The Last Jedi
The Last Jedi excels in its ability to take bold risks, building on the foundation of The Force Awakens while daring to tread new territory. However, the seeds of its most debated flaw were sown in its predecessor. The Force Awakens closes with Rey handing the saber to Luke Skywalker on Ahch-To, an iconic moment that feels more like an epilogue than a climax. A more effective ending might have seen Rey departing on the Millennium Falcon in search of Luke, with Leia watching its ascent—a visual passing of the torch.
This choice in The Force Awakens necessitates The Last Jedi picking up immediately, creating continuity challenges. Questions linger: why did the Resistance delay evacuating D’Qar? How did the First Order assemble Hux’s fleet so rapidly after Starkiller Base’s destruction? A narrative gap between episodes would have allowed The Last Jedi to establish its stakes with more autonomy.
That said, the story we do get is deeply layered and thematically rich. The film begins with a thrilling attack on the Resistance base, setting up Poe Dameron’s arc. His brash arrogance leads to catastrophic losses, forcing him to learn hard lessons about leadership. His journey is clear from the outset—he must evolve from a reckless pilot to a true leader, a compelling and relatable arc.
The continuation of Rey and Luke’s story is a high point. Luke’s shocking dismissal of the lightsaber initially feels abrupt, but it fits perfectly within his established character. His growth across The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi shaped his understanding that a Jedi is not defined by their weapon. His decision to discard it symbolizes his disillusionment, though he has swung too far into fear and despair. Rey’s arrival forces Luke to confront his own failures, paralleling her own journey of self-discovery. Their arcs intertwine beautifully, with Luke teaching Rey the importance of inner strength while she reignites his lost hope.
The film effectively weaves three central narratives. Rey’s bond with Luke and her complicated connection to Kylo Ren anchors the emotional core. Poe’s struggle with authority and responsibility offers a grounded, character-driven subplot. Meanwhile, Finn and Rose’s mission to Canto Bight explores morality, privilege, and sacrifice. Their dynamic contrasts Finn’s narrow focus on saving Rey with Rose’s broader understanding of the Resistance’s stakes. The dazzling yet soulless world of Canto Bight serves as a striking metaphor for the indifference of the galaxy’s elite.
Finn and Rose’s arcs complement each other perfectly. Finn begins as a reluctant hero, willing to flee for Rey’s sake, while Rose’s loss and conviction broaden his perspective. Their encounter with DJ challenges their beliefs, and by the end, their roles reverse. Rose becomes the selfless protector, and Finn grows into a leader capable of inspiring others.
Poe’s journey is equally compelling. Isolated after Leia’s incapacitation, his arrogance and impulsiveness lead to mutiny—a grave mistake born of his inability to trust others. His conflict with Admiral Holdo highlights his greatest flaw: the assumption that he knows best. Her ultimate sacrifice, coupled with Leia’s guidance, forces Poe to recognize the true meaning of leadership. By the Battle of Crait, Poe has evolved, choosing strategy and survival over reckless heroism.
The Rey-Luke-Kylo triangle is the heart of the film, underscored by its exploration of point-of-view. Luke’s fear of Ben Solo’s potential darkness, Ben’s sense of betrayal, and Rey’s quest for identity collide in a dynamic that redefines their characters. The Rashomon-style flashbacks add complexity to Luke’s actions, showing how his moment of weakness shaped Ben’s descent into Kylo Ren. Rey’s resilience amidst these revelations solidifies her role as the trilogy’s moral compass.
A crucial yet often overlooked element of The Last Jedi is its use of perspective to shape every character’s arc. Poe’s view of Holdo blinds him to her true intentions, mistaking her strategy for cowardice. Finn and Rose bring contrasting perspectives to their mission, with Finn focused narrowly on saving Rey (whilst fighting off his own selfish desires) while Rose sees the broader stakes of the Resistance’s fight. Most compellingly, Luke and Kylo’s conflict is rooted in their individual interpretations of shared events, with each perspective revealing new layers of fear, betrayal, and misunderstanding. This thematic thread enriches the narrative, adding depth and complexity to every character’s journey.
Kylo Ren’s development is one of The Last Jedi’s greatest triumphs. His ruthless ambition and defiance of Snoke set him apart from past Star Wars villains. Unlike Darth Vader, who was manipulated into darkness, Kylo embraces it willingly, culminating in Snoke’s shocking death. This subversion shifts the trilogy’s trajectory, giving us a villain unbound by master or legacy.
Rian Johnson masterfully ties these threads into a cohesive narrative steeped in rich themes. Luke’s arc completes the Arthurian journey of Excalibur: to take the saber, wield it, and finally lay it down. His transformation into a symbol of hope and his ultimate sacrifice redefine what it means to be a Jedi. He wields the lightsaber not as a weapon but as an emblem of peace, outsmarting Kylo Ren while inspiring the Resistance to fight on.
At its core, The Last Jedi champions the idea that greatness comes not from lineage but from actions. Rey’s lineage is irrelevant; what matters is her compassion, courage, and conviction. Luke’s rediscovery of hope and Rey’s growth into a leader reflect the film’s central thesis: the Force resides in everyone, Jedi or not.
The Last Jedi is a triumph of storytelling, seamlessly blending character development, thematic depth, and narrative stakes. It challenges preconceived notions, deepens the lore, and sets a high bar for the sequel trilogy. While the trilogy’s ultimate conclusion faltered, The Last Jedi stands as a shining example of how to honor the past while forging a bold new future. It may well be the most profound Star Wars film ever made.