“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” marks a pivotal moment in the history of the Star Wars franchise, standing as the first film in the sequel trilogy and the seventh installment overall. Released in 2015, it is directed by J.J. Abrams and co-written by Abrams, Lawrence Kasdan, and Michael Arndt. The film brought immense anticipation, not only because it followed the original trilogy’s legacy after more than three decades, but also because it aimed to bridge the gap between long-time fans of the series and new audiences.
The Force Awakens kicks off with a familiar scenario: the galaxy is in turmoil. The Galactic Empire has been replaced by the First Order, a rising faction intent on dominating the galaxy, led by the shadowy Supreme Leader Snoke and his apprentice, Kylo Ren. On the other side is the Resistance, a military force led by General Leia Organa (formerly Princess Leia) and backed by remnants of the Rebel Alliance. The film’s setup echoes the classic good-vs-evil trope that defined Star Wars from its inception, but it weaves in contemporary themes and a more diverse cast of characters to appeal to modern sensibilities.
At the heart of this new era are two characters: Rey, played by Daisy Ridley, and Finn, played by John Boyega. Rey is a scavenger living on the desert planet Jakku, abandoned by her family and left to fend for herself. She’s resilient, self-sufficient, and highly skilled, but she’s also isolated and reluctant to embrace the larger destiny that awaits her. Finn, on the other hand, is a former Stormtrooper who defects from the First Order after witnessing the atrocities they commit. His decision to escape, driven by a newfound sense of morality, offers a unique perspective within the Star Wars universe, where Stormtroopers were traditionally faceless villains.
From the outset, Rey and Finn share a strong chemistry that drives much of the film’s narrative. Their paths cross after Finn crash-lands on Jakku during his escape from the First Order, and together, they embark on a journey that will change both of their lives. Finn’s character introduces a refreshing dynamic to the franchise, offering a more relatable hero whose bravery doesn’t come from a mystical background but rather from a human desire to do the right thing.
Rey, however, is the central figure around whom The Force Awakens revolves. The story teases her potential connection to the Force, and it’s clear from early on that she is destined for greatness, even if she herself resists this truth. Her journey from Jakku to the heart of the Resistance is one of self-discovery, as she learns to trust in her abilities and confront the ghosts of her past. Daisy Ridley delivers a standout performance, imbuing Rey with vulnerability, strength, and an endearing sense of hope.
One of the strengths of The Force Awakens lies in how it pays homage to the original Star Wars trilogy while establishing new ground. The return of beloved characters such as Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Chewbacca, and Leia provides a strong emotional core for long-time fans. Han Solo, in particular, plays a key role in the film’s plot, serving as a mentor to both Rey and Finn while reuniting audiences with the roguish charm that made him such an iconic character. Ford’s performance is heartfelt, especially in the latter part of the movie when he confronts his estranged son, Kylo Ren.
Kylo Ren, played by Adam Driver, emerges as one of the film’s most intriguing characters. He is not a simple replica of Darth Vader but a conflicted villain grappling with his identity and his place in the shadow of his grandfather. Kylo Ren is torn between the light and the dark sides of the Force, and his internal struggle adds complexity to his character. Driver’s portrayal captures Kylo’s emotional volatility, making him a far more nuanced antagonist than many expected. His interactions with Rey hint at a deeper connection, one that would continue to unfold in the subsequent films.
The film’s pacing and structure follow a familiar arc, reminiscent of the original 1977 film, A New Hope. The Force Awakens opens with a droid carrying important information (in this case, BB-8 instead of R2-D2), a desert planet setting, and a reluctant hero’s journey. There’s also a massive superweapon, Starkiller Base, which mirrors the Death Star, and a climactic battle to destroy it. Some critics have argued that these parallels make the film too derivative, relying heavily on nostalgia instead of pushing the story into uncharted territory. However, this familiarity is part of what made The Force Awakens so effective as a reintroduction to the Star Wars universe after the polarizing prequels. It struck a balance between respecting the past and setting the stage for new adventures.
Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes. Abrams and his team went to great lengths to use practical effects and real sets, hearkening back to the original trilogy’s emphasis on grounded, tangible environments. The blend of practical effects with cutting-edge CGI creates a visually rich experience that feels immersive and authentic. From the sandy expanses of Jakku to the snow-covered forests of Starkiller Base, the worlds in The Force Awakens feel alive and real.
The film also benefits from a brilliant musical score by John Williams, who returns to craft the soundscape of the galaxy. His familiar themes—such as the iconic Star Wars main title and the Force theme—are seamlessly interwoven with new compositions that give the film its own identity. The music underscores key moments, enhancing both the action sequences and the emotional beats, such as Rey’s first encounter with Luke Skywalker at the film’s climax.
Where The Force Awakens stumbles is in its handling of certain plot points and character arcs. The mystery surrounding Rey’s parentage, for instance, is teased but left unresolved, leading to speculation and, for some, frustration. Similarly, the background and motivations of Supreme Leader Snoke are left almost entirely unexplored, setting up threads that wouldn’t pay off until the next film (and even then, in a controversial manner). While this is understandable given that The Force Awakens is the first in a trilogy, some audiences felt that the film raised more questions than it answered, leaving them hungry for more clarity and depth.
Additionally, the film’s decision to center much of the action around another planet-destroying superweapon—Starkiller Base—felt repetitive to some viewers. While the execution of the battle was thrilling and visually impressive, the narrative device of a massive superweapon has been used twice before in the series, and its inclusion in The Force Awakens felt like a retread of old ground. This choice could have been an opportunity for the filmmakers to innovate and introduce a new kind of threat to the galaxy.
Despite these criticisms, the film succeeds in large part due to its strong cast, exciting action sequences, and the emotional weight of seeing old favorites back on screen. It provides a solid foundation for the new trilogy, establishing Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren as characters with deep potential for growth and development. Rey’s journey, in particular, resonates with audiences, as she embodies the themes of self-discovery, hope, and the power of the individual to shape their destiny—core ideas that have always been central to Star Wars.
The film’s emotional high point comes during the confrontation between Han Solo and Kylo Ren on Starkiller Base. The scene is both heartbreaking and shocking, as Han tries to bring his son back from the dark side, only to be met with betrayal. Kylo’s decision to kill his father is a defining moment for his character, solidifying his descent into darkness while also setting up a redemption arc that would be explored in the following films. Harrison Ford and Adam Driver deliver powerful performances in this scene, creating one of the most memorable moments in the sequel trilogy.
Another standout aspect of The Force Awakens is its diverse cast. The inclusion of a female protagonist in Rey and a Black hero in Finn brought much-needed representation to the Star Wars universe, which had traditionally been dominated by white male characters. The film also introduced Poe Dameron, played by Oscar Isaac, a charismatic pilot who quickly became a fan favorite. While Poe’s role in The Force Awakens is relatively small, his character would play a larger part in the subsequent films, and his dynamic with Finn hints at the close friendships that would define the new trilogy.