Wonder Woman 1984 (2020), directed by Patty Jenkins, is the sequel to the 2017 hit Wonder Woman, once again starring Gal Gadot as Diana Prince, the iconic superhero. Set in the 1980s, the film dives deeper into Diana’s life and her struggle with both personal and external challenges, while continuing to explore her powers and moral compass.
The story takes place in 1984, during the height of the Cold War, and centers around Diana, who is now living in Washington, D.C., working at the Smithsonian Institute and keeping a low profile. Despite her incredible abilities, she remains somewhat isolated, still mourning the loss of her beloved Steve Trevor (Chris Pine), who died during the events of the first film.
The plot kicks off when Diana crosses paths with Barbara Minerva (Kristen Wiig), a shy, awkward geologist who secretly longs for power and confidence. Barbara, along with Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal), a charismatic yet dangerous businessman, becomes involved with a mysterious artifact, a golden artifact known as the Dreamstone, which grants wishes—but at a steep price. Both Barbara and Maxwell make wishes that drastically change their lives. Barbara wishes to become like Diana, gaining her strength and abilities, while Maxwell wishes for ultimate power, which transforms him into a more villainous, manipulative figure.
Diana, too, faces the consequences of the Dreamstone when she makes a personal wish that allows Steve Trevor to return to her life, though in a unique and metaphysical way. This wish has personal ramifications for Diana, as she gradually loses her powers the longer she spends with Steve, who is literally occupying the body of another man. As the stakes rise, Diana must ultimately confront the consequences of her desires and face her enemies, including the newly transformed Barbara (who becomes the villainous Cheetah) and the increasingly dangerous Maxwell Lord.
Wonder Woman 1984 is a visually vibrant film, filled with 1980s nostalgia and bold costume choices. The film is filled with the glitz and glamour of the era, from the neon lights and synth-heavy music to the stylish outfits and the larger-than-life set pieces. The tone of the film is more colorful and lighthearted than its predecessor, embracing the whimsical nature of the 1980s, but still balancing themes of responsibility, sacrifice, and the personal cost of power.
Gal Gadot’s portrayal of Diana remains strong, with her elegance, wisdom, and strength shining through once again. Her chemistry with Chris Pine’s Steve Trevor is one of the film’s emotional cores, as their reunion adds a layer of warmth and tenderness to the action. However, this dynamic is also complicated by the fact that Steve is essentially inhabiting another person’s body, which adds some complexity to the romantic storyline.
Pedro Pascal, playing Maxwell Lord, brings an interesting performance as a businessman driven by greed and the desire for control. His transformation into a villain is a focal point of the movie, although his character sometimes veers into the over-the-top, making it harder to connect with his motivations. Kristen Wiig, playing Barbara Minerva, starts off as a sympathetic, socially awkward character but eventually becomes Cheetah, the film’s other major antagonist. While the shift into her villainous persona offers some interesting action sequences, it feels somewhat rushed and less developed than it could have been.
The action scenes in Wonder Woman 1984 are thrilling, particularly the opening Amazonian fight scene and the climactic battle between Diana and Cheetah. The film also features Diana’s iconic golden armor, which makes for an epic visual during the final act. However, some of the CGI-heavy sequences can feel overly stylized and less grounded than in the first film, which made use of more practical effects.
At its core, Wonder Woman 1984 is about sacrifice, selflessness, and the importance of making difficult choices for the greater good. Diana faces the temptation of wishing for what she lost, but ultimately realizes that her powers and sense of justice must come from within, not from the desires of the heart. The film explores the complexity of desires and the consequences they bring, emphasizing the need to let go of the past to embrace the future.
Despite its vibrant visuals, heartfelt performances, and positive themes, Wonder Woman 1984 received mixed reviews. Some praised its boldness and optimism, while others criticized the pacing, the underdeveloped villain arcs, and the reliance on some overly fantastical elements. While the film’s charm and heart resonate with many, it also struggles with coherence in its narrative and lacks the same emotional punch that made the original Wonder Woman so impactful.
In conclusion, Wonder Woman 1984 is an enjoyable, action-packed sequel with a message about love, loss, and personal growth. Though it may not reach the heights of its predecessor, it still offers an entertaining experience with powerful performances and striking visuals. Fans of the character and the franchise will likely find it enjoyable, though it may not be as universally acclaimed as the first film.
