Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – A Mournful Attempt at a Legacy, But Not a Triumph
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever faces a monumental task – to follow the universally beloved 2018 original while navigating the impossible void left by the tragic death of its star, Chadwick Boseman. Director Ryan Coogler, deeply affected by the loss, attempts to channel his grief into the film, but the result is a disjointed and emotionally uneven experience. While Wakanda Forever grapples with themes of loss, it stumbles in its attempt to make a poignant statement, failing to reach the emotional heights of its predecessor. Instead, it leans heavily into a meditation on the cycles of violence, introducing the underwater civilization of Talokan and its ruler, Namor (Tenoch Huerta Mejía), as a key plot driver.
A New World, But a Familiar Formula
While the introduction of Talokan offers a visually striking new world, it lacks the unique and vibrant charm of Wakanda’s Afrofuturistic design. The film feels oddly muted, particularly when compared to the richness of Aquaman‘s Atlantean world. This isn’t helped by the film’s disjointed pacing, which feels like the result of multiple editors trying to stitch together disparate pieces. With a runtime exceeding 161 minutes, Wakanda Forever also suffers from a lack of engaging action sequences, further detracting from its overall impact.
A New Black Panther, A Weighty Legacy
The film centers on the rise of Shuri (Letitia Wright), T’Challa’s brilliant sister, as she navigates the overwhelming burden of her brother’s legacy and her own personal grief. Initially, she seeks solace in technology, trying to avoid confronting the pain of loss. However, she is thrust into the role of leader, facing the threat posed by Namor, who delivers an ultimatum to Wakanda. This conflict serves as the driving force of the story, forcing Shuri to confront her own identity as well as the responsibility of leadership. It’s a journey of self-discovery for Shuri, exploring her potential while working alongside familiar allies, including Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Okoye (Danai Gurira), as well as newly introduced characters like Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), the MIT prodigy destined for her own Disney+ series.
The Weight of Loss and The Shadow of Violence
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever grapples with the harsh reality that Wakanda’s openness to the world has backfired. The exposure of vibranium has made the country vulnerable to exploitation and attack. The film paints a bleak picture of the world’s reaction to Wakanda, showcasing its messy and often unforgiving nature. The film explores this through the lens of Ramonda’s (Angela Bassett) leadership, who struggles to maintain Wakanda’s ideals while facing external pressures. This struggle provides a poignant backdrop for the film’s exploration of loss and the cyclical nature of violence.
A Murky Reflection of the Original
Despite its efforts, Wakanda Forever fails to capture the vibrancy and depth of its predecessor. While the film attempts to honor Boseman’s legacy, it ultimately feels like a product of obligation rather than inspiration. The characters, while competent, lack the spark and magnetism of the original film’s cast. Even the introduction of Namor, with his compelling backstory and powerful presence, feels ultimately muted, lacking the engaging complexities of characters like Killmonger.
The film’s action scenes, too, fall short of expectations, lacking the visual spectacle and inventive choreography of the original. It feels as though Coogler, burdened with the weight of grief and the pressure of upholding a legacy, has struggled to deliver the same level of cinematic brilliance.
A Heavy Heart, A Lost Opportunity
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a film weighed down by the shadow of loss. It attempts to grapple with the impossible void left by Boseman’s passing but ultimately falls short, unable to find a satisfying answer. This honest reflection of grief, however, feels less impactful than the film’s attempts to explore complex themes of violence, leadership, and the challenges of navigating a complex world.
While Wakanda Forever delivers flashes of brilliance, particularly in its exploration of Shuri’s emotional journey and the poignant portrayal of grief, it ultimately falls victim to its own ambition. It struggles to achieve the emotional resonance and cinematic flair of its predecessor, leaving audiences with a feeling of missed potential and a lingering sense of sadness.
