Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Ryan Coogler writes and directs the sequel to his very successful Black Panther. Wakanda is still in mourning over the death of King T’Challa and this is not all the nation has to deal with, as we find Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett) at the United Nations challenging those targeting Wakanda’s outreach locations looking to secure stocks of vibranium. However, when a seam is found in the ocean those looking to find it are met by a mysterious people who rise from the sea under the command of their leader, Namor (Tenoch Huerta). This brings new problems for Wakanda and it falls on the young shoulders of Shuri (Letitia Wright), who while trying to deal with the loss of her brother now has to forge a path for the future of Wakanda.

This is not a traditional Marvel film. In fact it’s the traditional Marvel bits that are where it is at its weakest. Rather it’s a grown up story that explores loss and grief and in doing so delivers a touching tribute to the sad loss of its former leading man.

From its touching opening (including the opening credits) the film does an excellent job of balancing how loss impacts people. We have Shuri’s hurt, anguish and anger. Ramonda who tries to hide her hurt, but it surfaces time and again all handled thoughtfully. It also explores other grown up themes such as the greed of powerful nations and their eagerness to pillage others for their resources and the pointless nature of superpowers doing battle.

The film is full of strong performances Luptia Nyong’o, Danai Gurira and Winston Duke all shine next to Wright and Bassett who are the stories heart.

It’s not perfect, it’s too long (although doesn’t drag) and there are misses in its more traditional Marvel elements with some plot points and characters feeling forced and unnecessary.

Wakanda forever is not your traditional Marvel film. Rather it’s a thoughtful and heartfelt look at loss. For those wanting traditional superhero fare, this isn’t it. Instead Marvel have chosen to tell a grown up story and it felt better for it.