Synopsis
This new instalment to the Avatar franchise has been heavily anticipated for 13 years. James Cameron finally brought the world another story on the beautiful planet Pandora, and he did not disappoint. A time gap is introduced where Jake Sully and his wife Neytiri have 4 children. They still get up to the same activities of protecting their home from the invaders of Earth. This time the invaders are focused on killing Jake particularly. This focused effort caused Jake to have to move his family far away from the land tribes and towards the tribes of the sea.
Now the Sully’s live among the clan residing in the Pandorian ocean. After being accepted by the Metikayina Clan the Sully family begins to be taught the way of the water. Like the first Avatar, Jake and his family have to learn to adapt to their new habitat.
Interpretation
Much like the first Avatar film the scenery is breathtaking, coupled with extraordinary cinematography. I experienced many of the same feelings of wonder and infatuation with the world that’s being introduced. James Cameron does an excellent job of immersing the audience in this world, you wish you could be a part of it.
On the surface the Avatar movies are about the sky people (people from Earth) coming to Pandora in order to destroy their land and take what they want for back home. Although this is true on a deeper level the movies talk about colonialism, capitalism, and how human being treat environments. The Way of Water only double downed on these themes. This movie shows the entire process of them hunting and killing a valuable sea creature. The sequence only highlights the cruel nature of humans and how we prioritize profit off animals over preservation of animals. It truly was a heartbreaking scene but a necessary one for James Cameron to prove his point.
Overall I really enjoyed the film. I feel as though it was similar to the last one in all the best ways and yet still felt new. I’m very excited to see what they bring for the next few Avatar movies and how they continue to build the franchise.
