As much as we love a mind-bending movie, sometimes the science behind the fiction doesn’t quite hold up. Take Tenet, for example—Christopher Nolan’s 2020 film that had audiences captivated by its complex story and innovative use of scientific theories. However, for those with a background in physics, like Étienne Klein, a renowned philosopher of science and research director at the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), the film’s approach to science left much to be desired.
When Tenet first hit theaters, Klein, who’s authored several scientific essays, was eager to see how Nolan would handle intricate scientific concepts. As a fan of futuristic films and complex ideas, Klein was hopeful. But as the credits rolled, he found himself frustrated rather than impressed. His issue? While Nolan’s movie tackled mind-bending concepts, it didn’t quite stay grounded in scientific credibility.
Why Tenet Left Physicists Cold
In an interview, Klein explained that the film’s depiction of time manipulation and reversibility didn’t sit well with him. Tenet revolves around the idea of reversing the flow of time to prevent a global catastrophe, which is a thrilling concept in theory. However, Klein pointed out that the movie muddled the concepts of temporal flow and the arrow of time.
He elaborated by saying, “In all time travel movies, there’s an inherent problem: you have two timelines—the traveler’s own time and the time they’re traveling through. So, technically, you’re not talking about time travel at all, but rather a first time within a second time.” According to Klein, this lack of consistency in portraying time travel doesn’t just make the plot confusing, it misses the mark scientifically.
In Tenet, the depiction of time travel and reverse entropy is a fascinating concept for moviegoers but, for Klein, it was a misrepresentation of real scientific principles. The film’s premise relies on the idea that time can be manipulated and reversed in an entirely reversible manner, but Klein argues that this overlooks the complexities of temporal processes.
Interstellar vs Tenet: The Science Wars
Interestingly, while Klein was critical of Tenet, he was much more forgiving when it came to Nolan’s previous sci-fi venture, Interstellar. Released in 2014, Interstellar deals with black holes, time dilation, and intergalactic travel—all concepts grounded in physics. What set Interstellar apart for Klein was the collaboration with Kip Thorne, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist known for his work on gravitational physics.
Klein acknowledges that, unlike Tenet, Interstellar adhered much more closely to established scientific theories, particularly the way it portrayed black holes and the bending of time near a gravitational singularity. The film’s scientific integrity was upheld, largely due to Thorne’s involvement, and this made Interstellar a more credible and satisfying watch for those with a scientific mindset.
For Klein, the difference between the two films is clear: Interstellar has a stronger foundation in real-world physics, while Tenet plays fast and loose with the scientific rules, prioritizing spectacle over substance. In short, the hard science community, including Klein, would likely pick Interstellar over Tenet any day.
The Fine Line Between Entertainment and Accuracy
As a longtime movie enthusiast, I’ve often found myself balancing the joy of watching sci-fi thrillers with the frustration that comes when science is misrepresented for the sake of entertainment. It’s true that movies like Tenet push the boundaries of imagination, but they also spark important discussions about how we approach science in film.
Like Klein, I sometimes wish filmmakers would consult scientists more closely to ensure that the fictional world they create doesn’t completely diverge from reality. But I also understand that sometimes, a little creative license is what makes these films so entertaining. It’s the balance between creativity and scientific plausibility that makes certain movies resonate more deeply than others.
Ultimately, for fans of Nolan’s work, Tenet might still be a thrilling ride, but for those who appreciate a bit more scientific accuracy in their sci-fi, Interstellar remains the gold standard in bridging the gap between real science and cinematic magic. As for me, I’ll be keeping an eye on the next big sci-fi release—hoping for another Interstellar-level blend of cinematic wonder and real-world physics.
