Last updated

    Part of the DC Extended Universe series

    Series community
    Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
    🎬movieReleasedPG-13

    Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

    United States flagUnited States

    "The tide is turning."

    December 20, 2023 2h 4m English
    65%

    User Score

    370000 votes

    Community
    Aquaman Collection

    Part of a Collection

    Aquaman Collection

    Overview

    Five years after the first film, Arthur Curry has retreated into isolation within Atlantis following a personal tragedy. The peace he once maintained crumbles when an ancient threat emerges from the depths, forcing him to confront a past he tried to bury. Black Manta returns with a new weapon that threatens not just the ocean but the entire world.

    This sequel marks the final chapter for the DC Extended Universe era as James Wan wraps up the saga. The story focuses heavily on the strained relationship between Arthur and his brother Orm, who must set aside their differences to face a common enemy. Jason Momoa leads the cast alongside Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Amber Heard in a tale of redemption and family duty.

    Where to Watch

    Stream

    Availability and pricing can change. Confirm on the provider's site before purchasing.

    PlotSpoiler-free

    Arthur Curry lives as a recluse deep beneath the waves, having withdrawn from his duties as King of Atlantis. His wife Mera disappeared during a catastrophic event, leaving him alone to manage the kingdom with the help of his mother Atlanna and his imprisoned brother Orm. The surface world remains unaware of the growing danger lurking in the deep until an ancient temple sends out a distress signal. This discovery pulls Arthur back into the spotlight just as Black Manta begins his campaign of terror.

    David Kane, now fully transformed into Black Manta, wields the Black Trident, a mythical artifact capable of controlling the oceans and summoning monstrous entities. Consumed by grief over his father's death, Manta seeks to drown the surface world to honor his legacy. His attacks cause widespread destruction, proving that the standard weapons of Atlantis cannot stop him. The Trident amplifies the wielder's rage, making it nearly possible to defeat without significant resistance or help.

    Arthur realizes he cannot face this threat alone and makes the difficult decision to visit Orm in prison. Their reunion is tense and filled with bitterness, yet Orm agrees to join forces because he knows there is no escape if Manta succeeds. Together they embark on a journey to the Lost Kingdom, a hidden region of Atlantis shrouded in myth. They are joined by Dr. Shin, a scientist who provides technological support, and other allies who have fought alongside them before.

    The team navigates treacherous waters and ancient ruins while uncovering secrets about their lineage and the true power of the Black Trident. The narrative explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the burden of leadership as Arthur struggles with his inability to save Mera. Orm grapples with his own history of betrayal and the chance to make amends. Action sequences escalate as they battle sea creatures and environmental disasters caused by the Trident.

    As the brothers delve deeper into the unknown, they learn that the only way to stop the Trident is to destroy it, a task requiring a sacrifice neither is prepared to make. The stakes rise with every passing moment as Manta's influence grows stronger. The story builds toward a final confrontation where the brothers must trust each other completely to prevent a global catastrophe. The film sets up a resolution that will define the future of both the surface world and Atlantis, leaving audiences to wonder if the bond between Arthur and Orm can survive such monumental pressure.

    Ending ExplainedSpoilers

    Trailers

    Official Trailer

    Final Trailer

    Critical Reception

    Critical Consensus

    While Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom delivers spectacular visual effects and high-octane action sequences, it struggles with a convoluted plot and underdeveloped characters. The film serves as a fitting farewell to the DCEU era, offering moments of humor and heart, but ultimately feels weighed down by its own ambition and the shadow of its predecessor.

    Top Cast

    Crew

    Director

    James Wan

    Writers

    David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, James Wan, Jason Momoa, Thomas Pa'a Sibbett, Paul Norris

    Composer

    Rupert Gregson-Williams

    Cinematographer

    Don Burgess

    Producers

    James Wan, Peter Safran, Rob Cowan

    Awards

    Saturn Awards (2024)

    Best Comic-to-Film Motion Picture: Nominated

    Saturn Awards (2024)

    Best Actor: Nominated

    Visual Effects Society Awards (2024)

    Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature: Nominated

    Keywords

    superherosequelunderwaterfamilyrevengedc extended universeatlantisblack mantaocean mastertrident

    Sources

    Facts

    Final DCEU Film
    Marked the end of the DC Extended Universe before the reboot.
    Filming Location
    Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden, England.
    Black Manta Suit Weight
    Approximately 40 pounds.
    Post-Credits Scene
    Features a cameo hinting at the upcoming Superman film.

    Join the community

    fans discussing