The end of the generation-defining Skywalker Saga is upon us with the upcoming release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and a final trailer has dropped that plays on the finality of this closing chapter in a story that has impacted the lives of so many, including my own.
Though plot details are sparse, which is, of course, a good thing in today’s climate of trailers being riddled with spoilers, the emotional gut-punch of this trailer couldn’t be more explicit. Never did I imagine that it would be C-3PO who would make me uncontrollably sob at a Star Wars trailer, yet the perfectly poignant delivery of “Taking one last look, sir. At my friends” by actor Anthony Daniels has left me and presumably thousands of other Star Wars fanatics an emotional wreck. Although there is more Star Wars content on the way in the form of other trilogies and TV shows, it truly is the last time we will get to see characters who’ve spanned generations like C-3PO, R2-D2, Chewbacca but most importantly Princess Leia, where, in a touching turn, the sorely missed Carrie Fisher has received the film’s top billing.
Equally, this trailer is focused on the here and now of the sequel trilogy story and the new generation of heroes, Rey, Finn and Poe. As Finn’s voiceover states that “the force brought us together”, this trio of heroes seem set to finally command the screen together and it is one of the most exciting prospects of the film to see them all share the screen.
Of course, one can’t forget Kylo Ren, the complex, nuanced villain played by Adam Driver, who’s fate seems intrinsically linked to Daisy Ridley’s Rey. Shots of their face-off on the ruins of the Death Star look stunning, especially as he emerges from the fog, lightsaber ignited, his voiceover telling Rey he’s the only one who knows her. Where their relationship will go nobody can quite tell, but it is certainly key to how the Skywalker Saga will end. Having also slightly expanded on the re-appearance of The Emperor in this final film, the trailer hints at a showdown between Ren, Rey and The Emperor, but as to how or why this will happen thankfully remains a mystery.
Whatever journey the story may take, it is worth noting just how irresistibly well-made The Rise of Skywalker looks. Some of the visuals are absolutely beautiful, particularly shots of TIE Fighters approaching a glacier, a Star Destroyer emerging from crashing waves and of our heroes riding into battle together. Combined with a triumphant, final tinker of the iconic score by John Williams, everything in this film truly feels like it’s going to be the perfect amalgamation of a story that as the trailer states “will live forever”.
With The Rise of Skywalker slated for a December 19th release and having already outsold Avengers: Endgame in initial ticket sales, there’s no denying that this truly is the film event of the year.
Words by Elliott Jones