Film Review: Story of rebellion and revolution reaches stratospheric new heights
RETURNING for its second and final season, brings a jaw-dropping conclusion to this chapter in the story.
While the first season of was hailed by critics in 2022 as the most mature and impressively written project in years, it struggled to find a wider audience and went largely overlooked. This was likely due to the fact that it was essentially a prequel to a prequel, serving as a precursor to 2016’s . It seemed general audiences were not overwhelmed with excitement for a series about a short-lived character from a prequel. However, as word of mouth began to spread and the dark horse of streaming that was made itself known, the rest of the world began to realise that this series was of a higher calibre than fans had ever known.
Now, nearly three years later and with added expectations, story of rebellion and revolution reaches stratospheric new heights, crafting an exhilarating finale while drawing inspiration from current world affairs.
The story picks up one year after the events of the first season, with the growing rebel alliance continuing its fight against impossible odds as the fascistic empire tightens its grip on the galaxy.
Diego Luna returns as rebel spy Cassian Andor, once again displaying both strength and vulnerability in an impressively-layered performance that adds even greater meaning to his character arc in . Opposite Luna is Ben Mendelsohn reprising his role as the cold and calculating Director Krennic, clearly relishing playing such a despicable villain.
Irish actors Denise Gough and Genevieve O’Reilly also turn in powerhouse performances as respective opposing leaders Dedra Meero and Mon Mothma. O’Reilly in particular delivers a powerfully stirring monologue in episode 9 that is easily one of the most memorable scenes of the entire series.
In fact, nearly every episode of features a rousing speech or beautifully-written dialogue that fans will no doubt want to revisit time and time again, such is the talent of the show’s creator Tony Gilroy. While this season gets off to a bit of a slow start, it is not long before that slow burn builds to a blazing inferno. Gilroy’s masterful writing expertly weaves together various plotlines and character arcs, culminating in an operatic crescendo that will leave audiences speechless.
While may be set in a galaxy far, far away, its themes and subject matter feel frighteningly real. Its depiction of fascist oppression and the fight for freedom can be easily paralleled not only with the atrocities of World War II but with current events that plague the world today. Not only is an excellent series, it is simply excellent television in general.
