Avatar: The Way of Water

Waldo Bonthys

Avatar: The Way of Water is an incredible movie. The visuals are stunning, the action sequences are thrilling, the world-building is well-developed, and the characters are incredibly well-written. This film is the highly-anticipated sequel to the 2009 blockbuster, Avatar. Directed by James Cameron, the film is set to continue the story of the Na’vi people and their struggle against the human invasion of their planet, Pandora; but this time they must face new challenges in a new oceanic ecosystem and adapt to their new lifestyle in order to survive yet another human invasion.

Unlike sequels tend to go, Avatar: The Way of Water is unquestionably a great sequel to the first movie. It has an amazing plot and adopts an altogether new style by adding new cast members, new types of creatures, and new characters (including one familiar face from a previous film directed by James Cameron). In The Way of Water, which takes place 15 years after the Na’vi successfully repelled the human invasion of Pandora, Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) serves as the clan chief of the Omaticaya people. He also raises a family with Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), including their children Tuk and Kiri, as well as a human boy by the name of Spider who is the son of Colonel Miles Quaritch (The first film’s antagonist portrayed by Stephen Lang). Sully and his family have been seeking safety with a new clan known as the Metkayina since the Na’vi have once more been threatened with extinction by humanity. The film also explores important themes such as the importance of preserving the environment, the consequences of exploiting natural resources, and the power of unity and teamwork. It is a powerful and thought-provoking film that will leave audiences contemplating the message long after the credits have rolled.

The contrast between Jake Sully and the other Na’vi tribes is simply incredible. Considering Jake Sully was a warrior known for being the “brave and the bold”, his presence with the other avatar tribes is exceptional and he is seen as a true warrior even by those from different backgrounds. In this visually stunning film, Jake must protect, endure and survive an absolute onslaught by the humans, returning to take revenge on him and his beautiful family with Na’vi princess, Neytiri. This part of the story explores the new emotional attachments and bonds Jake builds with the tribe and Neytiri and what he would sacrifice to protect his family from any danger aimed at his newly adopted home.

Jake Sully is a sympathetic and complex protagonist. He has been a paraplegic for his whole life after being a marine and finally gets the chance to “re-live” having a family and being physically healthy in his new avatarbody; something he could not have accomplished as a human. The movie does a superb job of showing how the characters grow and change throughout the course of the movie, and how their views and opinions change as they learn more about one other, especially in a new oceanic biome.

The antagonist of the first movie, Colonel Miles Quaritch, may be one of the most underrated antagonists of all time. Although he is a much-despised character in the movie franchise, which, in my opinion, makes for an outstanding villain, he is portrayed in such a way that he starts getting on any viewer’s nerves. Since his demise in the first film, his consciousness returns seeking vengeance upon the Na’vi tribe - maybe sooner than audiences would have expected.

Lastly, this movie’s special effects are astounding. Amazing realism and detail are used to bring the world of Pandora to life, giving it a sense of a living, breathing place. The human and Na’vi characters in Avatar are remarkably emotive and genuine, and the action scenes are exhilarating and visually breathtaking. The inclusion of 3D technology in the movie gives the already immersive universe a greater layer of depth, heightening the sense of reality.

Overall, I think Avatar: The Way of Water is an incredible movie. From mesmirising visuals and action sequences, to beautifully developed characters and settings, this sequel is exciting, immersive, and will leave you in awe. In my opinion, I would rate this movie 9/10. All accolades go to James Cameron. It is a visual masterpiece and another instalment that will define a generation - and will definitely be enjoyed by future generations because of its compelling story. Personally, my favourite aspect of this movie is the music score (produced by Simon Franglen). It simply induces goosebumps.

I would recommend this masterpiece to be viewed as soon as possible.