Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

In the wake of 2017’s promising start for Aquaman, the latest addition to the DC universe, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, takes us deeper into Arthur’s world under director James Wan. It delves into the intricate dynamics between Arthur (Aquaman) and Orm, his brother, as they unite against a malevolent relative who seizes control of their previous nemesis from the inaugural film. Their odyssey traverses the mesmerising landscapes of Atlantis, culminating in a showdown in Necrus to confront the film’s formidable antagonist.

However, despite the anticipation built within the movie, a common theme in many DC films arises: the culmination often falls short of expectations. The grandiose buildup leads to an underwhelming confrontation, leaving fans yearning for depth and intensity in the final clash between hero and villain.

The film attempts to instil a sense of gravity early on through dialogues that strive to evoke deep emotions. Yet, this gravitas feels premature, especially for viewers who haven’t revisited the previous instalment recently. The introduction of Aquaman’s infant son initially hints at emotional complexity but lacks resonance without a more substantial connection established in the narrative.

Regrettably, the movie falters in its timing of humour and conversations, resulting in moments that feel inconsequential. This lack of cohesion might contribute to the sense of an underdeveloped plot, leaving audiences desiring more coherence. Nonetheless, sporadic instances of unexpected humour manage to provoke genuine reactions from viewers, offering fleeting moments of entertainment amidst the narrative’s shortcomings. The most memorable character in the feature undoubtedly proves to be Dr Shin, whose endearing clumsiness evokes a comedic timing akin to Urkel, leaving viewers cheering for his triumph, irrespective of the fate of the other characters in the film.

Overall, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom struggles to strike a balance between substantial storytelling and timely humour, resulting in a narrative that feels disjointed and lacking in certain areas. While it maintains the visually stunning portrayal of Atlantis and explores familial relationships, it falls short of delivering a cohesive and fulfilling storyline, ultimately leaving cinemagoers with a sense of unmet potential.

Natallia Pearmain

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is released nationwide on 21^st December 2023.

Watch the trailer for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom here: