Remember Who We Are. 4 / 5
Directed by Ryan Coogler.
Wakanda fights to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death.
It is a miracle this film exists.
Wakanda Forever already had so much resting on it before the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman so the strength needed to bring this story to the screen is unfathomable. Boseman made such a significant impact on the Marvel universe and the industry as a whole so the film's sole job becomes to give a tribute fitting for a hero of his stature.
The whole film has a sombre tone allowing the characters, the actors and the audience to grieve with the first act being especially melancholic.
But on top of these themes of loss comes the matter of succession and power as the underwater nation of Talokan threatens Wakanda when they are at their lowest. Which shines a light on Wakanda Forever's biggest weakness - there is so much ground to cover and even with an extended runtime, it ends up feeling bloated and struggles to balance its many story threads.
Despite there being a lot to juggle, it was so refreshing to return to Wakanda and have a Marvel story that had actual stakes and resolution. It's a film that puts its characters first with each of the cast wearing their hearts on their sleeve with vulnerable and beautiful performances.
A poignant experience full of hope and bravery, Wakanda Forever is a worthy end to Marvel's rocky fourth phase that looks forward to a bright and promising future.
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