Name: Tetris
Genre: Thriller, History, Drama
Released: 2023-03-15T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Taron Egerton, Nikita Efremov, Sofia Lebedeva, Anthony Boyle, Ben Miles

The opening scene of Jon S. Baird’s Tetris (2023) is a pulse-pounding montage: blocks falling, lines disappearing, and the iconic Korobeiniki theme pounding away like a heartbeat. It’s a bold move to open a biographical political thriller with such an unabashedly nostalgic burst of gameplay, but it works—because this film isn’t just about the game; it’s about the obsession that fuels it.

Based on true events, Tetris follows Henk Rogers (Taron Egerton), an American video game salesman who stumbles upon Alexey Pajitnov’s (Nikita Efremov) creation in 1988 and becomes determined to bring it to the world. What unfolds is a high-stakes game of corporate espionage, Cold War politics, and personal ambition, as Rogers navigates the treacherous waters of licensing Tetris from Soviet Russia. The film’s premise is inherently fascinating, tapping into the cultural zeitgeist of the late 1980s when video games were transitioning from niche hobby to global phenomenon.

Baird’s direction is sharp and efficient, especially in the film’s pacing. The narrative moves with the urgency of a thriller, cutting between Rogers’ frantic negotiations in the West and Pajitnov’s struggles within the Soviet system. The tension is palpable, particularly in scenes where Rogers must outmaneuver shady executives like Kevin Maxwell (Anthony Boyle) or navigate the bureaucratic labyrinth of Elektronorgtechnica, the state-owned organization controlling Soviet software licenses. Baird’s ability to balance multiple storylines—corporate greed, Cold War tensions, and personal relationships—is impressive, creating a rich tapestry that keeps the audience engaged.

Egerton delivers a compelling performance as Rogers, capturing both his relentless drive and his occasional moments of vulnerability. There’s a scene where Rogers, exhausted and desperate, collapses in a hotel room after a failed negotiation, revealing the human cost behind his ambition. Egerton’s portrayal is nuanced, making Rogers more than just a one-dimensional protagonist; he’s a flawed but likable character whose passion for Tetris is infectious. Nikita Efremov is equally strong as Pajitnov, portraying the creator’s quiet brilliance and frustration at seeing his game commodified by forces beyond his control. Sofia Lebedeva as Sasha adds emotional depth to the story, grounding it in personal stakes with her portrayal of Pajitnov’s wife, who worries about her husband’s safety and well-being amidst the political turmoil.

Where the film falters is in its occasional tendency to prioritize spectacle over subtlety. Some of the Cold War intrigue feels a bit too familiar, echoing tropes from other films about Soviet-era tech transfers. Additionally, while the gameplay sequences are visually exciting, they sometimes interrupt the narrative flow, making it difficult to maintain emotional investment in the human drama unfolding alongside them. The film’s reliance on these sequences can feel like a gimmick at times, as if Baird is trying too hard to mimic the addictive quality of the game itself.

The film’s originality lies in its ability to turn what could have been a dry corporate drama into something far more engaging. By framing the story as a high-stakes game, Baird and his team infuse Tetris with a sense of urgency and fun that makes it stand out from other biopics. The use of Korobeiniki as a recurring motif is particularly effective, creating a sense of nostalgia and urgency that ties the various storylines together.

In terms of genre fit, Tetris straddles multiple genres—thriller, history, and drama—with varying degrees of success. As a thriller, it excels in its pacing and tension, but as a historical drama, it sometimes glosses over the complexities of the Cold War era. The film is at its best when it focuses on the personal stories of Rogers and Pajitnov, rather than the broader geopolitical context.

Ultimately, Tetris is a thrilling ride that captures the spirit of its subject matter—both the game’s addictive quality and the real-life drama behind its creation. It’s a film that will appeal to gamers and history buffs alike, offering a unique blend of nostalgia and intrigue.