats-off performance by Cillian Murphy.

Oppenheimer follows J. Robert Oppenheimer, portrayed by Cillian Murphy. Oppenheimer, an exceptionally skilled nuclear physicist, is assigned the task of leading the team of physicists behind the Manhattan Project—a mission aimed at developing the world's first atomic bomb in order to bring an end to World War II. The film delves into various subplots, exploring different facets of Oppenheimer's personal life, his mental well-being, and the repercussions of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Alongside Cillian Murphy, the film features strong supporting performances by Emily Blunt as Kitty Oppenheimer, Matt Damon as Leslie Groves, and Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss.

Oppenheimer offers a captivating journey into World War II with remarkable production and lead performances. It stands out as one of the more unique biopics I've seen in recent years, providing a refreshing perspective in biographical cinema. The film's strengths had a strong impact on me, though it also had its share of disappointing elements. I'm glad I got to experience Oppenheimer on the big screen, yet I doubt I'll revisit it; the film lacks the “I must rewatch this” thirst that I’ve had with many other films.

Cillian Murphy's outstanding performance truly elevates and carries the entire film. It was like a window into the past. It felt like I wasn't even watching a movie anymore. The performance is raw and clever, and it really stuck with me.

It'd be a crime not to mention the mind-blowing special effects and sound design in Oppenheimer. Even though I didn't catch it on the 70mm IMAX, I was still utterly impressed sitting in my janky local theater by the explosive climax we all anticipated. That moment definitely lives up to the hype and ranks among the coolest experiences I've had at the movies.

Without delving too deep into specifics, there's this one scene that's etched in my memory. The movie stays grounded in reality for the most part, but in the third act, there's this highly abstract moment that, apart from the major climax, stands out as the second most unforgettable moment for me. The special effects, eerie sound design, and makeup in this sequence were executed impressively, and it pleasantly caught me off guard, adding a unique layer to the film. I've always had a soft spot for films that have a level of Lynchian abstractness.

While I do appreciate slow-burn films, I found the plot of this movie to be lengthy and occasionally uninteresting, the highs were very high and the lows were very low. A piece of me believes that a more focused, linear plot centered primarily on the Manhattan Project could have made this film better. However, I also recognize the importance of delving deeper into Oppenheimer's character through these subplots, which contribute to portraying him as more than just a physicist. Achieving a strictly linear execution might be challenging, yet a significant portion of this film could have been left on the cutting room floor, leading to a more enjoyable experience for me.

That said, there were elements that I did enjoy from the outset. The writing had wit, intelligence, and occasional humor. The set and costume design added an authentic and immersive feel to the movie, while the acting, for the most part, reached a top-tier level. I do think there were some odd casting decisions for many of the smaller roles.

In the end, Oppenheimer is worth a watch for the experience and the intriguing insights into the Manhattan Project and J. Robert Oppenheimer's life. However, I don't believe it's the type of film that most would want to rewatch or that will particularly stand out for die-hard Nolan fans. If you enjoyed this film analysis, follow me on Letterboxd and we can connect.