Avatar: The Way of Water complete overview

“Avatar: The Way of Water” is a 2021 action-adventure film set in the Avatar universe, a world in which humans and a species of intelligent, blue-skinned humanoid aliens known as the Na’vi coexist on the planet Pandora. The film is a sequel to “Avatar” (2009) and follows the story of Jake Sully, a human who was able to transfer his consciousness into an Avatar body, a hybrid of human and Na’vi DNA.

In “The Way of Water,” Jake has fully assimilated into Pandora’s society and is living with the Na’vi as one of their own, with the help of his mate Neytiri and their children. However, Jake’s peace is short-lived when he is called upon by the Omaticaya, the Na’vi clan he is a part of, to help defend Pandora against a group of humans who are trying to exploit the planet’s natural resources. Jake must confront his own identity and decide where his loyalty lies as he is torn between his human and Na’vi heritage.

The film features an ensemble cast, including Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Giovanni Ribisi, and Sigourney Weaver, who reprises her role as Dr. Grace Augustine. It was directed by James Cameron and released in theaters and on Disney+ on December 17, 2021.

Upon its release, “Avatar: The Way of Water” received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, with many praising the film’s action sequences, special effects, and performances. It grossed over $2 billion at the box office, making it one of the highest-grossing films of all time. The four-day domestic take for the sci-fi flick brought its domestic total to $440.5 million, on top of $957 million earned overseas; only a half-dozen films have passed the $1 billion mark in their first two weeks.

But director James Cameron has estimated that the high-budget 20th Century movie needs to make twice that much just to break even. The original Avatar took in a record $2.9 billion. Second place in North American theaters went to Universal’s family-oriented Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, a computer-animated spin-off of the popular Shrek franchise. It took in $22 million for the Friday-through-Monday period.

The plot of “The Way of Water” picks up several years after the events of the first film, with Jake living among the Na’vi as one of their own and serving as an advisor to their leader, Mo’at. Jake has fully embraced his role as a member of the Omaticaya clan and has even fathered children with Neytiri. However, Jake is reminded of his human past when a group of humans arrives on Pandora with the intent of exploiting the planet’s resources, specifically a valuable mineral called unobtanium.

The humans, led by a ruthless businessman named Miles Quaritch, are met with resistance from the Na’vi and their allies, including Jake. Quaritch, who had previously attempted to drive the Na’vi off Pandora in the first film, is determined to succeed in his mission at any cost. Jake is torn between his loyalty to the Na’vi and his own human heritage and must confront his own identity as he is forced to choose sides in the conflict.

In addition to the main conflict between the humans and the Na’vi, “The Way of Water” also explores the themes of family, identity, and the balance of nature. Jake’s relationship with his mate Neytiri and their children is central to the film, and their bond is tested as Jake grapples with his divided loyalties. The film also delves into the concept of the “All-Mother,” the divine feminine energy that is said to connect all living things on Pandora, and the importance of respecting the balance of nature.

The film features impressive action sequences and special effects, including breathtaking landscapes and the creatures of Pandora. The performance of the cast, particularly Sam Worthington as Jake and Zoe Saldana as Neytiri, is also highly praised. Sigourney Weaver returns as Dr. Grace Augustine, Jake’s mentor in the first film, in a supporting role.

Overall, “Avatar: The Way of Water” is a thrilling and emotionally-charged addition to the Avatar franchise that builds upon the themes.