Hello, Star Wars fans! Grab your lightsabers and prepare for a journey to a galaxy far, far away like never before. Today, we're diving into a spoiler-free review of the first four episodes of Star Wars: The Acolyte, premiering on Disney+ this Tuesday, June 4 at 6 pm PT / 9 pm ET. Let's explore this fresh take on the Star Wars universe together!
A Fresh Timeline and Setting
The Acolyte takes us back about 100 years before the rise of the Empire, to the tail end of the High Republic period. This era, previously explored in recent books and comics, is a vibrant new playground for Star Wars storytelling. Here, we find a thriving Jedi Order functioning more like what we remember from the prequels but with its own unique twists.
Gone are the familiar Stormtroopers and Skywalker saga. Instead, we are introduced to a galaxy where the names Skywalker and Palpatine are unheard of, and the Jedi Council, while referenced, remains unseen in these initial episodes.
Meet the Characters
Amandla Stenberg shines in her dual role as twin sisters Mae and Osha. Mae, trained by a mysterious Sith master, and Osha, formerly trained at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, present contrasting paths of the Force. Their sibling dynamic is captivating, with Stenberg delivering distinct mannerisms and energies for each character without veering into extremes.
We also meet Jedi Master Sol, portrayed by Lee Jung-jae of Squid Game fame. Sol’s calm and wisdom are beautifully conveyed, especially through his expressions and the weight of his unspoken burdens. His pursuit of Mae, following a thrilling opening brawl and a Jedi's assassination, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative.
Strengths and Struggles
Leslye Headland, co-creator of Netflix's Russian Doll, brings her Star Wars fandom to the forefront. She provides a commendable look at how Jedi Knights and Masters keep peace during this period. However, despite its strong hooks and engaging characters, The Acolyte’s first four episodes feel more “TV” than epic Star Wars cinema.
While other series like The Mandalorian and Andor have successfully brought different storytelling genres into the Star Wars fold, The Acolyte struggles with visual style and execution. There’s an overt artificiality to the sets, costumes, and makeup, which can make it feel more like a high-budget TV show than a grand Star Wars saga. Some plot points also feel clunky, with characters making abrupt changes in decisions or escaping danger too conveniently.
Highlights and Notable Performances
The Acolyte excels in its innovative fight scenes, particularly those involving Mae and various Jedi. The knife-wielding Mae faces off against Jedi like Sol and Indara, played by Carrie-Anne Moss, with choreography that showcases martial arts over lightsabers. This brings a fresh perspective on Jedi combat skills.
Manny Jacinto, as the smuggler Qimir, adds fun to the mix, while Dafne Keen develops a warm rapport with Stenberg as Osha bonds with Sol’s padawan, Jecki Lon. Charlie Barnett’s Jedi Yord, however, feels a bit extraneous in the early episodes, but we’ll see how his role evolves.
Verdict
The Acolyte offers a fresh and different perspective from other recent Star Wars series with its unique setting and intriguing story. The dynamic between the twin sisters and their connection to Jedi Master Sol provides enjoyable character moments and an enticing mystery. However, the execution sometimes falls short, with cheesy moments and a lack of visual flair that may leave fans wanting more of that epic Star Wars feel.
But hey, we do get a Wookiee Jedi, and that’s always a plus!
Your Turn
Now it's your turn, Star Wars fans! Are you excited about this new era in the Star Wars timeline? What are you hoping to see in The Acolyte? Share your thoughts and theories in the comments below. May the Force be with you!
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