“Oppenheimer”, released on July 21, 2023, is the most recent film from legendary director Christopher Nolan. Despite the high standards set from his previous movies, it does not disappoint. It’s incredible how exhilarating and engaging Nolan was able to make a biopic set in the 40’s. Although the film is pushing three hours, its length never feels like a drag and by the end will have surely left a profound impression on the viewer.

Based on the biography by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, “Oppenheimer” tells the gripping tale of the man who gave humanity the means to destroy themselves. It showcases J. Robert Oppenheimer’s (Cillian Murphy) thought process when creating the atom bomb and his regrets after realizing how this weapon will be used in the future.

The movie does a fantastic job showing how complicated of a man Oppenheimer was. This is owed to the fantastically nuanced performance delivered by Cillian Murphy. He displays great range in his acting throughout the film and gives greater understanding to the man J. Robert Oppenheimer was. The viewer can almost feel sympathetic towards him but is quickly reminded that this is the man who created the atom bomb.

But it isn’t just Cillian Murphy who is incredible, as the whole cast truly gave their all. Some of the most notable performances were given by Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss, Emily Blunt as Kitty Oppenheimer and Matt Damon as General Leslie Groves. These three performances are all Oscar worthy in their own right and keep the audience immersed in the experience.

The pacing also keeps “Oppenheimer” from feeling like a drag. It always feels like there are several moving parts that seem to be going in their own direction but will then masterfully connect back together in one scene. The film is also not told entirely linearly which may seem confusing, but just adds to the excellence of the movie.

One factor of Nolan’s signature style in his movies is the use of only practical effects with no CGI (Computer-generated imagery). He delivers here as well; the atom bomb’s explosion is done entirely practically. This was accomplished through forced perspective alongside interactions from different particles, oils and liquids. But the final product is worth it as it’s almost as if the viewer can feel the heat from the explosion.

All of this is accompanied by a wondrous soundtrack done by composer Ludwig Göransson. The soundtrack brilliantly uses string instruments to develop a tension throughout the movie. It is both beautiful and foreboding which sets the mood for the rest of the film.

“Oppenheimer” is Christopher Nolan’s magnum opus. All the lessons he learned from his other projects are applied here to great success. It’s difficult to see Nolan being able to surpass this masterpiece.