Meeting new Na’vi and exploring the backgrounds of beloved characters await viewers when they return to Pandora in the new film “Avatar: Fire and Ash.”
The third film in the blockbuster science fiction franchise continues the story of humans (known in Pandora as “sky people”) attempting to assert their will in Pandora because they have destroyed Earth. In this film, the battle reaches its epic climax, requiring all of Pandora to fight to protect their home.
“Fire and Ash” picks up at the end of the second film, “Avatar: The Way of Water,” with the central Sully family living among a water tribe called Metkayina. Jake (Sam Worthington), Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), and their children continue to mourn the loss of the family’s eldest son, Neteyam (Jamie Flatters), who was killed by a human-Na'vi hybrid soldier.
Meanwhile, Spider (Jack Champion) is a close friend of Jake and Neytiri’s children, Lo’ak (Britain Dalton), Kiri (Sigourney Weaver) and Tuk (Trinity Jo-Li Bliss), and lives among them in High Camp. But because Spider is human, Jake knows it isn’t safe for him to live with them there, so the family travels together to a safer place.
While on their journey, they are attacked by the Mangkwan clan, also known as the Ash People. Led by Varang (Oona Chaplin), they are a more menacing Na’vi tribe whose home was destroyed by an active volcano. Feeling abandoned by the Great Mother, Eywa, when their home was destroyed, Varang harbors hatred and a passion for fire. She teams up with Jake’s archnemesis, the hybrid Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang), to help him capture Spider and Jake.
Simultaneously, we learn more about the background of Kiri, the adopted child of Jake and Neytiri. Her deep connection to the Great Mother is explored deeply in “Fire and Ash”, and her divine gifts continue to help her family and Pandora as they fight against the sky people.
The visual storytelling in “Fire and Ash” is captivating. You will feel fully immersed in the world of Pandora, with all of its light, beauty, and textured environments. The visual effects alone are worth seeing the movie in theaters.
The relationship between Eywa and the Na’vi also has a more prominent role in this film than its predecessors. We know the Na’vi have a deep love and respect for Eywa, but for the Ash People, the relationship is far more complex. Neytiri, who has always believed in Eywa, faces more challenges to her faith, especially after losing her son. Perhaps Catholics will also relate to the feelings of grief, loss, and questioning faith that the Na’vi face.
With a significant 195-minute runtime, “Fire and Ash” is an ambitious film that takes you on an unforgettable journey, building on the stories of compelling characters and resulting in quite the worthwhile watch.
Samantha Smith is a writer who serves the Archdiocese of Atlanta as a communications strategist. Connect with Samantha by following her on Substack at “The Soulful Scene,” and on Medium.
