‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Movie Review
Not Spoiler Free
Run, don’t walk to Cineplex — the second Black Panther movie is finally here! Announced in 2021, Marvel has done what it has in the past failed to do: create a sequel that is worthy of following the original.
In the wake of Chadwick Boseman’s (our beloved Black Panther) death in August of 2020, many questioned how Marvel Studios would continue the franchise of “the highest-grossing superhero film of all time in the US” (Quartz, 2018). I too wondered this and thought with the absence of the Black Panther himself, the sequel would be a flop. Marvel proved me wrong.
So what sets this sequel apart from most? For me, in simplest terms, it checks all the boxes: it’s well-scripted and has a few surprising twists, but most importantly: it holds a deeper, more profound message underneath its action-packed surface. Impressively, the film is able to take the reality of grief in the loss of Boseman and have his character and what he stood for, live on.
At the end of the first movie, the nation of Wakanda is all-powerful, if not invincible. However, the absence of the Black Panther exposes Wakanda’s vulnerability as the country prepares to face their greatest opponent yet. When their failure and defeat seem imminent, the movie pays homage to the role Boseman played, the strength of his character, and the legacy he leaves behind.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever shows that behind every great leader is an even stronger team. During their most trying time, when Wakanda seems to be in its last hour, we see those who had previously filled the supporting roles, those who were the recipe behind the Black Panther’s great success, emerge to fill the massive hole Boseman left. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever places Black women at the forefront and shows their resilience, potency, and spirit as they take on the evil that threatens Wakanda. The sequel presents female leaders who are relentless in the face of adversity, remaining strong for not only their people but for all those who face oppression. The nationalistic idea of ‘my people’ as defined by country borders, is abandoned and instead, the women of Wakanda prioritize all of humanity, working tirelessly towards prosperity for all people. It is these leaders who display both strength and compassion that are able to not only successfully fill the Black Panther’s shoes, but take his mission well beyond Wakanda.
On top of the ever-gripping and exhilarating plot line, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever makes a strong political commentary on the inhumanity, historical injustice, and racism ever present in our society. While at its core this movie is a superhero action film, beneath it all is a defiant stand against historical racism. This sequel is a strong reminder of the impacts of colonialism that live on today. Marvel fans will agree that the original Black Panther movie was a catalyst for a cultural movement toward proper representation of minorities in mainstream media. This sequel builds on that momentum naming the ongoing, worldwide oppression of people of colour as the driving cause behind division and conflict today. The message of the movie stresses how acting with humanity, showing a willingness to work for peace, and righting our wrongs, are the only ways to correct the faults of the past. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever stays true to its roots of being both grounded in rich African culture and classic Marvel action. The previous barriers that separated superheroes from being people of colour are tossed aside with a cast of primarily actors and actresses of colour.
The Black Panther franchise can do what no other Marvel storyline can: directly address the real and present issues of race and diversity. For this reason, I find it more memorable and meaningful than any other Marvel series to date, offering an amazing bang for your movie-going buck. Luckily for us, this is definitely not the last we will see of Wakanda.