When Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker premiered in December 2019, it carried the immense responsibility of concluding the Skywalker saga — a story spanning more than four decades and nine films. Directed by J.J. Abrams, the film had to resolve multiple storylines introduced across the sequel trilogy, honor the legacy of the original trilogy, and provide a satisfying conclusion to one of cinema’s most beloved epic narratives.
The Rise of Skywalker is a film that blends action, nostalgia, and resolution, while wrestling with the themes of identity, redemption, and the eternal struggle between light and dark. It is a story about legacy — both the weight of the past and the power of choice — and about the enduring hope that even in the darkest moments, heroes can rise.
Picking Up the Pieces
The Rise of Skywalker opens with the galaxy in turmoil. The First Order, under the leadership of Supreme Leader Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), is consolidating power, preparing to crush the Resistance once and for all. Yet a shocking revelation rocks the galaxy: Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), long thought dead after his defeat on Death Star II, has returned, commanding a massive fleet known as the Final Order from the hidden Sith world of Exegol.
This revelation raises the stakes exponentially. The Resistance, already diminished and scattered, now faces not only Kylo Ren and the First Order but the terrifying might of the Emperor himself. Rey (Daisy Ridley), the last hope of the Jedi, must confront Palpatine’s legacy while reconciling her own mysterious origins and forging her destiny.
Rey’s Journey: Identity, Power, and Choice
At the heart of The Rise of Skywalker is Rey’s journey. Over the course of the sequel trilogy, she has evolved from a scavenger on Jakku into a powerful Force-sensitive hero. In this final chapter, Rey confronts the most personal and defining questions of her life: Who is she? Where does she come from? And what does it mean to bear the power of the Jedi?
Rey’s path is complicated by a shocking truth: she is the granddaughter of Emperor Palpatine. This revelation initially shakes her confidence, as she fears that the darkness within her bloodline will define her. Yet Rey’s journey is not predetermined by lineage. Instead, the film emphasizes a key Star Wars principle: destiny is shaped by choice, not birthright. Through her trials, Rey chooses to reject the dark side and embrace her role as a Jedi, affirming that courage, compassion, and selflessness define a hero — not family ties.
Rey’s struggle is mirrored in Kylo Ren, her counterpart and adversary. Born Ben Solo, he has wrestled with the pull of darkness throughout the trilogy. The duality of their journeys — Rey confronting darkness from outside, Kylo confronting darkness from within — creates a compelling tension that drives the narrative forward.
Kylo Ren: The Complexity of Redemption
Kylo Ren’s arc in The Rise of Skywalker is one of the film’s most emotionally resonant elements. Following his betrayal of Supreme Leader Snoke in The Last Jedi, Kylo now commands the First Order. Yet beneath the mask and armor, Ben Solo remains conflicted. He struggles with guilt over the atrocities he has committed and the death of his father, Han Solo, and is torn between power and redemption.
Rey’s presence challenges Kylo’s allegiance to the dark side. Through their Force connection — a bond that transcends distance and physical space — she reaches him in ways no one else can. Their interactions culminate in a climactic moment of choice: Kylo Ren sheds the darkness and reclaims his identity as Ben Solo, turning against the First Order to aid Rey. This redemption arc is central to the film’s thematic core, emphasizing that even the most lost souls can choose the light.
The Threat of Palpatine and the Final Order
No Star Wars saga would be complete without an ultimate villain, and The Rise of Skywalker reintroduces Emperor Palpatine as the embodiment of the dark side. His return is both literal and symbolic: the physical manifestation of the darkness that has haunted the galaxy since the rise of the Sith. Palpatine’s plan is to use Rey as a vessel to restore Sith power and dominate the galaxy with his Final Order fleet.
Palpatine’s presence escalates the stakes, forcing the Resistance and Rey to confront not just a political or military threat but the metaphysical and philosophical embodiment of evil. His role also reinforces a recurring Star Wars theme: the cyclical nature of conflict, and the enduring struggle between light and dark across generations.
The Resistance Strikes Back
While Rey and Kylo confront the Force-related threats, the Resistance faces a desperate struggle against overwhelming odds. General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) continues to lead with wisdom and courage, guiding the remnants of the Resistance through strategic retreats and daring attacks. Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), Finn (John Boyega), and newcomer characters such as Zorii Bliss and Jannah play vital roles in keeping the Resistance alive.
The film balances grand space battles with personal stakes. The Resistance must not only survive but inspire hope across the galaxy. These sequences, particularly the final assault on Exegol, showcase Star Wars’ signature blend of spectacle and heroism, creating a thrilling backdrop for the emotional resolutions unfolding elsewhere.
Legacy and Resolution: The Skywalker Saga Comes Full Circle
The Rise of Skywalker is, at its core, a story about legacy. It is the culmination of a multi-generational saga spanning Anakin Skywalker’s rise and fall, Luke Skywalker’s triumphs and doubts, and the new heroes who must inherit their legacy. The film weaves together old and new, ensuring that characters from the original trilogy — Luke, Leia, Han Solo — remain central to the narrative while passing the torch to Rey, Finn, and Poe.
Luke’s final appearance is poignant. Appearing as a Force projection during the battle on Exegol, he provides the Resistance with hope and inspiration, even though he sacrifices his physical life. His projection embodies the Jedi principle that even in death, one can guide and protect others through the Force. Luke’s passing signals the end of the original heroes’ era, cementing Rey as the new symbol of hope and the last Jedi.
Leia’s death is equally impactful. Though she passes early in the story, her guidance and presence are felt throughout the film. Carrie Fisher’s performance, enhanced posthumously with unreleased footage from previous films, ensures that Leia’s legacy — as a leader, warrior, and symbol of hope — remains central to the story.
The Climactic Battle: Rey vs. Palpatine
The climax of The Rise of Skywalker brings Rey face-to-face with Palpatine on Exegol. Here, the film blends spectacle with symbolism. The Emperor, seemingly invincible, draws upon the power of past Sith and Dark Side energies, intending to consume Rey and dominate the galaxy.
Yet Rey is not alone. Through the Force, she channels the strength of Jedi from across history, drawing on the wisdom and courage of those who came before her — including Anakin, Luke, Obi-Wan, and Yoda. This sequence embodies the saga’s central message: the Force is not an individual power but a legacy shared across generations. Rey’s triumph over Palpatine, achieved through unity and hope, signifies the final victory of light over darkness.
In this moment, she embraces her identity fully, choosing to honor the Skywalker legacy by adopting the name Rey Skywalker, symbolizing her connection to the heroes who inspired her journey, even though she is not biologically related to them.
Themes and Symbolism
The Rise of Skywalker explores multiple thematic layers, reinforcing the philosophical and mythic depth of Star Wars:
- Choice vs. Destiny: Rey’s and Ben’s arcs highlight that identity and destiny are shaped by choices rather than lineage. Bloodlines matter less than actions, a recurring Star Wars principle reinforced throughout the sequel trilogy.
- Redemption: Ben Solo’s transformation back from Kylo Ren underscores the saga’s central theme: that redemption is possible even for those who have fallen far. The film repeatedly emphasizes that light exists even in the darkest hearts.
- Legacy and Continuity: The film celebrates the Skywalker saga while passing the torch to new heroes. Rey, Finn, and Poe inherit not just responsibility but also hope and ideals, demonstrating the power of mentorship and inspiration.
- Hope in Despair: Through the Resistance’s struggles and Rey’s journey, the film reinforces the idea that hope persists even in dire circumstances. Star Wars has always been a story of optimism in the face of overwhelming odds, and this film closes the saga on that note.
Criticism and Reception
The Rise of Skywalker received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. Praise focused on its visual spectacle, fast-paced action, and the emotional resolution of key character arcs. Critics, however, noted that the film’s dense plotting, reliance on nostalgia, and occasional narrative shortcuts left some storylines feeling rushed or underdeveloped.
Despite these criticisms, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide. It also completed the nine-film Skywalker saga, giving fans a definitive conclusion to decades of storytelling.
Final Thoughts
Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker is more than a conclusion; it is a celebration of the saga itself. It brings closure to the journeys of Luke, Leia, and Han while passing the torch to a new generation of heroes in Rey, Finn, and Poe. The film balances epic battles with deeply personal arcs, offering a story of hope, redemption, and the enduring struggle between light and dark.
While it may not satisfy every fan, it succeeds in one of the most difficult tasks in cinematic history: honoring the past while forging a new path. The Rise of Skywalker reminds us that heroism is not defined by destiny alone but by the choices we make, the courage we summon, and the hope we carry forward.
As Rey gazes out over the twin suns, carrying the name of the Skywalkers, the saga concludes with a promise: the galaxy may always face darkness, but light will rise again — and the story, much like hope itself, endures.
