Review of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a poignant and visually stunning sequel that carries the weight of both the loss of its lead actor, Chadwick Boseman, and the responsibility of advancing the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Released in 2022, this film is as much a tribute to Boseman’s legacy as it is a compelling exploration of grief, resilience, and cultural identity. With a rich tapestry of characters, themes, and action, Wakanda Forever delivers an emotional and cinematic experience that resonates far beyond the superhero genre.

Plot Overview

The film opens with the devastating loss of King T’Challa, a narrative decision that mirrors the real-life passing of Chadwick Boseman. The kingdom of Wakanda is left mourning its beloved ruler while grappling with new challenges, including external pressures from global powers eager to exploit the country’s vibranium resources and the emergence of a new underwater civilization led by Namor (Tenoch Huerta), the enigmatic ruler of Talokan.

At the heart of the story is Shuri (Letitia Wright), T’Challa’s younger sister, who struggles to step out of her brother’s shadow and come to terms with her grief. Her journey is intertwined with that of Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Okoye (Danai Gurira), and Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), as they navigate Wakanda’s precarious position in a rapidly changing world. The arrival of Namor introduces a compelling antagonist whose motivations and backstory add depth to the film’s central conflict.

Themes and Emotional Depth

1. Grief and Healing

One of the film’s most striking aspects is its raw and honest portrayal of grief. From the opening moments, it’s clear that Wakanda Forever is a film shaped by loss. Shuri’s personal struggle with accepting T’Challa’s death mirrors the collective mourning of the cast, crew, and audience. Her emotional journey—from denial and anger to eventual acceptance—forms the emotional backbone of the story.

Queen Ramonda, portrayed with regal gravitas by Angela Bassett, embodies resilience and strength as she leads Wakanda through its darkest hour. Her scenes are some of the most emotionally powerful in the film, and Bassett’s performance is a standout, earning her accolades and recognition.

2. Legacy and Responsibility

The film grapples with the question of what it means to carry on someone’s legacy. Shuri’s reluctance to take on the mantle of the Black Panther reflects her internal conflict about living up to her brother’s ideals. This theme is woven seamlessly into the narrative, emphasizing that legacy is not about imitation but about forging one’s own path while honoring those who came before.

Namor’s character also ties into this theme, as his role as protector of Talokan is rooted in his ancestors’ legacy. His parallel journey adds nuance to the central conflict, showing how cultural heritage and personal trauma can shape one’s worldview.

3. Cultural Identity and Unity

Wakanda Forever expands on the cultural richness introduced in the first Black Panther film, showcasing Wakanda’s traditions and the vibrant underwater civilization of Talokan. The parallels drawn between the two cultures highlight themes of unity and shared struggle, even as they find themselves on opposing sides of a conflict. The film’s exploration of colonialism and resource exploitation adds a layer of social commentary, making the story feel grounded despite its fantastical elements.

Performances and Characterization

The performances in Wakanda Forever are uniformly excellent, with Letitia Wright delivering a career-defining performance as Shuri. Wright captures the character’s grief, determination, and growth with authenticity, making her journey deeply affecting. Angela Bassett commands the screen with her portrayal of Queen Ramonda, infusing the character with dignity and emotional depth.

Tenoch Huerta’s Namor is a standout addition to the MCU. Huerta brings charisma and complexity to the role, making Namor a compelling antagonist whose motivations are understandable, even if his methods are ruthless. The supporting cast, including Danai Gurira, Lupita Nyong’o, and Winston Duke, also deliver strong performances, each adding depth to their respective characters.

Visuals and World-Building

Visually, Wakanda Forever is a feast for the eyes. The film’s production design, costumes, and cinematography are breathtaking, capturing the beauty and intricacy of Wakanda and introducing the mesmerizing underwater world of Talokan. Ruth E. Carter’s costume designs continue to be a highlight, blending traditional African aesthetics with futuristic elements.

The underwater sequences are particularly striking, with Talokan portrayed as a vibrant and thriving civilization. The attention to detail in the design of Namor’s kingdom adds depth to the film’s world-building, making it feel like a lived-in and authentic place.

Action and Pacing

The action sequences in Wakanda Forever are both thrilling and emotionally charged. The climactic battle between Wakanda and Talokan is a visual spectacle, but it is the smaller, character-driven moments that leave a lasting impact. The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing the emotional beats to resonate while building tension in the central conflict.

Challenges and Critiques

While Wakanda Forever is a triumph in many respects, it is not without its flaws. The film’s ambitious scope occasionally leads to pacing issues, with certain subplots feeling underdeveloped. The introduction of Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), while setting up future MCU projects, feels somewhat shoehorned into the narrative, detracting from the central storyline.

Additionally, the absence of T’Challa is keenly felt throughout the film. While the filmmakers’ decision to honor Chadwick Boseman’s legacy is commendable, it leaves a void that no single character can fully fill. However, the film’s focus on ensemble storytelling helps mitigate this to some extent.

Conclusion

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a powerful and heartfelt sequel that honors the legacy of Chadwick Boseman while charting a new path forward for the franchise. With its rich themes, outstanding performances, and stunning visuals, the film succeeds as both a tribute and a compelling standalone story. Ryan Coogler’s direction ensures that the film remains grounded in its emotional core, delivering a superhero film that is as moving as it is entertaining.

While it may not reach the groundbreaking heights of its predecessor, Wakanda Forever stands as a worthy continuation of the Black Panther saga, reminding audiences of the strength found in unity, resilience, and cultural pride. It is a film that celebrates the past while embracing the future, leaving a lasting impression on both the MCU and the world of cinema.