Rey's Turn in The Rise of Skywalker: A Misunderstanding or Misremembering?

Introduction:

The Star Wars saga, with its complex and captivating narrative, often leaves fans with a myriad of questions about the character dynamics and plot developments. One common point of confusion is the scene featuring Rey's potential "turn" in The Rise of Skywalker. This article aims to clarify misunderstandings and address the common confusion surrounding Rey's moment of decision in the film.

Understanding Rey’s Vision and Actions in The Rise of Skywalker

In The Rise of Skywalker, Rey initially believes that she will turn to the dark side and stand by Kylo Ren. This notion stems from a scene where Rey and Kylo Ren touch hands, and Rey sees a vision of Ren refusing to bow to Snoke and subsequently turning to the dark side. During the throne room scene, the sight of mass destruction of the Resistance fleet drives her to a moment of crisis, where she force-pulls Ren's red lightsaber and attempts to attack Snoke. However, this vision is not a direct turn, as Rey is not forcing herself to turn; rather, she is reacting to the scene.

Conversely, when Ren is in combat and nearly killed by a Praetorian guard, he throws his blue lightsaber to Rey, which she could potentially use. Ren envisions Rey using a red lightsaber, implying that he foresaw her adopting a darker path. However, it is important to note that both Rey and Ren's visions remain speculative, with no concrete evidence of Rey's intended path.

The Role of Yoda’s Adage

There is a famous saying by Yoda: "Difficult to see always in motion is the future." This phrase encapsulates the inherent uncertainty in the Star Wars universe, where the future cannot be predicted with absolute certainty. Yoda’s wisdom applies not only to the films' characters but also to the very fans who revisit and reinterpret the events.

No Such Scene in The Force Awakens?

Somewhere in the mix, it seems like there might be a confusion between The Force Awakens and The Rise of Skywalker. While Rey does have a Force vision in The Force Awakens that reveals the destruction of the Jedi academy and her eventual confrontation with Kylo Ren, there is no scene in The Force Awakens showing Rey turning. This vision is a part of Rey's journey and the fate that the Force might hold, but it does not represent a turning point in the movie.

Understanding the Nature of Force Visions

Force visions, as seen throughout the Star Wars universe, are not always accurate or concrete. They are often speculative and can be influenced by the individual's emotions, surroundings, and other factors. Rey's visions in The Rise of Skywalker serve a narrative purpose and reflect the internal conflict and external threats she faces. These visions can be misleading and may not always reflect the final outcome.

Conclusion

The narrative of The Rise of Skywalker is complex, with Rey's journey being a pivotal element of the story. The mix of vision, force sensitivity, and decision-making makes it challenging to pinpoint a clear path for the character. It is important to remember that while fans can be creative with their interpretations, the unofficial nature of visions means that they often remain speculative. The final installment of the Skywalker saga leaves much for fans to ponder and debate, adding to the richness of the Star Wars universe.