September 3: Tenet (2020)

Milestone Years

• 5th Anniversary: September 3, 2025
• 10th Anniversary: September 3, 2030
• 15th Anniversary: September 3, 2035
• 20th Anniversary: September 3, 2040

Inspiration Behind the Movie

Christopher Nolan spent over a decade developing the central ideas of “Tenet,” drawing on his fascination with time, espionage, and quantum physics. The concept of “inversion” was born from a desire to create a spy thriller that operated with new physics-based rules, blending blockbuster action with mind-bending science. Though not based on a true story, its theoretical inspiration lies in real scientific discussions of entropy and time.

You Might Not Know

• The film was shot using IMAX cameras and minimal CGI—Nolan preferred practical effects for authenticity, even crashing a real 747 airplane for one scene.
• Tenet’s script was so secretive that actors had to read it in locked rooms at Warner Bros. with no copies allowed offsite.
• The movie was released in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, making it one of the first major theatrical releases after lockdowns.
• The term “tenet” is part of the Sator Square, a Latin palindrome used symbolically throughout the movie’s structure and character names.
• John David Washington performed many of his own stunts, despite having limited prior action experience.

Food Ideas

• Inverted Sushi Rolls – roll them inside out for a twist on the traditional favorite
• Entropy Chocolate Lava Cake – symbolizing time unraveling
• Red and Blue Cocktails – representing forward and inverted time flows
• Temporal Tapas – a mix of hot and cold bites served simultaneously
• Time Loop Tiramisu – layered dessert that mimics the movie’s structure

Ways to Celebrate

• Host a spy-themed costume night with sleek suits and gadgets
• Challenge friends to a “reverse” trivia game where answers come before the questions
• Watch the movie twice—once forward and once focusing only on inverted scenes
• Create your own timeline diagram tracking the characters’ movements
• Use mirrors and visual puzzles as décor to reflect the movie’s symmetry

Filming Locations

“Tenet” was filmed in seven countries, including the U.S., UK, India, Italy, Estonia, Denmark, and Norway. One of the most visually striking locations is the opera house in Linnahall, Tallinn, Estonia. The dramatic freeway chase was filmed in reverse motion on the Laagna Road, which was closed off for the extensive sequence. Many of the locations are visitable, offering fans an immersive travel opportunity.