Tesla (2020), directed by Michael Almereyda, is a biographical drama that chronicles the life of the visionary inventor Nikola Tesla, portrayed by Ethan Hawke. The film delves into Tesla’s groundbreaking ideas, his rivalry with Thomas Edison (played by Kyle MacLachlan), and his struggle for recognition and financial support. The narrative is unconventional, blending historical facts with artistic liberties, and presents Tesla’s life in a fragmented, almost dream-like fashion, showcasing both his genius and eccentricities.

Through a mix of modern storytelling techniques, anachronistic dialogues, and innovative visual choices, Tesla offers a fresh perspective on the inventor’s complex character. The film not only highlights Tesla’s contributions to electrical engineering but also his personal loneliness, the lack of commercial success, and his battle with the corporate giants of the time. The film invites viewers to reflect on how history has shaped the legacy of unsung innovators, with Tesla remaining a mysterious figure in the shadow of his contemporaries.