Following the success of him bringing an expanding Army of the Dead film idea to Netflix in 2021, visionary filmmaker Zack Snyder is now unveiling an entirely new and original cinematic universe with the much-anticipated Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child of Fire. Now playing in select theaters and premiering on Netflix on December 21 at 7pm pacific time, Rebel Moon is a thrilling, thoughtful and gritty world, full of endless possibilities.
Known for his filmmaking achievements over the past two decades with such films as 300, Watchmen, Man of Steel and Justice League, Snyder’s Rebel Moon is an idea that he has been crafting for nearly 30 years. At the start of his new film, the audience is quickly introduced to the recent history surrounding this vast galaxy, a clear and respectful nod to the iconic scrolling words at the start of every Star Wars film, but with its own signature touch here. Being not only the film’s director but also a writer, producer, the director of photography and sometimes even the camera operator, calling Snyder Rebel Moon’s fully formed and executed vision still feels like quite the understatement.
Throughout Part One, we viewers are introduced to a wide array of characters, all of them embodying a certain level of mystery, as we wonder what will ultimately become their defining purpose and path within this story. When the future of a peaceful colony is put in jeopardy by a tyrannical authority (led by the ruthless Admiral Atticus – played by the wildly talented scene-stealer Ed Skrein), an unlikely group of rebel fighters start to emerge, in hopes of taking down these cruel and intransigent leaders.
Leading the way on-screen is Sofia Boutella as Kora. Though she has been known in Hollywood for her many diverse acting roles over the years, Rebel Moon marks Boutella’s first starring role as the central character with a rather complicated past. Boutella truly captivates the screen in every scene that she is in, not just because of the enigmatic background of her easy to root for character, but also because of her natural beauty and her impressively strong frame that makes her winning strength during epic fight scenes all the more convincing.
When a Zack Snyder film comes to mind, the fight scenes are often the most anticipated aspect of his storytelling, and Snyder does not disappoint in the least with Rebel Moon. From his dramatic use of slow-motion that effectively builds upon the tension of the scene, often signaling the start of an incredibly well-choreographed duel, Snyder brings several memorable brawls to the screen. It is also worth mentioning his strategic and experimental use of filming parts of his camera shots in-focus and other parts out-of-focus, only adding to the daring nature of this production, not just in the story but in the making of the film itself.
Michiel Huisman plays Gunnar in Rebel Moon, the lead rancher of his colony and a quiet admirer and loyal ally to Kora. What Huisman brings to the screen best is a character that the audience can likely relate to most, as Gunnar leads in his actions with human compassion and an arguably faulty of unwavering honesty. From there, an integral part of this growing rebel group comes in the form of Kai, played excellently by Charlie Hunnam. What initially comes off as a playful and sharp-witted drifter, quickly becomes one of the most influential characters on the team.
Part One very much feels like a story about assembling the rebels group “dream team,” which also includes the actors Djimon Hounsou as General Titus, Staz Nair as Tarak, Bae Donna as Nemesis and Ray Fisher as Darrian, just to name a few. Most of these intriguing characters get a moment to showcase their own interesting backstory in Rebel Moon, yet each is so multi-layered from the next that they all could have a standalone film.
The film’s just over two-hour runtime is simply not enough to give a fully-realized explanation of who these characters are and why they decide to join this fight, but I do believe that is somewhat of the intrigue of Rebel Moon – Part One, knowing that more of the narrative will certainly unfold in Part Two, a film scheduled to arrive sooner than later on Netflix in April 2024.
So, does Rebel Moon – Part One leave you wanting more? Absolutely. As these rebels from different backgrounds learn to work together as one, alliances are formed, loyalty is earned, and for some characters, true colors are revealed.
Whether you are able to watch Rebel Moon on the big screen at a theater or on Netflix within the comfort of one’s own home, I strongly suggest finding the biggest screen possible for this enthralling spectacle, with the addition of Tom Holkenborg’s great music score, to fully experience what Snyder undoubtedly hopes to get across with his longtime vision. Either way, sit back, buckle up and get ready to enter a world that has so much potential in becoming the next great cinematic saga for years to come.
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