REVIEW: ‘Star Wars Visions’ Volume 2 Episode 9 — “Aau’s Song”

Star Wars would be nothing without the amazing scores that have been put forth by greats like John Williams and Kevin Kiner. Their iconic music has defied many character moments and the most impactful scenes in the franchise have to offer. Star Wars Visions Volume 2 Episode 9 from Triggerfish Studios looks to add its mark to that storied collection of soundtracks in Aau’s Song.

Star Wars Visions Volume 2 Episode 9 is directed by Daniel Clarke and Nadia Darries. Aau’s Song stands as the only installment this season with a composer in Clarke as a director. This intentionality is felt throughout the episode as the score is just as important as the animation for the episode as the episode follows its titular character Aau played by Mplio Jantjie and Dineo Du Toit. 

Through gorgeous animation that highlights the landscape, viewers are introduced to the planet Korba. The planet’s mountains are riddled with kyber crystals that have been bled red by the Sith. Like in the Star Wars canon, kyber crystals are as much alive as being in the galaxy. Their connection to those who are Force-sensitive has been explored in media like The Clone Wars which shows Jedi being drawn to a specific kyber crystal to be used in their lightsabers. Sith, on the other hand, have to bleed stolen crystals for their lightsabers giving them their red glow. The Ahsoka novel shows that this process can be reversed through deep mediation. On Korba, a Jedi looks to assist in this process for inhabitants who mine the crystal. 

While Aau is not a Jedi herself, it is clear that she possesses a special connection to the kyber crystals. They call to her, but not just one, but all of the crystals on the planet that have been subjected to torture by the Sith. Aau’s father, worried about her abilities, prevents her from singing around the kyber crystals as the reactions prove dangerous. However, after a chain reaction, it is Aau who may be the only one to bring the tormented crystals back to harmony.

Outside of the score, Star Wars Visions Volume 2 Episode 9 provides a unique look at the Force in only way a Visions project can. The Force connects everything in the universe and that includes the kyber crystals. Through Aau’s singing, viewers can see these connections through a variety of rich animation styles. Her abilities are truly special and unlike anything we have seen from the Force before. While there is little dialogue throughout the episode, the score and the animation paint the picture better than words ever could.

Embracing all aspects of one’s self is a theme that has run deep this season for Visions. Star Wars Visions Volume 2 Episode 9 is no different. The heart of Aau’s Song lies a message to never silence your song. Aau shows that the gifts we possess may not always be understood by those around us. However, that should not stop you from trusting who you are in your heart of hearts. Once you allow that light to shine, your loved ones will see you for who you truly are.

Star Wars Visions Volume 2 Episode 9 is streaming now exclusively on Disney+.