When Netflix and infamous screenwriter/director Zack Snyder announced the space opera saga of Rebel Moon, the Star Wars comparisons were not just inevitable; they were painfully obvious. Negative reviews from critics understandably followed, but the question for audiences is not whether Rebel Moon copies from Star Wars. Every space film has followed the Star Wars formula since its release, so the real problem is whether or not Rebel Moon stands for anything, Star Wars or otherwise.
‘Rebel Moon’ Plot Summary
The galactic dictatorship on the Motherworld once peacefully ruled before becoming a conquering force of all planets within its reach. On the distant planet Veidt, one mysterious stranger leads others to rebel against the Imperium, following a redemption arc for the outcasts that will end in liberty or death.
Surface Value of ‘Rebel Moon’
Some of the first viewers desperate for Snyder action and Star Wars in 2023 have credited the visuals of Rebel Moon: Part One – A Child of Fire as the main appeal. Frequently, this is plenty to draw a crowd, as Snyder’s entire career from 300 to Justice League has proved. Sadly, this alleged space epic barely gets off the ground, setting up a potential intergalactic struggle in the sequel with fighting villains in primarily bland locations. Nearly everything is dark, brown, and ugly; if A Child of Fire cannot deliver on this simple front, the more complex layers do not fare too well either.
Characters and Acting Do Not Elevate the Film
Those hoping the weak, unoriginal plot of Part One would service badass heroes or villains also deserve a forewarning. Sofia Boutella’s central character, Kora, only gets spirited when appearing in Snyder’s signature hyper-stylized action-directing style (for those unfamiliar, expect lots of slow-motion). Otherwise, she and her compatriots are as stony and uninteresting as their surroundings, and the villains are equally forgettable. Dialogue ranging from tedious to comically fatuous undermines the typically invested appearances of Djimon Hounsou, Charlie Hunnam, and Michiel Huisman. Even devoted fans of these actors will cringe at their characters and, after the extended plodding, would rather have silence from all of them.
Ed Skrein in ‘Rebel Moon: Part One – A Child of Fire’
Any Deeper Messages?
The main complaint from viewers is the most barbed yet accurate criticism of Rebel Moon‘s first entry. What is Rebel Moon about? What do these outcasts gain from the downfall of the pseudo-fascist invaders besides, you know, the obvious? What is their journey? Maybe Part Two will answer these glaring questions, but even so, A Child of Fire barely passes for the setup of a resolution to these potential themes.
A three-hour director’s cut of Rebel Moon: Part One is on its way before the release of the second half, allegedly with more Ed Skrein at the very least. At this rate, it does not seem likely that extra runtime will fix any of the problems of A Child of Fire. Instead, this feels like a pathway to nowhere. Unless The Scargiver can effectively utilize its characters, visuals, and CGI for an exciting finale, the conclusion will likely be as worthwhile as the introduction.
Rebel Moon: Part One – A Child of Fire is streaming now on Netflix.