Star Cast: Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae
Web Series Review: The Acolyte (first two episodes)
Director: Leslye Headland
Synopsis:
THE ACOLYTE is the story of a woman framed for murder. Set 100 years before the rise of the Galactic Empire, there’s peace between the Galactic Republic and the Jedi Order. In a bar on planet Ueda, a trained killer murders Master Indara (Carrie-Anne Moss). The description of the killer matches with that of Osha (Amandla Stenberg), a ‘meknek’ on a ship and an ex-Jedi. Osha feigns innocence but is arrested after a witness claims she’s the one who killed Master Indara. While she’s being transported to Coruscant, her fellow prisoners escape, leaving behind her. Her spaceship crash lands on the snowy planet Carlac. At Coruscant, Jedi Master Vernestra (Rebecca Henderson) sends Master Sol (Lee Jung-jae), Osha’s former teacher, to Carlac with his current Padawan, Jecki Lon (Dafne Keen), and Yord (Dean-Charles Chapman) to find Osha. They locate Osha and set a course for Coruscant. At the same time, the killer tries to kill Master Torbin (Dean-Charles Chapman) on planet Olega. This is when it comes to light that the killer is none other than Osha’s twin sister Mae, who was presumed dead sixteen years ago.
The Acolyte Story Review:
Leslye Headland, Jason Micallef and Charmaine DeGrate’s story has the trappings of an engaging series. Leslye Headland, Jason Micallef and Charmaine DeGrate’s screenplay is breezy and engaging but is devoid of moments of high, at least in the first two episodes. The dialogues are normal.
Leslye Headland’s direction is decent. She does justice to the STAR WARS connection and gives an interesting angle about the events that took place in this much-loved universe a hundred years before. The episodes are around 40 minutes long and are uncomplicated. The show begins with a bang; the action scene at the bar is worth watching. There are no dull or boring moments in the rest of the episode and also that of the second episode. The characters and the bond they share also keep the interest going.
On the flipside, there’s a lot of potential in the plot and the director hasn’t done full justice to it. Except for the bar sequence, the rest of the action scenes could have been more nail-biting and there ought to be more drama or confrontation among the characters. The episodes also don’t end at a juncture that will compel viewers to immediately watch the next episode.
The Acolyte Performances:
Amandla Stenberg performs ably and keeps her performance subtle; it goes in her favour. Lee Jung-jae is splendid. His character is well fleshed out and he plays it with aplomb. Carrie-Anne Moss shines in a cameo. Dafne Keen is impressive while Dean-Charles Chapman lends able support. Rebecca Henderson doesn’t have much to do until now. Dean-Charles Chapman and Manny Jacinto (Qimir) are fair.
The Acolyte music and other technical aspects:
Michael Abels’ music is in sync with the theme of the show. Chris Teague’s cinematography is satisfactory. Kevin Jenkins’ production design matches global standards. The VFX is stunning while the action is cliched. Nonetheless, it adds to the fun. Miikka Leskinen’s editing is fine.
The Acolyte Conclusion:
On the whole, THE ACOLYTE (first two episodes) is an engaging entertainer and a must-watch for fans of STAR WARS.
Rating – 3 stars
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