A long time ago…
in a galaxy far, far away…
The Dead Speak! The galaxy has heard a mysterious broadcast, a threat of REVENGE in the sinister voice of the late EMPERIOR PALPATINE.
GENERAL LEIA ORGANA dispatches secret agents to gather intelligence, while REY, the last hope of the Jedi, trains for battle against the diabolical FIRST ORDER.
Meanwhile, Supreme Leader KYLO REN rages in search of the phantom Emperor, determined to destroy any threat to his power.
The emperor wasn’t lying when he said the dark side lead to many abilities that some would consider unnatural, considering he’s not only alive but has been pulling the strings since his “death.” In order for Kylo to get the power he seeks, he must follow the Palpatine’s directive and destroy Rey. Training under Leia, Rey is having trouble finding balance and control of her own power but can see the trial she must follow to end the threat facing the resistance. To stop Palpatine and Kylo, our heroes must first find the map to their final location. This mission takes them to new places, back to old friends, battlefields from past wars, and into the unknown. Can the light destroy the darkness?
The Rise of Skywalker is the culmination of 42 years of storytelling and very much follows in the foot steps of its predecessors while leading the galaxy into new territory and adding to the lore we all know. The saga and this film highlight how pessimism and negative emotions compound exponentially; fear leading to anger, anger leading to hate, hate leading to suffering. With that being said, Star Wars has always been about opposing forces, good vs. evil and light vs. dark, because of this the film is also a story of hope and redemption.
The Rise of Skywalker is the epic conclusion to the Star Wars saga for which fans have been patiently waiting. Most of the characters we follow are not all good or all bad; despite the thematic overtones, characters struggle with right and wrong, action and inaction, and destiny vs. free will. How do you maintain hope when your enemy is overwhelming and makes you feel alone? Where do you put your trust and faith? Can you even make a difference? Star Wars tackles these issues and more.
Star Wars has always had many positive aspects, including themes of hope, redemption, and the confrontation of fear. The film argues that evil wins by making you feel alone, but the good people vastly outnumber those who are not. On the other side, Star Wars takes place during a time of war, and it shows. There is battle on land, sea, and in space. There is violence, cruelty, and death. Like all Star Wars films, The Rise of Skywalker is not gruesome or gory and it does not have excessive language, sex, or drug use. None of the violence seen in The Rise of Skywalker exceeds that of any of the preceding films. Ultimately, the actions that people take in this universe have consequences.
Overall, this epic and fantastic film can be seen through a biblical lens that culminates in the ultimate sacrifice, with love and hope victorious. The Dove Take:
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Is a triumphant and fitting conclusion; a story of bravery and hope and friendship amidst galactic chaos.
