THE GASLIGHTING IS STRONG IN THE FOURTH MATRIX

There are no four words in the Matrix Franchise more profound than these. Even after eighteen years of that damn program eating away at humanity. Society, digital or real, only gets worse with the rise of technology. Now, we have technology within technology, and Neo can't escape it. His sacrifice comes to nothing, not as long as the machines remain in charge and the Matrix still exists.

So, it comes as no surprise when a fourth chapter, The Matrix: Resurrections , premieres fourteen years after its predeceasing chapter's premiere in 2003. This time, we address society's increasing dependence on social media through technology. It's worse now than ever before. People are being programming to become addicted to our devices. Looking back on the last three chapters, we can see that the message of this franchise is frighteningly prophetic.

We are more dependent on technology than ever before. The number of social media platforms is ever rising, countless tech jobs, and people can make better livings online than in a traditional job. It's a strange world. I am certainly no exception. Two websites, five Instagram and Facebook pages, three youtube channels, etc. It takes a tremendous amount of work to keep up with the online rush.

Such is the case for Thomas Anderson. He is buried in work as a game designer. Burnt out, even. Much like any other over-worked successful man, he struggles with his mental health. At least, he thinks he does. In reality, he is not crazy at all because he knows in his heart what is true. His world is not real. Deep down, he remembers everything from before his sacrifice. He just needs a little help to access his memories and break free from his digital prison once again.

However, his help does not come from the expected places. His therapist is the representation of a blue pill, and his boss is his oldest enemy Agent Smith, both in new skins. In fact, all of them take different forms. The blue pill, who reveals himself later as the Architect, is a master of gaslighting who does everything in his power to keep Thomas/Neo inside the Matrix. He wants control over Neo's existence, so he could never be free. On the other hand, Smith desires his continued freedom. With Neo back on the playing board, that freedom comes under fire. Both men are dangerously against Neo's return, but for different reasons and with different methods.

It takes a devoted group of strangers to bring him to the truth. Just like in the first Matrix, these people are freed from the Matrix. They already know the truth. So, it becomes their job to set more people free. Especially Neo. They need him back in order to complete his purpose as the One: to hack into the Matrix and turn it upside down. Both Smith and the Architect take issue with that, and they would do anything to stop Neo and his freedom-fighting friends.

It's heartbreaking to see Neo's realization that nothing changes after his sacrifice. Worse, he fails in his purpose as the One. He has the power to reframe the Matrix. Yet, the Matrix continues in spite of his abilities and evolves after his death.

He's not even allowed to rest in peace. Instead, the Analyst brings him back to life, wipes his memory, and installs him back into the Matrix. Without knowing who he is or remembering any of his accomplishments, he is forced into a life of ignorance. More specifically, the machines gaslight him, and he is forced to begin his journey of discovery all over again.

With a new, more ruthless analyst and an extremely vindictive Agent Smith on board, he must fight harder than ever to resist the Matrix.

There are a lot of similarities between the first Matrix and its fourth chapter (Much like A New Hope and The Force Awakens). It's a bit lazy on the part of the writers and also likely to upset fans. That aside, I find the exploration of Neo's relationship with Trinity to be the glaring development that sets apart this sequel from its predecessors. Once a casual couple, the pair becomes the power couple and unbreakable union. Together, they are the One. It is not just Neo. It was never just Neo.

The Architect in all of his cold genius discovers this before they do and exploits it. He must keep them close, but always apart. They are never allowed to explore their relationship. They both recognize each other. They feel something special in each other's presence. They know each other, but they don't understand why. Every time they attempt to explore it the Architect would use the Matrix and its prisoners to intervene. They must fight to connect, even just to touch. It must be a conscious choice. Only then can they unite outside their prison.

Together, they can fight the machines and their fake world. They empower and validate each other when the Matrix never would. That's why the villainous Architect doesn't want them together. Their power is strong enough to bring down the Matrix. This time around, they could fight to accomplish it.