The DC Cinematic Universe hasn’t had the smoothest path to success. With only one critical triumph—2017’s Wonder Woman—and underwhelming box-office numbers, Warner Bros. needed a big win to launch the post-Justice League phase of the series.
Enter James Wan (The Conjuring), a director most commonly associated with the horror genre, who transitioned to blockbuster franchise filmmaking with Furious 7 in 2015.
As development was underway, Wan teased the scale of the film and its groundbreaking visual effects, stoking interest in how the world of Atlantis could be achieved on-screen.
Set one year after the events of Justice League, Aquaman tells the story of Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa), the half-human/half-Atlantean son of Queen Atlanna (Nicole Kidman) and Thomas Curry (Temuera Morrison), a lighthouse keeper who saves Atlanna during a violent storm.
During his childhood, he becomes aware of the abilities he has acquired through his heritage, and receives training from Atlantean advisor Nuidis Vulko (Willem Dafoe). As an adult, he faces threats from within the kingdom and without, from the duplicitous King Orm (Patrick Wilson)—Arthur’s half-brother—who conspires to wage war on humanity, to David Kane/Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), a mercenary with a personal grudge.
All things considered, Aquaman is one of the stronger DC adaptations. Justice League felt torn between being serious and goofy, but Aquaman confidently embraces its cheesy side.
This success is also due to Momoa, whose warrior physique and manner practically dares you to make those classic Aquaman jokes.
His brand of serious fits the “high-seas epic” tone the movie strives for, and never feels excessively bleak, which is a common criticism of these films—one I don’t fully agree with.
The supporting cast are all strong actors, including Amber Heard as Princess Mera, but Wilson and Abdul-Mateen II do standout work with their more interesting villains.
The visual effects and cinematography are the real heroes of the film. Some shots are absolutely breathtaking, and the underwater worlds are rendered beautifully, leaving you wondering how Wan’s team achieved them.
At two hours and 23 minutes, the pacing does drag sometimes, but that also depends on your mileage for the classic epics that Aquaman tries to emulate.
If you’re not a fan of the cornier, weirder side of DC, you may also be put off by some of the characters and visuals you’ll see in this film. But if you’re in the mood for a silly, gorgeous adventure, Aquaman checks that box.
Illustration by: Jasmine Foong
