The latest addition to the Avatar franchise, Avatar: The Way of Water, has recently been released and people have been flocking to the theaters in hopes of satisfying their craving for nostalgia and to catch another glimpse into James Cameron’s imagination. Although this film is quite long, running at 3 hours and 12 minutes, Cameron’s world building, attention to detail, and exhilarating plot makes it worth the wait.  

In this film, we return to Pandora where Jake Sully tells the audience about the family he raised with his wife, Neytiri, which includes two daughters, one of which is adopted, and two sons. The audience watches as they grow up, make memories, handle conflicts, and other typical issues. 

However, he explains how this life was ripped away from them when the humans, also known as “sky people,” returned to colonize the planet. Soon, the forest clan of the Avatar people are locked in battle with the humans for territory and resources, and the Avatar are successful in their attempts. However, Miles Quaritch, the colonel that Sully killed in the previous movie, has returned in the form of an Avatar and the only thing on his mind is revenge.  

Realizing that Colonel Quaritch is targeting his family, Sully decides to leave his clan for their safety, and join a water clan of Avatar located on a small island. They are forced to adapt to a completely new way of life and form relationships with strangers. Although the family struggles, they eventually find joy and purpose in their new life. 

Unfortunately, the relentless, bloodthirsty Colonel eventually locates their general area and begins destroying neighboring islands and wildlife to draw them out. Once he captures Sully’s children, the humans and Avatar are once again locked in intense battle. Despite their terrifying, heart wrenching struggles, the family learns to work together to defeat the Colonel and escape with their lives. 

Although this is a lengthy film, I highly recommend that you see it in theaters. Not only is it visually stunning, but it also has a bittersweet plot. I cried during this movie because I became so invested in their family relationships and their losses. The entire movie is a surreal experience that will leave you in shock.