A new chapter unfolds with Disney+’s latest Star Wars spinoff, The Acolyte. Unlike previous installments, this series is set roughly a century before the events of the films, offers a refreshing take on the path of Jedi-versus-Sith narratives. Starring Amandla Stenberg as Osha and her twin Mae.
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The Acolyte premiered on Disney+ on June 4, 2024 and features four episodes, each lasting approximately 40 minutes.
The Acolyte series is created by Leslye Headland and it is set during the twilight of the High Republic era, a time when the Jedi were at the peak of their power and influence.
Amandla Stenberg as Osha and Mae, The former Padawan turned outer-ship repair “meknik” and her twin sister who becomes a Jedi killer.
Lee Jung-jae as Sol, Osha’s former Jedi master who assists her in tracking down Mae. Charlie Barnett as Yord, A Jedi Knight whose role in the narrative feels underdeveloped.
Manny Jacinto as Qimir, A criminal supplier who adds a touch of humor. Carrie-Anne Moss as Indara, A hard-eyed Jedi master.
The Acolyte series opener directed by Headland makes it clear that the Jedi, traditionally seen as scrappy underdogs are now the entrenched establishment.
The Acolyte follows Osha, a former Padawan, as she teams up with her old master, Sol, to track down her twin sister, Mae, who is on a mission to kill Jedi. Mae’s actions have political implications, but the series focuses more on the personal toll of her vendetta.
The show goes into the murky waters of power, morality, and justice. As Osha uncovers the truth about her past and her sister’s motivations.
This is epitomized by their mother’s assertion, “This is not about good or bad. It’s about power and who gets to wield it.”
The episode 1 introduces Osha and Mae, setting the stage for their conflicted journey. The episode 3 Directed by Kogonada, this standout episode focuses on a coven persecuted by the Jedi.
The series’ action sequences are inspired by Hong Kong cinema featuring wuxia-style combat that blends martial arts with Jedi powers.
This is evident from the opening brawl in a bar, where Mae engages in a dazzling display of Force-augmented martial arts.
The Acolyte series integrates elements from the Star Wars universe without relying on overt references to the Skywalkers or other iconic characters. This helps it establish its own identity within the franchise.
By setting the story a century before the films, The Acolyte offers a fresh take on the Star Wars universe, exploring the Jedi at the height of their power.
The Acolyte series excels in portraying morally ambiguous characters. Osha and Mae’s journey challenges the traditional binary of light versus dark making them compelling protagonists.
The practical sets and location shoots add a sense of realism and depth, distinguishing The Acolyte from other Star Wars shows that relied heavily on LED screens.
Some characters, like Yord and Qimir are underutilized and lack depth. The narrative sometimes struggles to balance its large ensemble cast.
Following the acclaimed Andor, The Acolyte may feel less ambitious in terms of character depth and thematic complexity.
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The Acolyte series, while engaging doesn’t quite reach the same level of emotional resonance. The mystery at the heart of the series unfolds gradually, but some viewers might find the pacing slow and the plot points less impactful compared to other Star Wars offerings.
The Acolyte is set a century before the events of The Phantom Menace, a time when the galaxy was largely at peace. The era is characterized by the harmonious existence of the Galactic Republic, maintained by the Jedi.
The Acolyte series opens with a high-octane duel between a mysterious warrior and a Jedi in a gritty, familiar Star Wars setting.
The warrior revealed to be Mae (played by Amandla Stenberg), challenges her opponent openly, displaying Force abilities.
Amandla Stenberg shines in dual roles, portraying both Mae and her twin sister, Osha. Mae, equipped with ninja-like skills and a deadly resolve is on a mission to eliminate Jedi.
Osha, on the other hand is a former Jedi Padawan turned starship mechanic, who becomes embroiled in the hunt for her sister.
The narrative introduces Osha’s former master, Sol (Lee Jung-jae), who senses something amiss with the Jedi’s assessment of Mae. The revelation of Osha and Mae’s twin connection believed to have been severed by a fire.
Stenberg’s portrayal of Mae highlights a complex, prickly relationship with her underworld ally, Qimir (Manny Jacinto). Osha’s interactions with her former Jedi master and new allies including the ghostly Jecki (Dafne Keen), add depth to her character.
The Acolyte incorporates classic Star Wars tropes including iconic scene transitions and catchphrases that fans will recognize.
The series leans into familiar themes and visual cues creating a sense of continuity with the larger Star Wars saga.
While the series promises kinetic action sequences and a fresh take on the Jedi, it occasionally feels weighed down by its own lore.
Unlike Ahsoka which builds on pre-existing stories from The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Rebels, The Acolyte stands as a fresh narrative, free from the burden of continuity.
This freedom allows for a new exploration of the Star Wars universe though it also risks feeling disconnected from the established lore.
While The Acolyte has gained praise for its fresh take on the Star Wars universe and it has also faced criticism for its execution.
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