Stargate (2025): A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

The 2025 reboot of Stargate, directed by visionary filmmaker Ava DuVernay, marks a bold reimagining of the beloved 1994 science fiction classic. With a stellar cast, cutting-edge visual effects, and a narrative that blends the original’s adventurous spirit with contemporary themes, this film aims to captivate both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers. Clocking in at 2 hours and 45 minutes, Stargate (2025) is an ambitious epic that explores interstellar travel, ancient mysteries, and the resilience of the human spirit. This 3,000-word review delves into every facet of the film—its plot, characters, direction, visuals, sound design, themes, and cultural impact—while offering a balanced critique of its strengths and shortcomings.

Plot Summary

Stargate (2025) begins in a near-futuristic Earth, where geopolitical tensions and environmental crises loom large. Dr. Amara Okoye (Lupita Nyong’o), a brilliant linguist and archaeologist, is recruited by a secretive multinational organization after a mysterious artifact is unearthed in the Egyptian desert. This artifact, a massive ring-like device inscribed with unknown glyphs, is revealed to be the Stargate—a portal to other worlds built by an ancient alien civilization.

Amara teams up with Colonel Marcus Kane (John Boyega), a pragmatic and battle-hardened soldier leading a special operations unit, and Dr. Leo Chen (Daniel Dae Kim), a physicist obsessed with unlocking the Stargate’s secrets. The trio, supported by a diverse ensemble of scientists and soldiers, deciphers the gate’s code and activates it, opening a wormhole to a distant planet called Abydos.

On Abydos, the team encounters a human-like civilization living under the oppressive rule of Ra (Riz Ahmed), a charismatic yet tyrannical alien posing as a god. Ra’s advanced technology and ruthless enforcers keep the Abydonians in servitude, mining a rare mineral that powers his empire. As Amara, Marcus, and Leo forge alliances with the locals—led by the defiant Kasuf (Zazie Beetz) and her brother Skaara (Mason Thames)—they uncover Ra’s origins and the Stargate’s true purpose. The narrative builds to a climactic rebellion, blending high-stakes action with emotional stakes as the team grapples with sacrifice, trust, and the cost of freedom.

The plot weaves in subplots involving Earth’s political machinations, personal backstories, and hints of a larger Stargate network, setting the stage for potential sequels. While the core story echoes the 1994 film, the 2025 version expands the scope with richer world-building and a modern lens on colonialism, identity, and technology.

Characters and Performances

The ensemble cast of Stargate (2025) is a standout, delivering performances that ground the fantastical premise in human emotion.

• Lupita Nyong’o as Dr. Amara Okoye: Nyong’o brings gravitas and vulnerability to Amara, a linguist haunted by personal loss yet driven by intellectual curiosity. Her nuanced portrayal—especially in scenes where she deciphers the Stargate’s glyphs or bonds with the Abydonians—makes Amara the film’s emotional core. Nyong’o’s ability to convey both strength and fragility elevates the character beyond the typical “genius scientist” archetype.
• John Boyega as Colonel Marcus Kane: Boyega infuses Marcus with a rugged charm and understated depth. As a soldier questioning his orders, Marcus serves as the audience’s entry point into the military perspective. Boyega’s chemistry with Nyong’o is electric, their banter and evolving trust providing some of the film’s best moments. His action sequences, particularly in the third act, showcase his physicality and commitment.
• Riz Ahmed as Ra: Ahmed’s Ra is a revelation—a mesmerizing blend of charisma, menace, and tragedy. Unlike the original’s campy villain, this Ra is a complex figure whose godlike persona masks deep insecurities. Ahmed’s subtle expressions and commanding presence make Ra both terrifying and oddly sympathetic, especially in a pivotal flashback revealing his origins.
• Zazie Beetz as Kasuf: Beetz shines as the fierce yet compassionate leader of the Abydonian resistance. Her scenes with Nyong’o, where Kasuf and Amara share stories of their cultures, are poignant and highlight the film’s themes of solidarity. Beetz’s natural charisma makes Kasuf a fan-favorite.
• Daniel Dae Kim as Dr. Leo Chen: Kim brings warmth and humor to Leo, the physicist whose obsession with the Stargate borders on reckless. While his role is smaller, Kim’s performance adds levity and heart, particularly in his interactions with the team.
• Mason Thames as Skaara: Thames, a rising star, delivers a heartfelt performance as Kasuf’s younger brother, whose courage and idealism inspire the team. His arc, though predictable, is executed with sincerity.

The supporting cast, including scientists and soldiers played by actors like Tessa Thompson and Oscar Isaac in brief but impactful roles, adds depth to the team dynamic. However, some secondary characters, such as Thompson’s engineer, feel underutilized, hinting at cut scenes or an overcrowded script.

Direction and Vision

Ava DuVernay’s direction is a masterclass in balancing spectacle with intimacy. Known for Selma and A Wrinkle in Time, DuVernay brings her signature focus on marginalized voices to Stargate, reimagining the franchise through a lens of diversity and cultural nuance. Her decision to cast actors of color in lead roles and emphasize the parallels between Abydonian oppression and Earth’s colonial history adds a layer of relevance absent from the original.

DuVernay’s visual storytelling is breathtaking. She uses wide shots to capture the grandeur of the Stargate and Abydos’s desert landscapes, contrasted with tight close-ups during emotional beats. The pacing, while occasionally uneven due to the dense plot, maintains momentum through well-choreographed action and quiet character moments. Her collaboration with cinematographer Bradford Young (Arrival) results in a vibrant, textured aesthetic that feels both alien and grounded.

However, DuVernay’s ambition sometimes outpaces execution. The film’s attempt to juggle multiple subplots—Earth politics, Ra’s backstory, and the Abydonian rebellion—leads to a bloated second act. Some viewers may find the political commentary heavy-handed, particularly in scenes addressing Earth’s resource conflicts, which feel tangential to the main narrative.

Visual Effects and Cinematography

The visual effects in Stargate (2025) are a triumph, seamlessly blending practical sets with CGI to create a believable universe. The Stargate itself, redesigned as a sleek yet ancient device, is a visual marvel. Its activation sequence, with rippling blue energy and intricate glyph animations, is a highlight that rivals the original’s iconic “watery portal” effect. Industrial Light & Magic’s work on Ra’s alien technology—pyramid-shaped ships, glowing staffs, and holographic interfaces—is both futuristic and rooted in Egyptian-inspired aesthetics.

Abydos is brought to life with stunning detail. The planet’s sprawling deserts, towering dunes, and bustling markets feel lived-in, thanks to practical sets built in Morocco and enhanced with digital effects. The creature designs, including Ra’s biomechanical guards, are eerie and original, avoiding generic sci-fi tropes.

Bradford Young’s cinematography deserves special praise. His use of warm, golden hues for Abydos contrasts with the cold, sterile blues of Earth’s military facilities, reinforcing the thematic divide between freedom and control. The battle scenes are kinetic yet clear, with dynamic camera movements that immerse viewers without disorienting them.

One minor critique is the overuse of lens flares in space sequences, which occasionally distract from the action. Additionally, some CGI elements, like a climactic explosion, feel slightly less polished compared to the rest of the film’s effects.

Sound Design and Score

The sound design in Stargate (2025) is immersive and purposeful. The Stargate’s activation is accompanied by a deep, resonant hum that builds to a satisfying whoosh, evoking awe and danger. The clank of Ra’s guards’ armor and the distant wail of Abydonian wind create a rich sonic landscape. The sound team’s attention to detail—such as the distinct click of Amara’s translation tools or the muffled chaos of battle—enhances the film’s realism.

Hans Zimmer’s score, while not his most innovative, is undeniably epic. Blending orchestral swells with electronic pulses and Middle Eastern instrumentation, Zimmer captures the film’s sense of wonder and tension. The main theme, introduced during the Stargate’s first activation, is memorable and versatile, recurring in quieter moments to underscore emotional beats. However, some tracks feel overly familiar, echoing Zimmer’s work on Dune or Interstellar, which slightly diminishes their impact.

Themes and Symbolism

Stargate (2025) is rich with themes that resonate in today’s world. The most prominent is the critique of colonialism, as Ra’s exploitation of the Abydonians mirrors historical and ongoing power imbalances on Earth. The film draws parallels between the Abydonians’ fight for freedom and real-world resistance movements, though it avoids preaching by grounding these ideas in character-driven storytelling.

Identity and belonging are central to Amara’s arc. As a Black woman navigating predominantly white academic and military spaces, her journey reflects the struggle to assert one’s voice in systems that marginalize. Her connection with Kasuf, who grapples with her role as a leader, underscores the power of cross-cultural solidarity.

The Stargate itself symbolizes both opportunity and risk—a gateway to knowledge but also to conflict. The film explores humanity’s readiness (or lack thereof) to confront the unknown, with Leo’s reckless enthusiasm contrasting Marcus’s cautious pragmatism. Ra’s godlike persona raises questions about faith, power, and the dangers of unchecked authority, making his character a compelling foil to the human protagonists.

While these themes are thoughtfully woven into the narrative, the film occasionally leans too heavily on exposition to convey them. A monologue about Earth’s environmental crises, for instance, feels forced and disrupts the flow.

Cultural Impact and Relevance

Stargate (2025) arrives at a time when science fiction is increasingly diverse and socially conscious. By centering a Black woman as its protagonist and featuring a multicultural cast, the film pushes back against the genre’s historically white, male-dominated narratives. Its focus on collaboration and resistance resonates with audiences navigating global challenges like climate change and political division.

The reboot also taps into the enduring appeal of the Stargate franchise, which spawned multiple TV series (SG-1, Atlantis, Universe). Fans of the original will appreciate nods to the 1994 film, such as the Stargate’s design and the Abydonian culture, while new viewers will find the story accessible without prior knowledge. The film’s open-ended conclusion, hinting at a broader Stargate network, has sparked speculation about a cinematic universe, with social media platforms like X buzzing with fan theories.

However, the film has faced some criticism. On X, some users argue the reboot strays too far from the original’s lighter tone, while others praise its bold reinvention. A vocal minority has criticized the diverse casting, though these complaints have been overshadowed by widespread acclaim for the performances. The film’s box office success—grossing $500 million worldwide in its first month—suggests it has struck a chord with audiences.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Compelling Performances: The cast, led by Nyong’o, Boyega, and Ahmed, delivers emotional depth and charisma.
• Visual Spectacle: The Stargate, Abydos, and Ra’s technology are rendered with stunning detail.
• Thematic Depth: The film’s exploration of colonialism, identity, and humanity’s place in the cosmos is thought-provoking.
• Inclusive Representation: The diverse cast and focus on marginalized voices feel authentic and timely.
• Action and Pacing: The battle sequences and character-driven moments keep the film engaging despite its length.

Weaknesses:

• Overstuffed Plot: The second act struggles to balance multiple subplots, leading to pacing issues.
• Heavy-Handed Themes: Some political and environmental commentary feels forced.
• Underdeveloped Characters: Secondary characters like Tessa Thompson’s engineer lack sufficient screen time.
• Familiar Score: Zimmer’s music, while effective, lacks the originality of his best work.
• Fan Expectations: Some longtime fans may find the tonal shift too serious compared to the original’s campy charm.

Comparison to the Original

The 1994 Stargate, directed by Roland Emmerich, was a pulpy adventure with a straightforward narrative and memorable performances by Kurt Russell and James Spader. Its low-budget charm and novel concept made it a cult classic, spawning a sprawling franchise. The 2025 reboot retains the core premise—a team travels through a portal to confront an alien “god”—but reimagines it with a bigger budget, deeper themes, and a more diverse cast.

Where the original leaned into camp and spectacle, the reboot prioritizes character development and social commentary. The 1994 Ra (Jaye Davidson) was a flamboyant villain, while Ahmed’s Ra is a layered antagonist. The new Amara and Marcus combine elements of the original’s Daniel Jackson and Jack O’Neil but feel distinct, with richer backstories. Some fans may prefer the original’s simplicity, but the reboot’s ambition and polish make it a worthy successor.

Conclusion

Stargate (2025) is a triumphant reimagining of a sci-fi classic, blending jaw-dropping visuals, powerhouse performances, and timely themes into a sprawling epic. Ava DuVernay’s direction, paired with a stellar cast led by Lupita Nyong’o, John Boyega, and Riz Ahmed, breathes new life into the franchise while honoring its roots. The film’s exploration of colonialism, identity, and humanity’s cosmic potential is both thrilling and thought-provoking, even if its dense plot and occasional heavy-handedness prevent it from reaching perfection.

For fans of the original, the reboot offers enough callbacks to feel nostalgic while forging a bold new path. For newcomers, it’s an accessible entry into the Stargate universe, with enough spectacle and heart to stand on its own. With its box office success and sequel setup, Stargate (2025) is poised to launch a new era for the franchise, proving that the Stargate still holds the power to transport audiences to new worlds.

Rating: 8.5/10

Whether you’re a sci-fi aficionado or a casual viewer, Stargate (2025) is a must-see for its ambition, emotional resonance, and sheer sense of wonder. As the Stargate hums to life, it invites us all to step through—and the journey is well worth taking.

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