“God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31 NRSV) The joy of the natural world and creation rings through James Cameron’s sequel to Avatar, the biggest movie of all time. As a science-fiction epic, Avatar: The Way of Water takes a cue from The Empire Strikes Back and Cameron’s own past sequels, including Terminator 2: Judgment Day, to provide a bigger, darker, and more family-focused expansion on its predecessor. It’s a film of massive emotional storytelling, told with cutting-edge technology and a master’s attention to detail in worldbuilding and action filmmaking. The film is a visual delight. But that delight extends beyond mere spectacle.
The film’s themes about oneness with the natural world incorporate Pagan and Eastern spiritual themes but also takes a cue from Genesis in its joy at the marvel of creation and plea to be good stewards of the earth. Few films have as reverent a love for creation, perhaps ironic for a film composed almost entirely of digital imagery and set on a moon in another solar system. But such is the beauty of cinema: a vision of a faraway world can help us cherish and care for our own. — Aren Bergstrom (3 Brothers Film)
Arts & Faith Lists:
2022 Arts & Faith Ecumenical Jury — #5