'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' film review: MCU matures with a poignant, emotional tribute
The death of Chadwick Boseman and T'Challa looms over the heartfelt and resonant emotional epic 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' (opening in theaters Nov. 11).
In short: The people of Wakanda fight to protect their home from intervening world powers as they mourn the death of King T'Challa. Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta and Angela Bassett star.
'Wakanda Forever' exists in the complete vacuum left after the death of the noble Wakandan king and the actor who played him. The overall film stands as a grand tribute to Boseman, who unexpectedly passed away before the 'Black Panther' sequel was in production. Following Boseman's death, the natural question become "what's next?" T'Challa had solidified himself as a fan favorite and pivotal character to the Marvel franchise - so "what's next?"
Writer-director Ryan Coogler was tasked with the impossible: craft the exciting next chapter of the Black Panther ... without the Black Panther ... or its star ... and somehow thread the needle of creating a sequel that tastefully acknowledges Boseman's passing, while also building and expanding the MCU. And Coogler delivers easily the most emotionally driven and thoughtful Marvel film yet - a film that also finds the people of Wakanda asking themselves "what's next?"
This sequel is steeped in grief, with T'Challa's people still mourning the sudden loss of their king. And a year after the death of T'Challa, it's evident those closest to him are managing in the world - but still much in the grieving process. The overall tone of 'Wakanda Forever' is a sober and reflective contrast to the absurd silliness of 'Thor: Love and Thunder' or popcorn horror of 'Multiverse of Madness.' While by no means 'joyless,' this sequel is not the same fun, comic book adventure that MCU fans have come to expect. Sure previous films have had their heavier moments - such as the heartbreaking deaths in 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' or 'No Way Home,' but 'Wakanda Forever' is the first MCU film to be fundamentally defined by loss and heartache.
Letitia Wright and Angela Bassett specifically deserve every accolade for their performances as a sister wondering what more she could have done to save her brother and a mother defending her family's kingdom. While T'Challa's death casts a shadow across Wakanda, the sequel is decidedly more character driven than a simple plot driven comic book flick. Bassett is truly powerful as the regal Wakanda queen thrust back into power after the death of her son. Wright's pain as she buries herself in science as relatable to anyone who has ever lost a loved one. Their emotional states compel their decisions as Wakanda is dragged into an international incident that harkens back to the horrors of an extractionist battle for resources - specifically vibranium.
No MCU films feel "small" - because one of the trademark trappings of the MCU is an existential threat endangering the entire planet, reality or some other abstract life or death for all scenario. Although the film opens with the world trying to get their hands on vibranium, the real threat to Wakanda arises as a secret, underwater civilization tries to remain hidden from the surface world. Tenoch Huerta is pretty great as the underwater kingdom's god king Namor. It would have been incredible to watch Namor face off against T'Challa - two kings fiercely protective of their people, but two men on opposite sides of the same coin as leaders of hidden and glorious nations. Huerta exudes charisma and menace - it's clear he loves his people and there's no question he would kill to protect them. Even though he's the antagonist on paper, like all well-written villains, it's easy to empathize with Namor’s position, even if his actions are extreme.
Coming just short of three hours, 'Wakanda Forever' is one of the longest MCU films yet - and the film, at times, does feel rather long. An almost three-hour runtime isn't inherently a problem for any entertaining or great film - but there's no excuse for extraneous scenes and unanswered questions in a nearly three hour movie. Unfortunately 'Wakanda Forever' has a bit of both. The film introduces genius MIT student Riri Williams - but her reason for being swept up into the story is so she could invent some gadget and her characterization is limited to "teen girl genius who creates an Iron Man suit." Meanwhile breakout 'Black Panther' character M'Baku (Winston Duke) gets almost completely sidelined in this sequel - his most interesting scene only alludes to a promise he made to T'Challa. The film could have been better with more M'Baku acting as advisor to Wakanda leadership. An entire side plot involving CIA agent Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) has massive implications for international relations between the US and Wakanda to sour terribly - but that whole plot thread is mostly unresolved.
Now for the most important detail: there’s a mid-credit scene, but no MCU easter egg scene after the credits finish up.
Final verdict: Wright, Huerta and Bassett anchor a stellar ensemble performance rooted in loss. Perhaps some superfluous plot threads could have been trimmed to better focus this emotional epic.
Score: 4/5
'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' opens in theaters Nov 11. This adventure film has a runtime of 161 minutes and is rated PG-13 for sequences of strong violence, action and some language.
