Black Panther : Wakanda Forever is simply a miracle. With COVID-19 affecting the world, and the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman, this film faced an uphill battle the likes of which many films haven’t. Miraculously, the sequel to Black Panther, and conclusion to Phase 4, pushed through all those challenges. Of course, no film is perfect. This film is no different. The runtime is quite long, and aspects of the plot in the second act are a bit confusing, but fantastic acting, beautiful cinematography, a wonderful soundtrack, wonderful characterization, and more make Wakanda Forever one of the strongest films in the MCU, and a beautiful conclusion to the themes of Phase 4; loss, grief, and learning to move on.
Learning to Grieve in Black Panther Wakanda Forever
Courtesy of Marvel Studios
The choice to not recast T’Challa was understandable, many were uncertain of not continuing the characters story. There was a worry that this film would do nothing more than exploit the death of Chadwick Boseman. Watching the film, it’s clear that is not the case, and nowhere is this more clear in the cast’s performance. While the side characters all had a strong performance in the first film, this film feels as though they are putting their whole being into their performances. When a character cries in this film, it feels more like the actors themselves are actually crying and grieving for the loss of their friend. Much like the characters they play, this film is trying to figure out how to move on from Boseman and T’Challa. Shuri in particular is the stand out, as she has been elevated to the main character of this film.
In the first film, Shuri is a comic relief. She’s funny, smart, and confident to the point of being cocky. Here, the death of T’Challa and her inability to save him shakes her to her core. She’s jaded, bitter, and a darker side to the character is present. Her journey is one everyone can relate to, as many of us have lost someone dear. Sometimes, we’re not sure how to move on or grieve, and for someone as scientific as Shuri, grief doesn’t come easy.
Moving Forward as a Kingdom
Courtesy of Marvel Studios
Of course, it’s not just Shuri learning how to move on. Angela Basset’s Ramonda also stands as a tour de force in any scene she’s in. Still, while grief affects her, she understands she can’t allow it to hold her down. M’Baku is trying to figure out how to move forward, and while Winston Duke provides comedic moments, the character also serves the purpose of trying to guide Shuri towards the second half of the film. Of course, the world sees Wakanda as vulnerable and seeks to gain their resources, some by force.
But the biggest challenge doesn’t come from the surface, rather the water. Namor and his undersea kingdom parallel Wakanda and Shuri in many ways. Both are defined by loss, and both Namor and Shuri want to make the world understand their pain and rage. Namor himself is a strong, honorable, and intimidating villain. It’s easy to understand where he is coming from, and how much care he has for his people, but unlike Shuri grows from her pain, Namor sinks further into it. The dynamic they share is fascinating, and the future to come after its conclusion is interesting.
Final Thoughts – Moving Forward
As mentioned, the film isn’t perfect. Some parts of this film could’ve been cut, and a lot seems to be included more to set up things to come in the greater MCU. Still, Ryan Coogler was able to craft a film that honors Chadwick Boseman and guides everyone through their grief. The end of this film is the perfect closing to it. It’s reflective, poignant, and quiet, and the post-credit scene forgoes setting up future MCU plot points. Rather, it wraps up the film in a beautiful way to ensure Chadwick Boseman, and T’Challa’s, legacy would live on.
Final Rating – 8/10
Check out Black Panther on DISNEY+.
Graduated from Point Park University in 2021 with a Degree of English Creative Writing.
Author of the Chronicles of a Broken World Series
Avid Nerd and Enjoyer of All Things Fun and Thoughtful
