by Alice-Ginevra Micheli, Contributing Writer
Every time a Star Wars project is announced, if it’s not part of the Skywalker Saga, you can bet there’ll be opposition to its creation. Add in there the faintest hint of “wokeness” (a.k.a. things like having a woman or LGBTQ+ main character), and it’d be safe to assume that a mountain of hate is about to land on the property — no matter its actual quality.
That’s why it’s always hard to go into these projects with a clear, unbiased mind. Whether you’re holding desperately to the past iterations of the universe, and any diversion is like a stab to the gut, or whether you’re so against rage-baiting that you go in with more optimism than might be warranted, you’re bound to err in your task. So from the outset, let me set up my bias: I am a Star Wars fan, but I wouldn’t say I’ve ever been, or will ever be, obsessed. I watched all the original and prequel movies when I was young, have watched them again a handful of times since that age, and have been keeping up with all the movies and TV shows to come out of the universe, bar the animated projects. So I guess you could say I’m well-versed, but not a stalwart.
Keeping in mind all of this, and getting back to the topic of the day, how did the latest galactic project, The Acolyte, fare upon its full release?
Featuring familiar faces like Squid Game’s Lee Jung-jae (who learned English for the role), The Hunger Games’Amandla Stenberg, and The Good Place’s Manny Jacinto, The Acolyte follows a group of Jedi as they investigate a shocking crime spree that threatens to rock the Republic by its foundations. Taking on the assistance of Stenberg’s once Padawan, now meknek, the mystery at the heart of this crime begins to unfurl, and it seems that not all is as it should be.
Set roughly 100 years before the original trilogy, this series is interested in — some might say finally — exploring the shades of grey between the stalwart black and white folds of the Jedi Knight robes. The show in an exploration of the Force and the way in which it can be wielded, as well as a questioning of whether having one order dictate extremely strict rules over its practice is in fact the best way. This is something that has often been alluded to in past stories, and maybe even mentioned, but never properly looked at in a film or television format, making this a groundbreaking series in many ways. While it still keeps to the boundaries that have to exist due to coming stories, there is definitely a flexibility given to both Jedi and Sith, and that is what helps elevate The Acolyte to a higher level.
Not only does it take the Force and its practice in a new direction, but it also plays with the labels we have all thrown around for decades, and examines them. What is a Sith? What is a Jedi? Who decides that using emotions is the path to the dark side, and living as a moodless monk is the correct way forward? It’s modern storytelling that is often found in literature, but so rarely explored on screen, and is a much-needed breath of fresh air when it comes to the vast array of content that is thrown at consumers day in and day out.
Exploring new stories in an expanded, existing, universe should be about quite literally pushing its boundaries. We should question everything that has been presented so far as fact, and see about what it means to live in shades of grey. In fact, the idea of the grey Jedi is something that has long since existed in the wider lore of Star Wars, yet unfortunately has been quite bare from screen adaptations. So it’s a pleasure to see that The Acolyte is finally starting to look at testing those boundaries, and potentially bringing more of these in-betweens to screen.
However, there are certainly stumbles, particularly when it comes to the final moments of the final episode. As this is meant to be a season of television, and not an entire miniseries, there are some threads left in the air. Some of the character turns could be seen as a little too quick, and it’s possible that this is something that will seem smoother on a rewatch. However it is noticeable enough the first time to create a halting sensation in the initial viewing experience.
On top of all of that, we have some of Star Wars’ most impressive fight choreography to date. These lightsaber battles, particularly Episode Five, are astounding in their ingenuity and ability to build tension, as well as their generally thrilling nature. Not just because of the fun uses of the Force, or moments of heightened gymnastics present on screen, but also because of who the characters are, and who they might be. It’s not always clear who the audience is meant to be rooting for — a lot of that has to do with the individual person and where their values might lie, both in fiction, and in real life. It really is an interesting experience as a viewer, again elevating this story beyond the Star Wars that has been standard now for years.
Finally, the performances being brought to the table in this series are seriously first class. Lee’s Jedi Master starts out as the most noble archetype you can expect in this kind of story, and slowly builds to be more nuanced and three-dimensional, with a lot of intrigue behind his existence. On that specific note, Stenberg’s exercise in character really sets the bar to a level that should be studied. Taking on two very specific types of performance, it would have been very easy for them to go over the top and chew the scenery at every possible turn. Instead, she delivers a subtle experience that results in these sides truly seeming individual. If you didn’t know better, you’d think they were two different people.
While there are other fantastic deliveries like Dafne Keen’s Jecki, and Carrie-Anne Moss’ Indara, who have quickly cemented themselves as characters that are sure to be loved, and cosplayed for years to come, I would be remiss not mention the stunning act by Jacinto. While I can’t go into too much detail, he is probably my favorite character to be introduced in Star Wars in a long time. Multidimensional, complex, and extremely entertaining to watch, by the time season one comes to its end, the story has only just begun to scratch the surface of his potential. Jacinto has very much taken all the goodwill built up during his tenure on The Good Place,and is now going in a direction that would be worth seeing play out.
The Acolyte was one of the most surprising entries into the Star Wars echelon, and one that I very much invite with open arms. It’s surprising, modern, exciting, and has left open some of the most interesting questions to explore across this galaxy than many of its other counterparts combined. The best way to describe it is that this show is to the Force, and the mysticism behind its wielding, what Andor is to the universe’s political intrigue and conspiracy. Its existence can only help evolve the galaxy, and I very much can’t wait to see more.
Rating: Loved It
The Acolyte is currently streaming on Disney+
You can read more from Alice-Ginevra Micheli, and follow her on Instagram and Letterboxd