Movie Review ~ Moana 2

Sequels are risky to begin with, but there’s a delicate art form to Disney’s animated follow-ups that have long had filmmakers walking a tightrope between nostalgic reverence and fresh narrative innovation.  Honoring a predecessor while charting bold new waters of storytelling and cultural representation is daring but invigorating work, and Moana 2, released in the prime Thanksgiving weekend slot, doesn’t only revisit the beloved Polynesian heroine’s journey; it charts a brave new course.  Serving not just as a companion piece but as a self-assured narrative of its own, it reminds us that Moana’s story still holds water when told through the fluid, magical language of animation.

Picking up years after her initial adventure in 2016, Moana is now a seasoned Wayfinder and a growing leader of her people.  Still heeding the call of the open water and desiring to discover other lands and, hopefully, people, she has found the balance between wanderlust and duty.  When an ancient call echoes from her ancestors telling of an island thought lost forever, she assembles a crew and sets sail into uncharted waters. But this isn’t a mere retread of her first voyage. The sequel plunges deeper into the oceanic mythology that made the original so vibrant, exploring treacherous waters that unveil secrets that challenge Moana like never before. Her growth is profound—not just as a navigator of the seas but as a leader grappling with legacy and identity.  The narrative by screenwriters Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller is expansive, blending fantastical spectacle with grounded, expressive storytelling.

Directors Miller, Jason Hand, and David G. Derrick Jr. immerse the viewer in breathtaking visuals that practically shimmer off the screen. I rewatched the first film in preparation for the sequel and had forgotten the color and vitality that filled each frame.  That same sense of lively engagement is present in the follow-up. Nine years of technological advancements have allowed animators more space to bring forth realistic details that give the movie a certain regality that Disney does so well.  The energy and wonder extend to the rendering of the unpredictable majesty of the ocean, from the serene shores of Moana’s home to the foreboding seas to which she travels. It’s the kind of artistry that invites audiences to (borrowing from the title of a new song written for the film) ‘get lost’ in the world.

Auli’i Cravalho (Mean Girls) returns as Moana, and her performance has a newfound richness. No longer the wide-eyed teenager searching for her destiny, she now embodies a Wayfinder with a commanding presence and emotional depth. Her vocal performance reflects this transformation—it is more complex and assured, capturing a character who has grown not just in age but in understanding her cultural mission and personal potential.  The supporting cast also brings vitality to the film, with standout contributions from Moana’s crew, including Rose Matafeo as the spirited, tinkering Loto, Hualālai Chung as the muscle-bound Maui fan-boy Moni, and David Fane as the grumpy but wise Kele. While they don’t overshadow the main narrative, their dynamics give something different to interact with, making the world of Moana 2 feel richer because of their inclusion.

Interestingly, Maui, played once again by Dwayne Johnson (Black Adam), takes a bit of a backseat in this story. (I think I know why; I’ll discuss that later.) While his charm and humor remain intact, for much of the film, the narrative chooses to shine a spotlight on fresh characters. Chief among them is Matangi, brought to life by Awhimai Fraser. Already known to international audiences for her role as Elsa in the Māori-language version of Frozen, Fraser delivers a performance that has a delicious snap. Her powerhouse voice commands attention with an undeniable presence, whether playing it sweet or belting it out. It’s a confident move to introduce a character who can rival Maui’s charisma, but Fraser rises to the occasion, delivering a show-stealing performance…and one that a post-credit scene suggests we’ll see more of.

While the sequel retains its musical roots, it takes a slightly different approach. With Lin-Manuel Miranda stepping back, Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, known for The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical, take the reins. Their contributions, though fewer in number, strike all the right chords. Their compositions honor the original’s musical DNA while introducing melodic innovations that serve the narrative, revealing characters’ inner worlds and cultural rhythms with remarkable panache.  Cravalho soars through these numbers, her voice carrying the weight of Moana’s journey with power and precision. The soundtrack may not boast as many earworms as the first, but what it lacks in quantity, it more than makes up for in depth.

Conceived initially as a Disney+ series (it was only announced as a feature earlier in 2024), the film could have struggled to find its footing as a full-length picture. However, the directors have managed to craft a cohesive narrative that flows seamlessly, even if the first act takes a little time to gain momentum, and why I believe Maui is absent for much of those opening 50 minutes. By the time the story reaches its emotional climax, the slower start feels purposeful, setting up a payoff that’s as moving as it is satisfying.  Beneath the high seas spectacle lies a story rooted in themes of community, courage, and the enduring strength of cultural identity.  Though the creators couldn’t have known how timely the finale would be, the film’s ending represents a hopefulness we should all strive for when viewed through our current socio-political lens.

For younger viewers eager for more adventures on the open sea, Moana 2 is what parents have been waiting for. (A recent trip to EPCOT at the Magic Kingdom in Florida surprised me when I saw the huge wait times for a Moana-themed exhibit, a simple foliage walk-through…showing just how popular this heroine is). But its appeal isn’t limited to children. Longtime fans of the original will appreciate the film’s deeper dive into mythology and its careful exploration of Moana’s growth within her community.  And for those anticipating the live-action adaptation in 2026 (also starring Johnson as Maui), this sequel serves as a wonderful bridge—a reminder of what made the original so beloved while teasing the potential of what’s to come.