Zack Snyder's 'Rebel Moon' faces a Harsh Verdict from Critics, leaving its Cinematic Fate in Suspense

byRoxaine December 16, 2023

Netflix's initial installment of the two-part sci-fi saga showcases a cast that includes Sofia Boutella, Charlie Hunnam, and Djimon Hounsou.

Netflix's 'Rebel Moon'

Critiques of Zack Snyder's upcoming Netflix feature, "Rebel Moon Part One: A Child of Fire," have surfaced, potentially tempering the anticipation of prospective viewers. Set to stream on December 21, the film unfolds a narrative of a enigmatic outsider offering hope to the inhabitants of a distant moon amidst impending war threats.

Boasting a cast featuring Sofia Boutella, Charlie Hunnam, Djimon Hounsou, and the voice of Anthony Hopkins, the movie serves as the initial chapter in a two-part saga, with the sequel titled "The Scargiver" scheduled for release on the streaming platform in April.

Rebel Moon embarked on its journey a decade ago as a concept for a Star Wars project before evolving into an independent creation. Several critics reviewing the film have drawn attention to perceived similarities with the George Lucas-created franchise. It's worth noting that streaming projects often thrive independent of critical acclaim, suggesting a potential disparity between reviews and general audience interest, especially regarding subscriber engagement.

Chief film critic David Rooney, in his review for The Hollywood Reporter, comments on Rebel Moon, stating, "This is a derivative crazy-quilt endeavor loaded with enough plot to plug up a black hole but only the most feebly drawn characters to do the work."


Rebel Moon faces its most scathing critique from IndieWire, currently holding a meager 26 percent approval on Rotten Tomatoes. IndieWire awards the film a dismal D- grade, labeling it as Snyder's least impressive work.

The Guardian rates the movie with just one star out of five, condemning it as an unattractive, unforgivably tedious, and overly solemn debacle. The Independent echoes the sentiment with a matching star rating, describing the film as a chaotic blend of visuals, some attempting to provoke, primarily centered around elements that might catch attention in a trailer.

The Los Angeles Times observes that Rebel Moon is excessively preoccupied with laying the groundwork, making it challenging to be fully appreciated on its own. At times, it resembles more of a studio presentation deck than an authentic narrative, according to the publication. The Daily Beast adds to the criticism, highlighting that as the inaugural installment of a two-part series, A Child of Fire is disheartening for failing to adequately conclude its painfully shallow storyline.


In a somewhat positive evaluation with a 3/5 rating, Total Film from the U.K. remarks, Enthusiasts of Snyder's intense, robust filmmaking style won't be disappointed. Despite performances often confined to two-dimensional archetypes, Charlie Hunnam brings an enjoyable flair with his nonchalant portrayal reminiscent of a crafty pilot from the Han Solo tradition.

Several critical reviews acknowledge the potential for improvement in the overall project with the release of the second film in the saga. Snyder himself has revealed plans for an extended director's cut of A Child of Fire, aiming for a more comprehensive exploration of the narrative. Renowned for his contributions to established intellectual properties, such as the 2004 remake Dawn of the Dead, adaptations like 300 and Watchmen from graphic novels, and his DC films like Justice League, which received a four-hour director's cut on HBO Max following a vocal fan campaign.

Snyder elaborates on the director's cut, emphasizing its substantial addition of nearly an hour of extra content, presenting a legitimate extended universe version. He asserts that the extended cut offers a more detailed and enriched portrayal of the narrative, providing a broader perspective throughout the entirety of the film.

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