Dark Phoenix is a movie that will make you gasp in awe and gasp in disbelief. A mutant with extraordinary abilities struggles to overcome the trauma of her past. This movie, directed by Simon Kinberg, is the final chapter of the X-Men saga under the leadership of Charles Xavier. The story follows Jean Grey, a mutant who grapples with the consequences of absorbing a powerful energy source.
In 1975, young Jean Grey experiences a traumatic car accident that kills both of her parents. Charles Xavier offers his help by bringing her to Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, a school for mutants. The school is designed to help Jean learn how to control and develop her abilities. Xavier promises to teach Jean how to use her powers for good.
Years later, in 1992, the U.S. government asks the X-Men to rescue astronauts in space. Jean is one of the members sent to help. During the mission, Jean is exposed to the same energy source that she absorbed during her car crash, but this time it amplifies her powers. Unfortunately, her emotional state deteriorates, and she unintentionally unleashes her powers on her team members.
Jean’s personal turmoil grows, and her power amplifies further. Raven expresses concern about Xavier’s seemingly dangerous approach with Jean. Sometime later, Jean loses control of her powers, and Xavier blocks her memories to help restore her to peace. However, the block is broken due to the trauma suffered by Jean. The resulting chaos leads to Raven’s demise and Jean’s escape.
The X-Men find Jean and try to help her, but she attacks them and runs away. Jean ends up in Genosha, home to Lehnsherr and his group of mutants. When the military arrives to arrest Jean, she fights back and is rescued by Vuk, the leader of the D’Bari alien race. Vuk explains to Jean that the energy source that she absorbed long ago destroyed her planet. Vuk then offers to help Jean master her powers.
As the X-Men track down Jean, McCoy blames Xavier for Raven’s death, and Kurt Wagner reads the plan of Lehnsherr. As a result, a clash between two mutant factions becomes unavoidable. Lehnsherr tries to kill Jean, but Xavier intervenes, attempting to help her remember who she once was. Jean feels remorseful and tries to transfer her powers to Vuk. However, Charles realizes that in doing so, Jean will die, and Vuk will dominate the world with her power. Xavier must decide what to do next.
While Dark Phoenix is part of the X-Men series, it fails to create a smooth transition between the events of the previous movie, Apocalypse. Many of the details and explanations about Jean’s transformation into Dark Phoenix are left unaddressed and incomplete. The plot has too many holes and often feels too simplistic.
Aside from the weak script, the movie’s visuals are top-notch. This is where the film shines, even though it falls short in terms of storytelling. Overall, it’s worth watching for fans of the series, but it might leave casual viewers feeling underwhelmed.
In conclusion, Dark Phoenix is a fantastic conclusion to the X-Men saga but falls short in terms of storytelling. Fans of the series will appreciate the fireworks on display in this final chapter, but others should brace themselves for underdeveloped plot points and missed opportunities. If you’re looking for a visually stunning film with impressive cinematography that tells a simple story while wrapping up the X-Men franchise, then Dark Phoenix might be the right film for you.
