What it’s about
Zack Snyder’s ‘Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire’ is an ambitious attempt by Netflix to launch a sci-fi epic reminiscent of the iconic Star Wars universe. It is the first installment in what is intended to be a wider franchise, laying the groundwork for its own mythology and expanded series, including a second part titled ‘The Scargiver’.
Why it matters
The film’s release is a significant test of Snyder’s fanbase and Netflix’s ability to craft a new, expansive world that can captivate audiences like George Lucas’s famed creation. The creation of such a universe demands substantial investments and risks, with considerable impact on future storytelling and viewer engagement on the streaming platform.
The problem
Unfortunately, ‘A Child of Fire’ seems overburdened by the hefty task of universe-building, resulting in a narrative that feels like an extended pitch rather than a fluid story. It does little to offer the audience a compelling standalone experience, as much of the film is consumed by setting up what is to come.
Core characters and their journey
Kora, played by Sofia Boutella, is a mysterious outsider who teams up with a local farmer named Gunnar (Michiel Huisman) to rally a group of fighters to protect their land. The ensemble cast, pursued by a Motherworld regime representative, moves from one setting to another without presenting significant surprises or innovations in their interplanetary adventure.
Review highlights
The movie’s execution does not allow its characters, especially Boutella’s Kora, to fully develop, and much of the potential intrigue is lost amidst the convoluted plot mechanics. Snyder’s foray into this self-created galaxy, devoid of the moorings of existing intellectual properties, seems to falter, lacking the distinct edge and insanity his other projects, such as ‘300’ and ‘Army of the Dead,’ benefited from.
Final thoughts
As ‘Rebel Moon’ concludes, seeming more like a preamble than a complete tale, the question of its ultimate success and cohesion as a franchise remains open. The debut’s lukewarm reception may not bode well for the future installments, and Snyder’s vision for a fresh, self-contained cosmos could prove to be a difficult sell to audiences.
Movie details
‘Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire’ is rated PG-13, with a run time of 2 hours and 13 minutes, and is available for streaming on Netflix as of December 21.
This story was first published on jpost.com.