🎬 Movie Review: Star Wars: Episode X – Rise of the New Order (2025)
“The balance has shifted… again.”
Star Wars: Episode X – Rise of the New Order brings the galaxy back into conflict with a bold, thought-provoking, and action-filled chapter. Set two decades after The Rise of Skywalker, the film marks a new beginning, introducing fresh characters while honoring the legacy of the Skywalker saga. Directed by Deborah Chow and produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Episode X offers an exciting return to the Star Wars universe with deeper themes and more grounded storytelling.
The film follows Rey Skywalker (Daisy Ridley), now the Grand Master of a revived Jedi Order, as she navigates the complexities of training new Force-sensitive recruits in a galaxy that’s still recovering from decades of war. Peace is fractured when a powerful new faction, The New Order, rises from the Outer Rim—an organization that rejects both the Jedi and Sith ideologies and seeks to reshape the galaxy with brutal neutrality. Their mysterious leader, General Kael Ren, is a former Jedi who believes in using both sides of the Force to bring what he calls “pure balance.”
Episode X masterfully blends epic space battles and lightsaber duels with philosophical conflict. It’s not just about good versus evil anymore—this film explores the gray areas between ideology, power, and legacy. Rey’s relationship with her new apprentices, particularly a talented and impulsive Force-user named Zai, mirrors her own journey from chaos to clarity. Themes of redemption, trust, and identity are at the film’s emotional core.
Visually, the movie is breathtaking. From the neon-lit underworld cities of Corellia to the icy ruins of a fallen Sith stronghold, the set design and cinematography create a galaxy that feels vast, lived-in, and cinematic. The action sequences are tight and thrilling, particularly a mid-film battle between Rey and Kael Ren that echoes the emotional intensity of Luke vs. Vader.
The score by Michael Giacchino—with tributes to John Williams’ original themes—adds powerful emotion to the visuals. Familiar characters like Finn and Rose Tico return in more prominent roles, helping form a diplomatic alliance to counter The New Order. And there’s a surprise Force Ghost cameo that’s sure to delight fans of the original trilogy.
Final Verdict: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
Episode X is a bold, smart, and emotionally resonant new beginning. It’s not just another sequel—it’s the start of a new mythology within Star Wars. With a mature tone, rich characters, and dazzling action, Rise of the New Order proves that the Force is far from finished.
