Striking cold-open aside, the first half feels clunky and even dull at times. Post-retrieval picks things up with violent tension (see the mine scene) and emotional character work (see Paul’s solo soul journey) but it’s difficult to parse out all the character motivations and plot threads in the chaos. In the end, its compelling, complex themes (past into present day war[s], greed on top of racial tension) and powerful symbolism (see Norman’s almost Christ-like figure) leave plenty to chew on.
6
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