Spoiler Review Of ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’
Image Source: KPCC.org
After thirteen long years, Avatar: The Way of Water has made its way to theaters, and even going so far as to declare the film a masterpiece does not do it justice. As a viewer, holding back tears was impossible, especially when the opening scenes showcased the forests of Pandora and a return to the unforgettable Hallelujah Mountains. The visuals were simply stunning; the trees were lively, the water was crisp, and the wildlife was, of course, brilliantly colorful. The cinematography was flawless, which only made the experience that much more invigorating. As the beauty of Pandora has expanded, so has Jake and Neytiri’s family, now containing four Na’vi children and Spider. Every single member of the Sully family is fleshed out and given an arc and personality of their own. Without a doubt, Sigourney Weaver’s Kiri stole the show, with her mystical connection with Eywa and the love she had for her family. Kiri honored Grace’s death from the original Avatar in every way possible, and it can only grow with the future films.
The first act of the film is spent establishing the Sully family and their day-to-day life. One scene that pulls the heartstrings is when Kiri and Grandma Mo’at banter back and forth on how to better heal Neteyam’s wounds. Jake Sully struggles throughout the story, treating his sons as squadmates rather than sons (due to his military nature).
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The central conflict arises when Colonel Quaritch returns as a cloned Na’vi avatar imprinted with all the memories of the original Miles Quaritch. Clone Quaritch’s self-awareness and acceptance that he is not Human Quaritch is quite jarring, but the movie changes this dynamic when he sees Human Quaritch’s long-lost son (Spider). For a moment, it seems as though this connection with humanity might turn him from his antagonist ways, but Quaritch is still Quaritch; he tells Spider, “I am not your dad.” and forces Spider to witness him terrorizing the indigenous people.
Avatar: The Way of Water sends a clear message to the audience when Jake and Neytiri seek asylum with the Metkayina Clans. After seeking asylum, Jake and Neytiri learn the importance of water and how the seas connect with all life. The Sully family starts with the coral reefs, becoming acquainted with the staggering numbers of various sea creatures. When the Tulkun are introduced in the film, it calls to mind the true tragedy of mankind hunting down and killing whales for nothing more than their greed. James Cameron makes his audience feel every emotion all at once. The humans return to Pandora, not to mine unobtainium, but to hunt down the Tulkuns, as they are the key to stopping human aging.
In the last act of the film, the main battle between the Metkayina and Quaritch’s men commences, and the importance of family is further emphasized. Up to this point in the film, a key element of Jake’s arc is learning that to save his family, he cannot run. His family is his fortress, and to save them, Jake must face Quaritch. Once Neytiri experiences the loss of one of her children, she is sent into a rampage, killing humans without hesitation or mercy. The stealth combat that Neytiri and Jake execute on the enemy soldiers is stunning and terrifying. The world-building efforts in this film could easily compete with Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith as Pandora’s oceans, skies, and forests are always filled with something going on in the background.
Avatar: The Way of Water is an incredible film, from both visual and storytelling standpoints. And the story is not over; one can only hope viewers don’t need to wait another decade for the next chapter of the story.
Rating: 10/10
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