Avatar: Fire and Ash

Over three years on from the release of Avatar: The Way of Water, James Cameron delivers big with another three hour plus long spectacle. With a strong foundation of characters, settings, and dynamics already established in the prior two films, no time is wasted when propelling this story into greater grandeur. This film has been widely criticised as being a Way of Water: Part 2 in sorts, a rehash of plot points, lingering in an unnecessary cycle, but I'd argue that that’s not explicitly a bad thing. Way of Water was a both visually and meaningfully sensitive film, which Fire and Ash glides smoothly off of and further beyond. We do see an introduction of new characters too (cue Varang and her sexy saunter) which, naturally, entails some delicious interplay with those already familiar to us.

To accompany the immense visuals is some outstanding music (everyone say thank you Simon Franglen). It is one thing to be moved by the story alone, but tying everything together with such intimacy is the score, a true conveyor of fresh, raw, poignant grief. Music is such a universal tool, utilised to its full capacity in Avatar, and that's why the franchise is more than just any other Hollywood sci-fi. Miley Cyrus is also behind the original song for this movie, “Dream as One”. Whilst I was originally sceptical of this choice, it’s certainly fitting with the original song of Way of Water, The Weeknd’s “Nothing Is Lost (You Give Me Strength)”.

Fire and Ash must be seen on a big screen. It’s an experience of spirituality and connectedness bathed in the enchanting, lavish depictions of Pandora, neatly wrapped up into an appealing action blockbuster. And I can’t wait to see more.

Holly Beaumont