Matrix Resurrections scene that provokes Social Anxiety Disorder in Neo

Although coffee shop meetings can be tricky for people with SAD, this one scene with Neo, Jude, and Trinity would make anyone with SAD uncomfortable.

Matrix Resurrections

Neo, star of Matrix Resurrections, would put his head down in shame and embarrassment during this Social Anxiety provoking scene. Check it out below.

Although it doesn’t really live up to expectations set forth by the original trilogy, Matrix Resurrections displays an interesting story line which dates its previous three films. With an interesting way to bring Neo and Trinity back into the mix of the things, which is to say back into the matrix, we find that this movie relies on its past events to keep its future relevant.  

As a video game designer, Thomas Anderson (Neo) built a highly successful game all about what happened to him in his “previous life”, which is basically the first three Matrix movies. Not realizing that this work of art is just more than mere imagination, Neo eventually realizes that he actually lived this life. Once freed and unplugged by Bugs and Morpheus (still not sure why they couldn’t bring back Lawrence Fishburne), Thomas Anderson becomes Neo again. The rest of the film is then dedicated to unplugging Trinity, who now seems to be “the one” possessing he power of flight. Didn’t see that one coming! 

Social Anxiety Disorder

There is one scene in Matrix Resurrections which stands out as a huge no-no for Neo if he had Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). Before we jump back into the computer-generated world of the matrix, click here if you need a refresher on what SAD is and just how bad it can be. 

Cliffnotes version: 

  • Really anxious of fearful of being judged while in a social setting
  • Super worried that you will embarrass or humiliate yourself in front of others
  • Severe anxiety that people will notice your most prominent symptoms
    • Bright red facial blushing
    • Profuse sweating
    • Trembling hands
  • Becoming very reserved or shy in front of people to decrease risk of embarrassment 

The Social Anxiety Scene from The Matrix Resurrections involving Neo 

Jude introduces Neo to Trinity at the coffee shop for the first time since his resurrection. Although Neo told him not to, this is the scene where Neo and Trinity shook hands and both felt a sense of familiarity. Trinity even asked Neo, “have we met?”
The Matrix Resurrections, 2021

Movie: The Matrix Resurrections, 2021

Scene: Thomas Anderson (Neo) at the coffee shop with his colleague/friend, Jude.  

Anxiety Provoking Event: Jude forcefully insists on approaching Neo’s crush Tiffany (Trinity) while she’s at the counter ordering her coffee. Neo soon follows to apologize to her and bring Jude back to the table 

**If Neo had Social Anxiety Disorder, he would have stayed seated at his table with his head down in shame and embarrassment, hoping that the whole situation would end without anyone seeing him. 

Jude continues to encourage Neo to talk to Trinity at the coffee shop, even after learning about her husband and kids.
The Matrix Resurrections, 2021

Background

Before we get into why that situation is so bad for someone with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), it’s important to understand Neo’s situation. Confused with who Tiffany is and why she is so familiar, Neo believes that there is something really special about her. It’s not just love, but nostalgia. And although he has never met her before (at least, not in his resurrected self in the Matrix), he is completely aware of her. He even coded a virtually identical character in his game based off their previous lives together. A life where they were freedom fighters together, loved each other, and lived and died alongside each other. The ironic twist is she feels something similar to him too. So not only is she just another pretty face, but Tiffany possesses “that special thing” that makes Neo so interested in her. Interested in her, not as Tiffiany, but as Trinity.  

After Jude’s introduction, Neo and Trinity shake hands for the first time. Both get a strong sense of familiarity with one another. Trinity asks Neo if they have met before.
The Matrix Resurrections, 2021

If Neo had Social Anxiety Disorder

So, let’s assume that the Matrix Resurrections star, Neo, has Social Anxiety Disorder. Why would it be so terrible for his friend Jude to try and introduce him to Trinity? Well think about it… this situation would be awkward for anyone, whether with SAD or not. It’s just an uncomfortable, embarrassing situation in general. Wouldn’t you agree?  

If Neo had Social Anxiety Disorder, he would not be able to hide the discomfort or embarrassment like others would. His face would be bright red as the blood engorges his facial arteries as part of the fight-or-flight response of his nervous system. And with all that blood, he would become very hot and would start to drip sweat all over his face. Those two signs (Red Face) are such obvious and apparent indicators of humiliation, that any chance he had to get with Trinity would immediately go down the drain. A woman does not want to see a man who is embarrassed and shaken easily, so therefore, the man would not have a chance with her. 

Neo would rather…

So instead of Neo running up to Trinity and apologizing for Jude’s embarrassing behavior, he would instead stay at the table and put his head down, go to the bathroom for a long time, or walk out of the coffee shop. Neo would do anything possible to prevent Trinity (or anyone else there) from seeing him, because of how embarrassed he would be in front of her. The last thing a man with SAD would want is for the woman he likes to see him red and sweaty. 

Anticipation embarrassment is real

The real problem is not just how embarrassed Neo would be in front of Trinity, but instead, the moments leading up to seeing her would be catastrophic in this case. Remember: SAD is Social Anxiety Disorder, with the keyword being Anxiety. Neo would be so anxious and fearful of being embarrassed, that his mind would create the symptoms of embarrassment even if he were alone at the coffee table. So while his friend Jude is talking to Tiffany, Neo would be stuck at the table turning bright red and sweaty in anticipation of being humilated. This is a very difficult situation for someone with SAD to be in and that is why he would do anything possible to avoid seeing her that day.