Released in December, the film quickly overtook Top Gun: Maverick to become the highest-grossing film of 2022 within just weeks. This sequel arrives 13 years after the original captivated audiences with its groundbreaking 3D visuals.
Director James Cameron takes viewers on another journey through Pandora, reuniting with original cast members Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña as they reprise their roles as Na’vi protagonists Jake Sully and Neytiri.
Emotional journeys and environmental themes define The Way of Water (Photo: Avatar The Way of Water/TSG Entertainment Lightstorm Entertainment)CNET’s Richard Trenholm highlighted the film’s emotional weight, noting, “The parental anguish and the engaging journeys of the young characters give The Way of Water emotional heft.
The sci-fi action is cathartic and exciting, the environmental message is irresistible, and the visuals are just incredible.” While a release date for Disney Plus has yet to be announced, the first film is currently available for those looking to revisit Pandora.
Plot Developments
The narrative reveals 15 years after the first film, revealing the struggles of Jake Sully and Neytiri’s family against colonial forces. The Resources Development Administration (RDA) has returned to Pandora, causing chaos in their quest for a new home to replace a dying Earth. Their efforts lead to a dangerous hunt for Sully, who has become a target due to his betrayal.
With a lengthy runtime of three hours and 17 minutes, the film presents an array of concepts and events, making it a challenging yet rewarding experience (and no, there is no post-credits scene). Let’s explore the plot and key elements of this visually stunning sequel.
Character Arcs
Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang), previously killed by Neytiri, returns alongside a group of Marine soldiers, resurrected as Na’vi with memories from their human lives.
In an unexpected twist, Quaritch discovers that Miles “Spider” Socorro (Jack Champion), a human raised alongside Sully and Neytiri’s children, is his estranged son.
Assigned to eliminate Sully for the RDA, Quaritch initially uses Spider to adapt to Na’vi culture while pursuing his target, but he soon develops a bond with the teenager, despite his attempts to maintain an emotional distance.
Grace’s Legacy
Grace Augustine (Sigourney Weaver), the late RDA scientist, played a crucial role in connecting humans and Na’vi and led the avatar project that allowed Sully to transform into a blue alien.
As the sequel uncovers, it is revealed that her avatar was pregnant at the time of her death, giving birth to Kiri (also portrayed by Sigourney Weaver, convincingly embodying a teenager). Kiri, who is adopted by Sully and Neytiri, possesses a unique connection with the Na’vi deity Eywa.
In addition to Kiri, Sully and Neytiri have three biological children: eldest son Neteyam (Jamie Flatters), younger son Lo’ak (Britain Dalton), and their 8-year-old daughter Tuk (Trinity Jo-Li Bliss).
The Metkayina Clan
Fleeing Quaritch, Sully, Neytiri, and their children seek refuge with the Metkayina clan, a group of visually striking oceanic Na’vi, hoping to learn their ways of life. Lo’ak develops a friendship with Payakan, an outcast tulkun, a highly intelligent whale-like creature revered by the Metkayina.
Tragedy Strikes
The first skirmish of the final battle results in tragedy when Neteyam, who appears to be Sully’s favored child, is fatally shot. Though his family mourns briefly, they quickly refocus on confronting Quaritch one last time.
During the confrontation, Kiri and Tuk are captured, with Quaritch threatening Kiri’s life. In a twist of fate, Neytiri intervenes by threatening Spider, prompting Quaritch to reluctantly release Kiri.
Climactic Confrontation
The film culminates in an intense battle aboard a sinking ship, reminiscent of the Titanic. While Kiri and Spider manage to escape into the water, Neytiri and Tuk find themselves trapped in the ship’s depths.
As the fight ensues, Sully finally overpowers Quaritch in a fierce underwater struggle, leaving him for dead. With the assistance of Lo’ak and the breathing techniques learned from the Metkayina, Sully escapes, joined by Payakan. Kiri’s connection with Eywa guides Neytiri and Tuk to safety through a path illuminated by bioluminescent fish.
Moral Dilemma
In a moment of moral complexity, Spider decides to save Quaritch from drowning, despite his past actions. Quaritch escapes on his ikran, indicating his return in future installments, while Spider reunites with his Na’vi family.
Grieving a Loss
After the battle, Sully and Neytiri mourn the loss of their son, Neteyam, laying him to rest in the ocean, where the algae cradles his body, suggesting his return to Eywa. Their grief prompts acceptance within the ocean-dwelling Metkayina clan.
Spiritual Connection
Sully and Neytiri visit the Cave of the Ancestors to connect with the Metkayina’s spiritual tree, allowing them to commune with Eywa. They encounter a vision of Neteyam, who appears as both a teenager and a child, symbolizing a blend of his spiritual essence and his parents’ memories.
With the realization that they can no longer avoid the human invaders, Sully resolves to fight back, setting the stage for future films scheduled for release in 2024, 2026, and 2028. The film concludes with Sully awakening, mirroring the first movie’s final moments.
Post-Credits Scene
Fans eager for a hint about the next installment need not wait through the credits, as Avatar: The Way of Water lacks a mid- or post-credits scene.
Jake Sully and Neytiri face new challenges to protect their family (Photo: Avatar The Way of Water/TSG Entertainment Lightstorm Entertainment)However, the opening credits feature beautiful imagery inspired by the film, making it worthwhile to stay until the end. For those who have endured the lengthy runtime, a break for fresh air or a restroom visit might be in order.
Questions Raised
Several questions remain unanswered, such as Kiri’s mysterious connection to the spiritual realm. During her interaction with Grace through the tree, she experiences a seizure, hinting at a shared soul, but her unique bond with Pandora’s ecosystem is intriguing.
Another consideration is whether Spider informed Sully and Neytiri of his choice to save Quaritch. With a developing bond between father and son, Quaritch’s character is poised for further evolution in sequels.
The casual introduction of a miraculous substance that halts human aging stands out, far more captivating than the unobtanium sought by the RDA in the original film.
What has become of Ian Garvin (Jemaine Clement), the marine biologist sympathetic to the Na’vi? Following the destruction of the whaling vessel, his fate remains uncertain, as he appeared to be a potential ally.
Finally, the portrayal of human invaders raises questions. General Frances Ardmore (Edie Falco) initially presents as an intense figure but is quickly sidelined after assigning Quaritch his mission. Her character is also featured in the prequel comic Higher Ground, which provides additional context between the two films.
Insights into the current state of Earth in this universe are sparse. While the first film offers a brief glimpse, the dire conditions prompting the RDA’s quest for a new home on Pandora leave audiences curious about humanity’s fate.
