After falling in love with the world and character of Moana in 2016, fans have been eager to see how far our main character has gone after exploring the water beyond the horizons.
“Moana 2” not only picks up where the original movie left off but also pushes the story with exciting new characters, plotlines and themes that strike the perfect balance of fresh elements and nostalgic charm, allowing the sequel to resonate with both old and new fans.
At the end of the first film, Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) became Motonui’s first “wayfinder” in centuries, setting sail into the unknown. In “Moana 2,” her journey continues when she is tasked with finding the lost island of Motufetu to save her people—a journey across the seas that brings with it obstacles from both old and new enemies.
While the return of fan-favorite characters from the original cast like Maui (Dwayne Johnson), Moana’s parents (Temuera Morrison and Nicole Scherzinger), Gramma Tala (Rachel House) and Heihei the chicken (Alan Tudyk) provides heartwarming moments and humor, the film also introduces fresh dynamics and characters that propel the story forward.
One of the strongest elements of the film is how it portrays Moana herself. Nearly a decade has passed since the first film, and this sequel portrays the maturity Moana has developed through subtle details like her slightly deepened voice or larger plot points like her leadership position within the island.
With the introduction of Moana’s younger sister, Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda), the film also explores a new aspect of Moana’s character as a role model.
Yet, Moana is still human—she makes mistakes, grows and seeks help from her own elders. This authenticity is rare for Disney princesses, who usually do not age or evolve in follow up films—something older audiences who grew up alongside Moana will particularly resonate with.
The soundtrack of “Moana 2” continues the tradition of memorable songs from the first film, remaining grounded in rich Polynesian heritage. Lyricist Lin-Manuel Miranda’s absence is felt as the tracks are not the instantly catchy, sing-along types found in the original. The new songs such as “Finding the Way” and “Mana Vavau” emphasize themes of teamwork, exploration, and courage. “Finding the Way” is the spiritual successor to the original film’s “We Know the Way,” recurring as a motif throughout the film.
“Moana 2” captures the magic of the original and builds on its foundation by offering both fresh adventures and deeper character exploration. Although some characters and story arcs were left unresolved, the door is open for future exploration, particularly in the post-credit scene that hints at a potential third installment of the series.
Despite these few shortcomings, the film delivers an experience that expands on the themes of self-discovery and courage, without losing the spirit of the original.
