The Acolyte: A Fresh Take on the Star Wars Universe

The Acolyte brings a refreshing new spin to the Star Wars franchise.

The latest Disney+ series, The Acolyte, has finally arrived, and critics are raving about its unique take on the Star Wars universe. Set around 100 years before the events of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, this show is even more prequel than the prequels, offering a fascinating exploration of the High Republic era.

Starring Amandla Stenberg in dual roles, the plot follows twin sisters representing both sides of the Force, allowing for a portrayal of dark and light that’s not exactly black and white. Most reviews point out how different the series is while still being Star Wars enough for the fans, but it’s far from perfect.

It’s an exciting breath of fresh air I didn’t know I needed, and offers us something at once familiar but also genuinely unexpected. - Bryan Young, Slashfilm

The Acolyte combines the classical elements that give Star Wars an evergreen appeal with new additions to the canon. It feels like it exists in that same universe and feels like the Jedi are finally on the edge of the precipice that will lead them to a path of destruction thanks to the Sith’s grand plan.

Amandla Stenberg shines in her dual role as Osha and Mae.

The performance of Amandla Stenberg playing a dual role of both Osha and Mae respectively is flawless. Lee Jung-jae also contributes by bringing a raw vulnerability that balances the series.

The fight scenes are just unbelievable. It has the flavor of Hong Kong action cinema but with a distinctly Star Wars twist - punches and parries augmented with Jedi abilities that block and throw with unseen power.

The action sequences are a highlight of the show.

While the glossiness of this barely used universe takes a little getting used to, the livery remains distinctly Star Wars. The Acolyte does not throw out the Star Wars playbook entirely. It’s faithful to the charms that have carried this series for so many decades: strange planets, weird creatures, lightsaber battles with a fresh wuxia flair.

However, some critics have noted that the series suffers from a near absence of compelling characters and some dramatic lapses of subtlety. The characters here are thinly drawn, often weighed down by overly functional dialogue.

Despite its flaws, The Acolyte is a refreshing departure from the typical lasers and lightsaber battles. It’s practically the inverse of Andor; where that show eschews the supernatural in favor of foot soldiers, The Acolyte goes all-in on the Jedi order and its Force-wielding space wizards.

The Acolyte is a promising start to a new era of Star Wars storytelling.

In conclusion, The Acolyte is a promising start to a new era of Star Wars storytelling. It’s a show that will lay the groundwork for storytelling and from graphic novel to TV adaptation under the Star Wars umbrella. With its unique take on the franchise, stunning action sequences, and standout performances, The Acolyte is definitely worth checking out.