Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Palpatine’s back, Rey’s his granddaughter, they fight, she wins, and somehow that wraps up nine movies!

🍿 Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Return of Palpatine

A mysterious broadcast reveals that Emperor Palpatine, long thought dead, has returned. This revelation throws the galaxy into turmoil and prompts Kylo Ren, the Supreme Leader of the First Order, to seek out Palpatine to eliminate him as a potential threat. Kylo Ren discovers Palpatine on the Sith planet of Exegol. Palpatine reveals his grand plan to unleash a massive fleet of Star Destroyers, each equipped with Death Star-level firepower. He intends to establish a new Galactic Empire, with Kylo Ren as his apprentice, if Kylo eliminates Rey and ends the Jedi Order. But he also warns Kylo that there is more to Rey’s story than he may realize.

The Resistance’s Quest

Meanwhile, Rey continues her Jedi training under Leia’s guidance. Finn and Poe are tasked with finding the source of Palpatine’s broadcast and discovering how to stop his impending attack. They learn of a Sith Wayfinder, an ancient artifact that can lead them to Exegol, the hidden Sith world where Palpatine resides. Rey, Finn, Poe, Chewbacca, and C-3PO embark on a journey to locate the Wayfinder. Their search takes them to various planets, where they face dangerous challenges and encounter both old and new allies, including Lando Calrissian, who provides valuable information about a previous search for another Wayfinder led by Luke Skywalker.

Discovering the Truth

Their quest leads them to the wreckage of the second Death Star on an ocean moon, where Rey confronts Kylo Ren. During their encounter, Kylo reveals the truth about Rey’s parentage: she is Palpatine’s granddaughter. This revelation shakes Rey to her core and forces her to confront her own identity and destiny. Rey and Kylo continue their battle, both physically and emotionally. Leia, sensing Kylo’s inner turmoil, reaches out to him through the Force, creating a moment of hesitation that allows Rey to strike him down. However, Rey immediately regrets her actions and uses the Force to heal Kylo, demonstrating her compassion and commitment to the light.

The Final Stand

Distraught by her lineage and Leia’s subsequent death (due to the connection with Kylo), Rey exiles herself, but Luke’s Force ghost appears to guide her. He encourages her to confront Palpatine and embrace her destiny as a Jedi. Meanwhile, Kylo, now redeemed as Ben Solo, also journeys to Exegol to help Rey. On Exegol, Rey and Ben confront Palpatine, who attempts to corrupt them with the power of the dark side. The Resistance, led by Poe and Finn, arrives with a fleet of allies to battle Palpatine’s Star Destroyer armada. In a climactic showdown, Rey, empowered by the spirits of past Jedi, defeats Palpatine, destroying the Sith once and for all. Ben sacrifices his life to save Rey, completing his redemption arc.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Rey (Daisy Ridley): A powerful Jedi and Palpatine’s granddaughter, Rey struggles with her lineage while fighting for the light side of the Force.
• Kylo Ren (Adam Driver): The conflicted Supreme Leader of the First Order, Kylo Ren battles between the dark and light sides of the Force, ultimately seeking redemption.
• Finn (John Boyega): A former stormtrooper turned Resistance fighter, Finn seeks his place in the galaxy and fights for freedom.
• Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac): A skilled Resistance pilot and leader, Poe Dameron steps up to become a general and inspire hope in the galaxy.
• Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid): The resurrected evil Emperor Palpatine, seeks to regain control of the galaxy and tempt Rey to the dark side.
• Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher): A general of the Resistance, Leia Organa guides and trains Rey in the ways of the Force while dealing with the conflict of her son, Kylo Ren.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Obi Wan Kenobi: “These are you final steps, Rey. Rise and take them.” – This line is delivered by Obi-Wan Kenobi as a Force ghost, encouraging Rey to face Palpatine.
• Anakin Skywalker: “Bring back the balance, Rey, as I did.” – Anakin Skywalker’s voice, among other Jedi, empowers Rey to confront the Sith and restore balance to the Force.
• Rey: “I am all the Jedi.” – Rey declares this to Palpatine as she channels the power of past Jedi to defeat him.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $275,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $515,202,542
• Worldwide Gross: $1,077,022,372

💥 Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I walked in with mixed feelings, given all the buzz, and honestly? It’s a rollercoaster. The visuals are insane, and seeing the old crew back one last time hit me right in the feels. The ending felt a bit rushed, and there were definitely plot holes, but as a lifelong fan, I couldn’t help but get swept up in the nostalgia and epic space battles. I definitely cried (more than once!) and left feeling like a part of my childhood had finally come to an end. Definitely worth seeing on the big screen, just prepare for a wild ride.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Star Wars fans”
  • “Sci-fi adventure enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers who enjoy epic conclusions”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Fantasy violence”
  • “Lightsaber combat”
  • “Intense action sequences”
  • “Death of characters”

Professional Reviews

• Empire Magazine: “The Rise of Skywalker is a frantic, fan-service-heavy finale that tries to course-correct from The Last Jedi, delivering an action-packed but ultimately hollow experience. While visually stunning, it lacks the emotional depth and cohesive storytelling of the original trilogy.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “J.J. Abrams throws everything at the wall in The Rise of Skywalker, resulting in a chaotic and uneven film. Nostalgia and spectacle take precedence over character development and plot coherence, leaving a sense of missed potential.
• Variety: “While The Rise of Skywalker offers moments of excitement and closure, it ultimately feels like a rushed and overly calculated attempt to satisfy all factions of the Star Wars fanbase. The story suffers from convoluted plot twists and a lack of originality.

Audience Reactions

The lightsaber battles were incredible and some of the best in the entire saga.: Fans appreciated the return of classic characters and moments that paid homage to the original trilogy.

The emotional send-off for Leia was handled beautifully and respectfully.: Viewers felt the movie was a satisfying ending to the Skywalker saga, despite some flaws.

Overall Consensus: The Rise of Skywalker is a visually stunning and action-packed conclusion to the Skywalker saga, but it suffers from a convoluted plot and a reliance on fan service, leaving some viewers divided.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Unused footage of Carrie Fisher shot for Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015) was incorporated by digitally removing the background and superimposing it elsewhere.”
• “Visual effects were used to change her wardrobe and add gray to her hair so the footage would match her appearance in Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017).”

🖥️ How to Watch Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker?

Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker is available to stream on Disney+. You can also purchase or rent the movie on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable availability as well.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, you might like these similar films:

• Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983): Features a final confrontation with Emperor Palpatine and the redemption of a Skywalker.
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011): A climactic battle between good and evil with a chosen one facing a dark overlord.
• Avengers: Endgame (2019): A modern saga that concludes with a massive battle and the resolution of long-standing character arcs.

🛒 Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker Related Products

• Star Wars The Black Series Kylo Ren Force FX Elite Lightsaber: A highly detailed, movie-accurate replica of Kylo Ren’s iconic lightsaber, featuring realistic light and sound effects, including molten lava effects.
• Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Complete score by John Williams. Features iconic themes and exciting new compositions that highlight the film’s climactic events.
• LEGO Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Millennium Falcon: A detailed LEGO model of the Millennium Falcon, featuring authentic details, rotating gun turrets, and minifigures of Rey, Finn, Chewbacca, and Lando Calrissian.
• Funko Pop! Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker – Rey with Yellow Lightsaber: A stylized collectible vinyl figure of Rey Skywalker wielding her newly constructed yellow lightsaber, showcasing her Jedi Master status.

🎧 Soundtrack

Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Duel of the Fates” – performed by John Williams
• “Rey’s Theme” – performed by John Williams
• “The Rise of Skywalker” – performed by John Williams

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

THE RISE OF SKYWALKER Official Behind The Scenes Clips & Bloopers

If you’re a Star Wars fan, you won’t want to miss this behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Rise of Skywalker. From interviews with the cast and crew to bloopers and outtakes, this video is packed with fun and interesting content.

THE WORST PLOT CONVENIENCE in Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker

If you thought The Rise of Skywalker was perfect, you might want to watch this video. It points out one of the biggest plot conveniences in the movie, and it’s hard to argue with the logic.

I HATE STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER

If you’re looking for a critical review of The Rise of Skywalker, this is the video for you. The reviewer doesn’t hold back, and he makes some valid points about the movie’s flaws.

Moist Meter | Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

If you’re looking for a good laugh, check out this video review of The Rise of Skywalker. The reviewer uses a ‘Moist Meter’ to rate the movie’s moisture level, and the results are hilarious.

✨ Rate