The Star Wars universe has inspired a wealth of creative input from fans, including art, cosplay, and even fan films. One of these films has decided to take a look at the aftermath of the film's original trilogy and cast it in a darker light.
Alone, a fan film by YouTuber cinecuster, takes place in the aftermath of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, and features a lone Stormtrooper (James Shi) who must come to terms with the destruction of the second Death Star. And he's not alone...
Taking place primarily from Stormtrooper TX-1138's point of view, Alone offers us a glimpse into the Empire's immediate reaction to their defeat. TX-1138 runs the gamut of emotions, from disbelief that the Death Star has been destroyed to shock at the loss of his friends to ultimately admitting defeat. It's a narrative decision that not only feels like a nod to the films, as a similar approach was taken with Finn/FN-2187 in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, but it also helps to humanize the Stormtroopers in the audience's eyes.
Another new twist on the familiar comes from how the film handles the Ewoks. In Return of the Jedi, they were displayed as cute, cuddly, yet fierce warriors who were not above killing and eating their enemies. Alone follows that train of thought to its grisly conclusion, showing an Ewok feasting on the body of a slain Stormtrooper. The end result is downright disturbing and has shades of Gremlins around it.
Alone does what all good fan films should do: it uses the existing mythology to tell a new tale in its universe, and feels like a labor of love. Star Wars fans will definitely want to give this series a look.