James Cameron's Avatar: Fire & Ash (2025) | Film Review

AVATAR: FIRE & ASH (2025) | Film Review

The first Avatar film was released in 2009 and I can still remember how blown away I was by the sheer spectacle of visuals, story and immersion. James Cameron has been able to build a realised world of wonder and discovery that continues to resonate with audiences after 16 years. As an audience we have grown with the characters on the screen and grown with their understanding of Pandora but in reality we have also witnessed the progression of special effect and motion capture. The Avatar franchise continues to adapt to technology and introduce magnificent effects into the films construction. Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025) isn’t just an epic cinematic experience, it is also a chance to witness the ever growing ability of performance capture, IMAX and 3D filmmaking. 

I believe Avatar belongs to be seen in IMAX and this is true for the third instalment Fire and Ash (2025). Avatar: Fire and Ash is a deeply immersive, captivating watch that transports you into the world of Pandora, I was leaning into the screen and darting my eyes around the frame to explore every detail. 

This film explores a new Na’vi tribe, an aggressive community of fire worshipers led by the powerful, commanding Varang. Jake and Neytiri must protect their home and their family from this new threat and fight for what they believe in. 

After Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) it was only natural we explore the elements, turning to fire was a visually captivating decision. Varang as a character was utterly alluring and demanded my attention when she entered the frame. Watching her interact with the fire was impressive and I loved her introduction to the world of Pandora. 

Our returning characters are just as loveable as ever, Jake Sully continues to solidify himself as the core of this franchise. Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña and undeniably immersed into their roles, their performances never fail to amaze me. 

Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025) is a cinematic marvel, an innovative world that takes inspiration from classic stories and melts it into a visually arresting piece of cinema. Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025) had moments of dullness when considering the long run time but in saying that, the film always regained my attention. The Avatar franchise has layers of meaning, social and political metaphors sewn into the foundation of the story but above all else: Avatar is a visual feast. A vision of nature and humanity, a captivating spectacle that belongs on the big screen. 

PROBE POINTS

★★★★