🎬 Movie Review: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
“Without the king… can the kingdom rise?”‘
Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is not just a superhero sequel — it’s a somber, deeply emotional tribute to Chadwick Boseman, who portrayed T’Challa with unmatched grace. Director Ryan Coogler delivers a story that blends grief, geopolitics, and myth into one of the most mature and grounded entries in the MCU to date.
The film opens with T’Challa’s off-screen death and the mourning of an entire nation. The void left behind becomes both the emotional core and the driving conflict of the film. Princess Shuri (Letitia Wright) steps reluctantly into the spotlight, her character arc turning from genius sidekick to reluctant protector. Her journey through rage, science, faith, and legacy is powerful — perhaps the strongest emotional arc in the film.
A major highlight is the introduction of Namor, played by Tenoch Huerta, the ruler of the underwater kingdom Talokan. Unlike traditional villains, Namor is not driven by chaos but by protection of his people and the fear of colonization. His underwater empire is stunning, mysterious, and haunting — visually a triumph and thematically rich. His clash with Wakanda feels inevitable and symbolic: two hidden civilizations forced into conflict by a world that seeks to exploit them.
The film’s action scenes are intense, well-choreographed, and beautifully scored by Ludwig Göransson, whose soundtrack continues to fuse African and Mesoamerican cultural rhythms. But what truly carries the film is its emotional weight — from Queen Ramonda’s (Angela Bassett) heartbreaking speeches to Shuri’s inner battles with vengeance and identity.
Coogler doesn’t rush to replace T’Challa — instead, he meditates on loss. The film dares to slow down, to cry, and to ask big questions about leadership, legacy, and who gets to shape the future. While not all subplots land perfectly (some CIA-related scenes feel out of place), the heart of the story is unwavering.
Final Verdict: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a powerful blend of action, mythology, and emotional catharsis. It honors Chadwick Boseman with reverence and opens the door to a bold future, where grief can transform into growth — and where Wakanda continues to lead not by force, but by example.
