Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is a 2023 American superhero film based on the DC Comics character Aquaman, serving as a sequel to the 2018 film. Directed by James Wan, the movie sees Arthur Curry, also known as Aquaman, navigating his dual roles as the King of Atlantis and a new father. The central plot revolves around Aquaman's efforts to thwart Black Manta, who, fueled by revenge, acquires the powerful Black Trident and threatens to unleash an ancient, malevolent force upon the world, causing environmental catastrophe. To combat this formidable enemy, Aquaman forms an unlikely alliance with his imprisoned half-brother, Orm, as they embark on a dangerous adventure to save their kingdoms and the surface world.
Concerns
Violence
HighThe movie contains frequent and intense sci-fi violence, including extensive physical combat, weapons use, large-scale battles, and graphic threats. Several scenes depict characters in peril, including a baby, and there are explicit descriptions of injury and death.
The film features 'non-stop scenes of physical combat involving punching, kicking, and tossing,' with characters attacked using 'firearms, bladed weapons, and fantasy weapons.' Black Manta viciously stabs Aquaman's father through the chest and kidnaps baby Arthur Jr., who is later seen crying and threatened with a dagger. Intense battles include 'multiple decapitations' during a monster army attack.
Witchcraft & Occult
HighThe narrative prominently features dark magic, ancient curses, and demonic possession. The main villain, Black Manta, is influenced and possessed by an evil entity linked to a cursed trident, which uses blood magic and transforms beings into monsters.
The Black Trident, an 'instrument of evil' crafted by Kordax using 'dark magic,' possesses Black Manta and transforms his people into monsters. Kordax's spirit tries to possess anyone who touches the Black Trident, making their eyes glow green. Black Manta performs a 'magic ritual' by cutting his own hand with a knife.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe film contains numerous frightening images, intense sequences, and disturbing creatures. These elements include demonic-looking monsters, life-threatening situations for main characters and a baby, and dark, suspenseful environments, drawing inspiration from horror cinema.
The movie features 'creepy monsters' like 'skeletal zombies' and 'clawed/tentacled sea creatures' which may frighten younger viewers. Black Manta kidnaps Aquaman's infant son, Arthur Jr., leading to a tense scene where the baby is shown crying and is nearly stabbed with a dagger. Arthur's father is brutally stabbed through the chest by Black Manta during a home invasion.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe film features Indya Moore, an openly transgender and non-binary actor, in the role of Karshon, a classic DC villain portrayed as a half-human shark. While the actor's identity brings LGBTQ+ representation to the film's cast, there is no explicit LGBTQ+ thematic content or character identity explored within the narrative or dialogue of the movie itself, based on available reviews.
Indya Moore, a transgender and non-binary actor known for their role in 'Pose,' was cast as the character Karshon in 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.' Karshon is depicted as a half-human shark with psychic powers, a villain from DC Comics. While the casting contributes to LGBTQ+ representation in the film's production, the character's storyline within the movie does not explicitly feature LGBTQ+ themes or identity.
Profanity
MediumThe film includes moderate profanity, consistent with a PG-13 rating. Reviewers noted the use of several mild to strong curse words, including an implied 'F-word' and other expletives.
The movie contains various curse words such as 'Ass,' 'Frickin,' 'Dick bag,' 'Crap,' 'Son of a bitch,' 'Shit,' 'Suck,' 'Asses and asshole,' 'Piss,' 'Hell,' 'Bastard,' and 'Stupid.' A 'cut off use of the word, “Fuck”' is also heard.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe film showcases a recurring theme of sibling rivalry and mild disrespect between Aquaman and Orm. Their interactions often involve sarcastic banter and bickering, although it evolves into a reluctant alliance to save the world.
Aquaman and Orm frequently engage in sarcastic comments and 'bickering' during their forced collaboration, reflecting their past animosity and differing approaches. Aquaman displays a 'big bro noogie vibe' and a playful mood that often 'grates on the contemplative, and quite reasonably angry, Orm.'
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumWhile there is no direct mockery or criticism of Christian beliefs, the film's central antagonist, Kordax, and his use of 'dark magic' and 'possession' with the Black Trident, has been noted by some Christian review outlets as having 'allusions to the biblical story of Satan.' This thematic resonance, rather than explicit content, may be a concern for some Christian viewers.
The film features the ancient evil entity Kordax, who 'resorted to dark magic' and created the Black Trident, subsequently transforming his followers into 'monsters.' Movieguide notes that the film contains 'allusions to the biblical story of Satan,' referring to the narrative's depiction of a powerful evil entity and its influence.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowRomantic and sexual content is minimal. The film briefly shows Aquaman's wife giving birth, with the naked newborn depicted, and Aquaman is frequently shown bare-chested. There are no explicit sexual acts, nudity intended for sexualization, or suggestive dialogue.
Aquaman's wife, Mera, gives birth underwater, and their naked newborn son, Arthur Jr., is briefly seen upon his birth. Additionally, Aquaman (Jason Momoa) is often shown shirtless, displaying his bare chest, a common element for the character.
Substance Use
LowSubstance use is infrequent and mild, primarily involving the casual consumption of alcohol by adult characters. There are no depictions of illegal drug use or substance abuse.
Aquaman (Arthur Curry) and his father, Tom Curry, are shown frequently sharing beers together. In a bar located in the Sunken Citadel, various 'hammerhead shark creatures' and other patrons are seen drinking 'strange substances' and 'unusual-looking drinks.'
Other Notes
Target Demographic
PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi violence and action, some language, and frightening images. Based on parental and educator reviews, a recommendation for ages 13 and older is appropriate due to the intensity of combat, scary creatures, thematic elements of revenge and dark magic, and occasional strong language. Younger children may find certain scenes and monsters too disturbing.
Additional Notes
The film underwent significant reshoots and edits, reportedly reducing the screen time of Mera (Amber Heard) and altering certain plot points from earlier cuts, including removing a potential appearance by Bruce Wayne. Director James Wan stated the film was intended as a 'bromance action-adventure' focusing on Aquaman and Orm's relationship. The sequel is described as having a slightly more serious tone than the first Aquaman film, but still retains its blend of action and humor.
Related Reviews
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