Avatar: The Way of Water is one of the year's most anticipated films, and deservedly so. While the novelty of the first movie wore off over the years it took for the sequel to arrive, audiences have mostly welcomed the film with open arms. Jake and Neytiri's story continues in the sequel with the Na'vi.
They flee to the shores of Pandora and attempt to start a new chapter in a stunning setting. The film's three-hour runtime doesn't distract from the fact that there's still much for audiences to absorb. Easter eggs and the like are sure to be missed on a first, second, or third watch.
10 Quaritch Holding His Skull References Hamlet
When Quaritch's avatar navigates through the jungle of Pandora, he comes across the grave site of his human body. Of course, all that's left of the man is a skeleton still strapped into the robotic suit. Quaritch's avatar pulls the skull out and holds it up, similar to Hamlet in the titular play.
In the play, Hamlet reflects on the fragility of life and the nearness of death. Quaritch holding up his skull and then crushing it potentially symbolizes the character's new outlook on human mortality and embracing his new form.
9 The Na'vi Aren't Really Speaking In English
Some audiences might notice that oddly enough, though the Na'vi are communicating with each other for most of the film, they speak in English. Only they're not. Early in the movie, Jake recounts what's happened in the years since the first film.
He briefly mentions that he understands the Na'vi language well enough that it "may as well be English." This narration is placed over a fight between two of his kids, initially subtitled and then spoken in English. Audiences may hear the Na'vi talk in English, but the characters communicate in their native dialect.
8 The Hunters Use Subs Similar To Those In The Abyss And Titanic
James Cameron has a passion for the water, and the oceans play a consistent role in several of his films. From Titanic to The Abyss, characters dive deep into the sea or are surrounded by it. The filmmaker utilizes advanced submarines to explore the watery depths, even in documentaries.
These machines, often bearing windows, mechanical arms, and expensive cameras, once again get something of a return in The Way of Water. Though the Tulkun hunters are the ones to maneuver the crab-like subs under the water, the machines feel very reminiscent of those in other Cameron films.
7 There Are Evolutionary Differences Between The Omiticaya And The Metkayina
Considering the fact that in the world of Pandora, there is a multitude of clans indigenous to certain regions of the alien moon, it only makes sense that the Metkayina looks different from the Omiticaya. From an evolutionary standpoint, their physical differences are critical to their survival.
The oceanic clan bears a lighter blueish-green skin tone. They have larger ribcages for better lung capacity, finned calves, forearms, and tails to swim faster, and even have a third eyelid to blink sideways. Though not apparent to every audience member, these more minor differences in the Na'vi make for an essential detail in the survival of the people.
6 Eywa Is A Divine Being Using Kiri As Their Avatar
For those who take notice of the subtle uses of Sanskrit in the franchise, it's unsurprising to know that "Avatar" is a Sanskrit word relating to the representation of a deity. The fact seems even more significant in the sequel as Kiri's relation to Eywa, and her existence makes more sense.
Kiri is an essential character in the sequel and will continue to be so in the following film(s). Her tie to Eywa is complex. The apparent potential that Kiri was conceived of Eywa and her unique connection to the deity is supported by the possibility that Kiri herself is just an "avatar" for Eywa.
5 Kiri Is Wearing Her Mother's Necklace
Audiences taking notice of costumes and accessories in the first film may notice that the necklace Grace Augustine wears is Na'vi jewelry. Not only is Grace wearing a Na'vi necklace, but she also received it from Neytiri's late sister. Of course, Grace isn't exactly back in the sequel in the same sense as Quaritch, her daughter, Kiri, adorns the same necklace throughout the film.
The nod to the character's reverence for Na'vi culture and taking place as her daughter's heirloom is a heartwarming and touching detail that might have been missed.
4 The Eyes At The End Of The Film Are A Repeat Of The First
Parallels are a constant in the sequel; the ending sequence is a testament to this. The first film ends with Jake Sully opening his eyes in his permanent Na'vi body. The Way of Water also closes in on Jake's eyes. Whether filmmakers intended for the moment to be significant, the moment is vital under the surface.
A consistent theme in the movie is how the characters "see" each other, and not in the physical sense, but more so in how they respect and understand one another. The visual of Jake's pair of eyes looking directly into the camera is not just a reflection of its predecessor but the idea that he's embracing the world through a new set of eyes.
3 The Sully Children Have Digits Like Their Father
One of the few differences between the Avatar bodies used by humans and the Na'vi individuals is their number of fingers. While the importance of having one less finger is never mentioned, it clearly shows their biological deviation. Jake has five fingers, while Neytiri and the other Na'vi have four.
Unsurprisingly, they're called out on the fact when they seek refuge with the Metkayina clan. Two of Jake and Neytiri's biological children, Tuk and Neteyam, have four digits, while their middle biological son Lo'ak and adopted daughter Kiri have distinct five. Though the fact is such a small detail, it feels thoughtful.
2 The Hunting Ship Sinks Similarly To The Titanic
It's no mystery that one of the films that put James Cameron on the map is The Titanic. While there are a few ties from this sequel to the tragic romance, one of the most obvious would be the whaling ship sinking with people trapped inside toward the end.
Though the circumstances are different, and audiences might be cheering for the hunting ship to be claimed by the ocean, lives are in peril with the dangerous waters. It's easy to think back on similar scenes in the 1997 film where characters trudge through quickly flooding corridors as the vessel sinks.
1 Kiri's Existence Is Something Of A Miracle
Jake and Neytiri's adopted daughter is much more special than audiences might realize. From her immaculate conception, Jake confirms that her birth is a miracle. Born of Grace Augustine's unconscious avatar body, it's clear that she exists because of Eywa's gift.
Throughout the film, she struggles with understanding her connection to Eywa itself and why she's seemingly able to communicate with the divine being better than anyone. This might reflect similar religious concepts and initiate the idea that Kiri's existence will be paramount to the entire franchise.