The Acolyte’s Dark Reflection: Amandla Stenberg on Osha, Mae, and the Power of the Force
The Acolyte has concluded, leaving behind a trail of revealed secrets, shocking connections, and a ripple effect that will undoubtedly alter the fate of the galaxy far, far away. As the dust settles on this intriguing tale, one crucial element remains – the captivating journey of the twin sisters, Osha and Mae.
Played with remarkable versatility by Amandla Stenberg, these sisters embody a duality that reflects the very nature of the Force itself. Their paths diverge dramatically, leaving audiences grappling with the stark choices that shape destinies in a galaxy where the light and dark are forever entwined.
A Single Soul, Two Faces of the Force
Stenberg delves deep into the complexities of portraying Osha and Mae, acknowledging the challenging duality of the roles: "There was a few different things for me to think about when I thought about their physicality, how they might be alike in that way, how they might be different. First off, I thought it would just be more interesting if they were very different people."
The actress emphasizes the concept of nature versus nurture, meticulously crafting backstories for both sisters. This process allowed her to explore the individual journeys that shaped their differing outlooks on the world. This deliberate creation of distinct personalities provided a foundation for the unfolding drama of their fates.
Further complexities arise as the series explores the true nature of Osha and Mae’s connection. "Sol says in the finale that they are the same person," Stenberg explains. "And as we got into that discussion, because, you know, there’s this history in Star Wars of clones. I talked to Leslye [Headland, The Acolyte showrunner] when we were going into pre-production, I said “well, are they clones of each other? Does that mean I should play them as the same person?” and that’s when she said “No, it’s going to be related to a vergence in the Force.”"
This revelation, deeply rooted in Star Wars lore, reveals that Osha and Mae are not merely twins, but rather manifestations of a vergence in the Force, a powerful event that aligns with the concept of midi-chlorians, microscopic organisms that connect living beings with the Force. This concept, introduced in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, provides a compelling framework for understanding the sisters’ unique bond and their mirrored destinies.
"I thought ‘well, then if they are the same person, then there’s this opportunity for me to think of them as representations of the light and the dark side of the Force,’ and for their essences to be in flux in relation to each other, like yin and yang," Stenberg elaborates. This metaphorical connection highlights the inherent duality of the Force, and how it manifests within Osha and Mae, forever balancing their individual journeys with the interconnected threads of their shared existence.
Embracing the Darkness
The Acolyte meticulously weaves in flashbacks, offering glimpses into the past lives of Osha and Mae, a crucial element for understanding their evolution. The depiction of their younger selves, played by the talented twins Lauren and Leah Brady, profoundly impacted Stenberg’s portrayal of the adult sisters.
"So I actually flew out to LA months before I even got to London for pre-production, and I read with several twin sets of actresses," Stenberg shares. "When Leah and Lauren came in, I just immediately fell in love with them. We bonded so hard, very quickly—we played together, and we talked, and then I read the scenes with them and I gave them notes."
This early connection between Stenberg and the young actresses formed a deep bond, and influenced her performance. "There were definitely elements of [their performances] that I based my characterization off of as well. There were consistencies I wanted there to be from them as children, and them as adults."
The final episode of The Acolyte sees Osha undergo a pivotal transformation, embracing the darkness that has always simmered beneath the surface. This culminates in a powerful moment where she bleeds Sol’s lightsaber, a dramatic manifestation of her newfound embrace of the dark side.
Stenberg reflects on this pivotal scene: "I think of it as kind of like… sort of a victorious tragedy, or a tragic victory. One of the first things I thought about was Anakin Skywalker, and the sort of incredulous response you can have to your own darkness."
She emphasizes the complexity of Osha’s emotional state at this moment, acknowledging the shock, empowerment, and reclamation of self that drive her actions. "It felt important to me that her sort-of-victory was the permission that she gave herself, and the permission she was given by having all of the truth finally at her disposal, to feel things and to lean into her own emotionality. Because she’s someone who has lived a very emotionally repressed life up to that point."
A Dark Union of Hearts
The series culminates with Osha embarking on a new journey, becoming the apprentice of the mysterious Stranger, an enigmatic figure who embodies the dark side of the Force. This dynamic relationship, described as both sensual and seductive by Manny Jacinto, who portrays the Stranger, adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative.
"It’s so interesting because people love the romantic, or sort of seduction side of their relationship," Stenberg says. "I wasn’t necessarily thinking of it actively while navigating that part of Osha’s trajectory—I think the reason why it reads with so much tension, is because Osha is finally being given the opportunity. She’s fully being seen by someone else, in a real way, you know, the darkest and deepest parts of herself are being seen."
This sense of acceptance, devoid of judgment, resonates deeply with Osha’s past, where she has always been forced to repress her true nature. "And I think there’s something very romantic about that," Stenberg reflects. This unspoken connection, born from mutual understanding and shared beliefs, transcends the romantic realm, weaving a complex tapestry of power, dependence, and perhaps even a kind of twisted love.
"There’s also something romantic about this ideological union that’s happening, of these two people who come to believe the same things about the world," she continues. This shared worldview, a dark reflection of the Jedi Order’s ideals, forms a bond that transcends the ephemeral nature of romantic desire, solidifying the foundation of a formidable alliance.
Their relationship, characterized by power and a profound understanding of one another, challenges the audience’s perception of romance, proving that even in the darkest corners of the galaxy, a powerful connection can emerge from shared darkness and the acceptance of one’s true self.
In the end, The Acolyte presents a nuanced portrait of the Force and its complexities. Through the journey of Osha and Mae, the series explores themes of duality, choice, and the potent allure of the dark side. Amandla Stenberg’s masterful portrayal of these multifaceted characters leaves a lasting impression, showcasing the power of individual choice and the enduring bonds woven through the fabric of the galaxy.
