The 2018 film “Aquaman,” directed by James Wan, is a notable installment in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), following the adventures of Arthur Curry, the half-human, half-Atlantean hero destined to become the king of Atlantis. Starring Jason Momoa in the title role, the film is a visually stunning, action-packed superhero adventure that blends elements of mythological epic, science fiction, and fantasy. It is one of the more vibrant and energetic entries in the DCEU, offering a distinct departure from the darker tones of previous films like “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” and “Man of Steel.” With an ambitious scope and immersive world-building, “Aquaman” both captivates and overwhelms with its scale, though its narrative and character depth leave room for improvement.
The film begins by establishing Arthur Curry’s origin, showing his parents’ unlikely love story: Atlanna (Nicole Kidman), the queen of Atlantis, and Thomas Curry (Temuera Morrison), a humble lighthouse keeper. The result of this union is Arthur, a child torn between two worlds. This foundational backstory grounds the film, presenting a classic theme of dual identity that has been central to many superhero stories. From a young age, Arthur is trained by Atlantean warrior Vulko (Willem Dafoe) and develops the ability to communicate with marine life, a power that becomes his trademark as Aquaman. His upbringing is complicated by the departure of his mother, who is forced to return to Atlantis due to the political consequences of her forbidden relationship with a human.
As the film moves forward into Arthur’s adulthood, we see him as a reluctant hero, a man of action but one who resists his destiny as the heir to the Atlantean throne. Jason Momoa brings a rough, charismatic edge to Aquaman, setting him apart from the more polished and conventional portrayals of superheroes in the genre. His portrayal of Arthur is one of the highlights of the film, and Momoa’s physicality, combined with his laid-back attitude, makes for a unique and memorable character. However, while Arthur is a likeable protagonist, his emotional journey is somewhat underdeveloped. Much of the film’s conflict revolves around Arthur coming to terms with his heritage and accepting his role as king, yet this transformation feels somewhat rushed and lacks the emotional depth that could have made it more compelling.
The plot centers on a looming war between the surface world and the underwater kingdoms, orchestrated by Arthur’s half-brother Orm (Patrick Wilson), who has declared himself the Ocean Master. Orm is determined to unite the seven underwater kingdoms and wage war against the surface dwellers, whom he blames for polluting the oceans and threatening marine life. As Orm consolidates power, Arthur is reluctantly pulled into the conflict by Mera (Amber Heard), a warrior from the kingdom of Xebel and Orm’s betrothed. Mera believes that only Arthur can stop Orm and prevent the impending war. Together, they embark on a quest to find the Trident of Atlan, a powerful artifact that will prove Arthur’s legitimacy as the true king of Atlantis.
One of the film’s strengths lies in its world-building. James Wan and his team create a breathtakingly detailed vision of Atlantis and the various underwater realms. The visual effects are nothing short of spectacular, bringing the vibrant and diverse underwater landscapes to life in a way that is both imaginative and immersive. The attention to detail in the design of the Atlantean architecture, technology, and creatures is impressive, and the film’s action sequences, particularly those set underwater, are a visual feast. The use of color, light, and movement in these scenes distinguishes “Aquaman” from the often-muted palette of other DCEU films. The battle scenes, in particular, are grand in scale and executed with a kinetic energy that keeps the audience engaged.
However, the film’s reliance on spectacle can sometimes feel overwhelming. At times, the visual effects and action set pieces overshadow the narrative and character development. The pacing of the film is also uneven, with certain sections feeling rushed while others drag on too long. For example, Arthur and Mera’s quest for the Trident takes them from the Sahara desert to Italy, and while these sequences are visually appealing, they feel somewhat disjointed in terms of the film’s overall narrative flow. The film’s humor, too, is hit-or-miss. While some of the jokes land, others feel forced and out of place, detracting from the more serious moments.
The supporting cast delivers solid performances, though some characters feel underutilized. Patrick Wilson’s Orm is a compelling villain, driven by a clear motivation rooted in environmental concerns. However, his character is somewhat one-dimensional, and his rivalry with Arthur lacks the emotional complexity that could have elevated their conflict. Amber Heard’s Mera is a strong presence, though her chemistry with Momoa is inconsistent, and her character sometimes feels more like a plot device than a fully realized individual. Willem Dafoe and Nicole Kidman both bring gravitas to their roles, though they are not given enough screen time to fully explore their characters’ relationships with Arthur.
One of the film’s most notable aspects is its embrace of its comic book roots. “Aquaman” is unapologetically fantastical, with its larger-than-life characters, mythical artifacts, and epic battles. This sense of fun and adventure sets it apart from some of the more serious superhero films of recent years, and it’s clear that Wan and his team had a blast creating this world. The film doesn’t shy away from its more outlandish elements, such as Arthur’s ability to communicate with fish or the presence of giant sea monsters, and it revels in the sheer spectacle of it all. This approach works for the most part, though there are moments when the film’s tone veers into campy territory, which may not be to everyone’s taste.
Thematically, “Aquaman” touches on important issues such as environmentalism and the responsibility of leadership. Orm’s motivation for waging war on the surface world stems from a legitimate concern about the damage humans have done to the oceans, and the film doesn’t shy away from showing the consequences of pollution and environmental neglect. Arthur’s journey, meanwhile, is one of self-acceptance and embracing his role as a leader. These themes are relevant and timely, though they are not explored as deeply as they could have been. The film also raises questions about identity and belonging, with Arthur struggling to reconcile his dual heritage and find his place in both the surface world and Atlantis. While these themes are present, they often take a backseat to the film’s action and spectacle.
In terms of technical execution, “Aquaman” excels in several areas. The cinematography by Don Burgess is stunning, particularly in the underwater scenes, which are beautifully lit and choreographed. Rupert Gregson-Williams’ score complements the film’s epic scale, blending orchestral grandeur with more modern, electronic elements. The sound design is also impressive, particularly in the way it captures the underwater environments and the unique soundscape of Atlantis.
Despite its many strengths, “Aquaman” is not without its flaws. The film’s dialogue is often clunky, with exposition-heavy lines that feel unnatural. The romantic subplot between Arthur and Mera is underdeveloped, and their relationship lacks the emotional weight it needs to be convincing. Additionally, while the film’s climax is thrilling, it suffers from an overabundance of CGI, which can be distracting and detract from the emotional stakes of the final battle.
Overall, “Aquaman” is an ambitious and entertaining film that succeeds in creating a vibrant and immersive world. Its visual effects and action sequences are top-notch, and Jason Momoa’s charismatic performance anchors the film. However, its narrative and character development are not as strong as its visuals, and the film’s pacing and tone can be uneven. Despite these shortcomings, “Aquaman” is a fun and engaging superhero film that stands out within the DCEU for its sheer sense of adventure and spectacle. It may not have the emotional depth or thematic complexity of some of its peers, but it delivers a visually spectacular and thoroughly entertaining ride that will likely leave audiences satisfied.