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Fans have been dissecting the Wachowskis’ 1999 film The Matrix for decades. Truly, the movie is a melting pot of themes and influences, including philosophy, religion, noir, sci-fi, anime, martial arts, Westerns, and comic books. Yet, few fans recognize how pivotal romance is to the franchise. According to star Keanu Reeves, The Matrix 4 might change that.

Carrie-Anne Moss and Keanu Reeves in 'The Matrix'
Carrie-Anne Moss and Keanu Reeves in ‘The Matrix’ | Ronald Siemoneit/Sygma/Sygma via Getty Images

Keanu Reeves revealed ‘The Matrix 4’ is ‘a love story’

In a recent appearance on BBC’s The One Show, Reeves discussed the upcoming movie. And while he didn’t disclose plot details for The Matrix 4, he did tease a bit of how director Lana Wachowski approaches the project.

[The Matrix 4] is a beautiful script that is a love story. It’s inspiring. It’s another version of a kind of call to wake up and it has some great action. All will be revealed.

At first, longtime fans of The Matrix might be surprised by how Reeves describes the fourth entry as a “love story.” But in hindsight, the whole franchise has always tackled the importance of love, notably with the love story between Neo (Reeves) and Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss).

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But love has always been a central theme in the series

In the very first film, it’s Trinity’s kiss that revives Neo and allows him to evolve into the One. And the sequel, 2003’s The Matrix Reloaded, reveals it is Neo’s love for Trinity — rather than a broad compassion for humanity — that caused his path to diverge from previous versions of the One. But by The Matrix Revolutions, love as a concept is even more pervasive.

Early in that third film, Neo encounters Ramachandra (Bernard White). And the two discuss the very nature of love. During that scene, Neo discovers that programs too can love, and the movie elaborates on how love and connection can be the same. With Reeves and Moss the only stars returning for The Matrix 4, Neo and Trinity’s love will likely remain the focus.

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How will Neo and Trinity’s romance affect the Matrix?

Neo and Trinity’s love has remained a constant thread throughout the movies. That being said, the question surrounding The Matrix 4 is the implications of their return. Both characters seemingly perished by the end of The Matrix Revolutions. So perhaps Neo and Trinity now only exist as programs within the Matrix itself. As fans know, programs too can love. 

Reeves already debunked the fan theory that The Matrix 4 will feature heavy flashbacks allowing him and Moss to appear. Something else must be going on in the new film, which is now filming. But given the mystery surrounding the project, fans might have to wait until it hits theaters on April 1, 2022, to get their answers.

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