A New Adventure Begins
Disney+’s latest Star Wars series, The Acolyte, takes us on an exciting journey to a time period we’ve never seen before: approximately 100 years prior to the rise of the Empire, at the end of the High Republic era. This setting allows us to explore a galaxy where names like Skywalker and Palpatine are unknown, and the Jedi Order operates in a thriving, yet familiar manner reminiscent of the prequel trilogy. Unlike the previous five series set during or after the Empire’s rule, The Acolyte offers a fresh perspective with no Stormtroopers in sight, and intriguing storylines that promise to captivate audiences.
Dual Roles and Dynamic Characters
Amandla Stenberg shines in dual roles as sisters Mae and Osha. She masterfully differentiates between the two characters, each trained in the ways of the Force—Mae by a Sith master and Osha at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. This setup not only highlights Stenberg’s versatility but also provides a compelling narrative foundation. Stenberg’s performance is a standout, building on her impressive filmography that includes The Hunger Games, The Hate U Give, and Bodies Bodies Bodies.
Behind the Scenes
Leslye Headland, co-creator of Netflix’s acclaimed Russian Doll, brings her passion for Star Wars to life in The Acolyte. The series offers a closer look at the daily lives and duties of Jedi Knights and Masters during this era. One of the central characters, Jedi Master Sol (played by Lee Jung-jae), brings depth to the story as he navigates the complexities of the Jedi Council and the Republic Senate. Lee’s portrayal of Sol is nuanced, showcasing the Jedi Master’s calm wisdom and underlying regret through powerful facial expressions and subtle performances.
Themes and Visual Style
The Acolyte delves into themes of Jedi arrogance and hubris, echoing elements from George Lucas’ prequel trilogy. It questions the universally accepted methods of finding and training Force-sensitive children, revealing the controversy surrounding these practices. While the show ventures into unexplored thematic territories, its visual style and some plot elements may not fully align with the epic scope typically associated with Star Wars. The production values, while high, occasionally feel more akin to television than the grand cinematic tradition of the franchise.
Action and Innovation
The action sequences in The Acolyte are a highlight, particularly the innovative fight scenes that focus on martial arts rather than traditional lightsaber duels. Characters like Mae engage in intense, well-choreographed battles with Jedi such as Sol and Indara (played by Carrie-Anne Moss), demonstrating the physical prowess of these warriors. Moss’s performance, leveraging her Matrix background, adds an exciting dimension to the combat scenes.
Supporting Cast and Storylines
The supporting cast brings additional layers to the story. Manny Jacinto, known for The Good Place, adds a touch of humor and charm as Qimir, a character representing the smuggler archetype. Dafne Keen develops a warm rapport with Stenberg as Jecki Lon, Sol’s padawan. Meanwhile, Charlie Barnett, a familiar face from Russian Doll, plays the by-the-book Jedi Yord, whose role may evolve as the series progresses.
Final Thoughts
The Acolyte sets itself apart by exploring a unique period in Star Wars history with fresh characters and intriguing plots. However, its initial episodes struggle to fully capture the epic essence of the franchise. Despite some visual and narrative missteps, the series offers compelling character dynamics and an engaging mystery. And let’s not forget, it features a Wookiee Jedi, which is always a welcome addition to any Star Wars story.
For fans eager to experience this new chapter in the Star Wars saga, The Acolyte premiered on Disney+ on June 4. Stay tuned for more insights as the season progresses and more of the galaxy’s secrets are unveiled.
