“Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker” is a 2019 American epic space opera film directed by J.J. Abrams, who co-wrote the screenplay with Chris Terrio. It is the ninth and final installment of the Star Wars sequel trilogy and serves as the conclusion to the Skywalker saga, following The Force Awakens (2015) and The Last Jedi (2017). The film is produced by Lucasfilm and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
Plot Summary
Set one year after the events of The Last Jedi, The Rise of Skywalker sees the surviving members of the Resistance facing the First Order once again, with the fate of the galaxy hanging in the balance. The film’s central plot revolves around the return of Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), the long-thought-dead Sith Lord, who has secretly built a massive fleet on the Sith homeworld of Exegol in the Unknown Regions. Palpatine plans to reclaim control of the galaxy and restore the Sith to power by using this new fleet to launch a final, devastating attack on the galaxy.
The Resistance, led by General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), and other allies, must work together to thwart Palpatine’s plan. Rey, the last remaining Jedi, continues her journey to understand her mysterious connection to the Force and her own identity. Alongside her friends, she embarks on a quest to find the way to Exegol and destroy the Sith fleet before Palpatine’s reign is reborn.
Meanwhile, Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), the leader of the First Order and the former Jedi Knight Ben Solo, is torn between his loyalty to the dark side and his connection to Rey. The battle between light and dark intensifies as Rey learns shocking truths about her lineage and her connection to Palpatine, setting the stage for an ultimate showdown between the two.
As the Resistance faces overwhelming odds, Rey must confront her past and make an impossible choice, with the fate of the galaxy resting in her hands.
Cast and Characters
- Daisy Ridley as Rey: Rey is the main protagonist of the sequel trilogy, a young scavenger from the desert planet Jakku who discovers her Force sensitivity and seeks to become a Jedi. In The Rise of Skywalker, Rey continues to grapple with the mystery of her parentage and her place in the galaxy. She is the last hope for the Jedi and must confront her connection to the Sith to stop Palpatine’s return.
- Adam Driver as Kylo Ren / Ben Solo: Kylo Ren, the leader of the First Order, is the son of Leia Organa and Han Solo. His character is central to the saga’s conflict, torn between the light and dark sides of the Force. In this film, his journey comes full circle as he faces his true identity and his connection to Rey.
- Carrie Fisher as Leia Organa: The late Carrie Fisher reprises her iconic role as General Leia Organa, the leader of the Resistance and former princess of Alderaan. Leia plays a key role in guiding Rey and the Resistance, and the film uses archival footage of Fisher from previous films to incorporate her into the storyline after her passing.
- Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron: Poe is a skilled pilot and a key leader within the Resistance, and his relationship with Rey and Finn is crucial to the success of the mission to defeat the First Order.
- John Boyega as Finn: Finn is a former stormtrooper who defected from the First Order to join the Resistance. He is a loyal friend to Rey and Poe and is a key player in the Resistance’s final stand against the Sith.
- Domhnall Gleeson as General Hux: Hux is the former leader of the First Order’s military forces and a primary antagonist throughout the trilogy. He is a scheming officer who is eventually overthrown in The Rise of Skywalker as the First Order faces its ultimate defeat.
- Lupita Nyong’o as Maz Kanata: Maz is a wise and ancient Force-sensitive alien who aids the Resistance and provides Rey with valuable guidance throughout her journey.
- Keri Russell as Zorii Bliss: Zorii is a mysterious figure from Poe’s past, a bounty hunter and smuggler who assists the Resistance in their mission.
- Joonas Suotamo as Chewbacca: Chewbacca, the loyal Wookiee co-pilot of the Millennium Falcon and longtime friend of Han Solo, continues to fight alongside the Resistance in their battle against the First Order.
- Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian: Lando, the charming smuggler and former owner of the Millennium Falcon, returns to the fight in The Rise of Skywalker, offering his assistance to the Resistance in their time of need.
Themes and Tone
The Rise of Skywalker delves into themes of legacy, identity, sacrifice, and hope, all central elements to the Star Wars saga. Rey’s journey of self-discovery, her connection to the Force, and her eventual confrontation with Palpatine are explored as she strives to live up to the legacy of the Jedi, while simultaneously rejecting the darkness of her lineage. The film also emphasizes the importance of friendship, with Rey, Finn, and Poe working together to overcome the odds, while Leia’s guidance is key to their success.
The central battle between good and evil, represented by the Resistance and the Sith, plays out on a grand scale, featuring dramatic space battles, lightsaber duels, and intense emotional moments. The film showcases the enduring conflict between light and dark, as well as the theme of redemption, particularly in Kylo Ren’s character arc.
The movie also offers a sense of closure to the Skywalker saga, with key moments honoring past Star Wars films and iconic characters. The Force and its mystical properties continue to play a significant role, and the film incorporates elements of nostalgia, drawing from the original trilogy while also charting new territory.
Reception
The Rise of Skywalker was met with mixed-to-positive reviews from critics and audiences. While many praised the film’s action sequences, visual effects, and performances, particularly those of Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver, others criticized its pacing and reliance on fan service. Some felt the movie tried to resolve too many plot threads in too short a time, and the handling of Leia’s character (due to Carrie Fisher’s passing) was a subject of debate.
Despite this, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 2019. It was particularly popular among Star Wars fans, who appreciated its ties to the broader saga and the way it wrapped up long-running storylines. The film also received nominations for various awards, including visual effects and sound editing.
Legacy and Impact
The Rise of Skywalker marks the conclusion of the three-part sequel trilogy and the entire Skywalker saga that began with Star Wars: A New Hope (1977). It serves as a final chapter that attempts to bring closure to decades of storytelling, while offering new revelations about the Force and the galaxy.
Though the film sparked divided opinions, it remains a significant part of the Star Wars legacy, contributing to the ongoing popularity of the franchise and introducing a new generation to the mythos of the Jedi, the Sith, and the broader galaxy. The film’s exploration of Rey’s identity, the ultimate showdown between her and Palpatine, and the redemption of Kylo Ren are key moments in the larger tapestry of the Star Wars saga.
In conclusion, Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker is a grand, action-packed finale to the Skywalker saga. It encapsulates the themes of family, redemption, and hope that have defined the franchise, while providing a fitting, if somewhat polarizing, conclusion to the iconic series
