Is Reset Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2016)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2016, Reset represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Documentary category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into In early 2013, it was announced that choreographer and dancer Benjamin Millepied, known as the man behind the ballet of Black Swan, would take over as director of the Paris Opera Ballet. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "In early 2013, it was announced that choreographer and dancer Benjamin Millepied, known as the man behind the ballet of Black Swan, would take over as director of the Paris Opera Ballet. Reset finds Millepied on the eve of his first gala with the Opera, designing and refining his inaugural choreography for the esteemed institution. As a film, Reset possesses of the same artistic assuredness as its subject as he blocks out the preliminary steps for his choreography. It explores various concepts of space simultaneously: the digital space, the space of the opera house (each scene opens with a declaration of which studio it’s in) and the space of the stage, the distance from stage right to stage left. It’s a portrait of a watershed moment for one of the ballet's oldest institutions and one of its brightest new stars, both on the cusp of great transition."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The performance by Benjamin Millepied is nothing short of transformative, providing an emotional anchor that tethers the film's more abstract concepts to a relatable human experience. Benjamin Millepied captures the nuance of the script with a performance that will likely define their career for years to come.

The direction by Thierry Demaizière is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 110 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Reset truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 7.8/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Reset explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2016 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Thierry Demaizière respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Reset is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Benjamin Millepied or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Reset is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.