REVIEW: ‘Star Wars Visions’ Volume 2 Episode 1 – “Sith”

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Star Wars Visions Volume 2 kicks off a superb series of episodes with “Sith” from Spanish animation studio El Guiri Studios. Written and directed by El Guiri’s co-founder and creative director Rodrigo Blaas, Star Wars Visions Volume 2 Episode 1 explores the nature of the Light and the Dark Side of the Force. While the push and pull of both sides of the Force is nothing new in the Star Wars universe, “Sith”‘s focus on color brings a unique visual representation to age-old conflict. By the episode’s end, viewers will have a new appreciation for what it means to find balance in the Force.

On a nondescript planet, Star Wars Visions Volume 2 Episode 1 opens with E2 rolling over to wake Lola, voiced by Ursula Corbero, from a nightmare. From the jump, it is clear that this episode will deal with Lola’s battle with the influence of the Dark Side of the Force as dark paint surrounds her as she tosses and turns in her sleep. The darkness that seeps out starkly contrasts the white background, and traces of color spread throughout their abode.

After waking from her nightmare, courtesy of one of the most adorable droids to grace the Star Wars franchise, Lola attempts to paint a mural full of vibrant colors. Her brush strokes are aggressive and rushed, leading to black overtaking the colors she so desperately tries to make the focus of the painting. The visual representation of the struggle continues throughout the episode as the darkness begins to overtake Lola in more ways than one. Her efforts to erase every present darkness are in vain. This is further exasperated by the appearance of her old Sith Master, voiced by Luis Tosar.

Where Star Wars Visions Volume 2 Episode 1 shines is in its use of its art style. The broad strokes and splattered colors are used to emphasize Lola’s struggle and the ensuing battle with her former master hammer home the conflict that resides within Lola. Regardless of how much vibrancy there is in the galaxy, darkness will always be present. Further, the subtle inclusion of broken machines throughout the episode reflects that same conflict. Lola is constantly fixing something, whether it is her speeder, ship, mechanical arm, or even E2. Like Lola, just because these things in her life are broken and detached from their original purpose, it doesn’t mean they are useless and not worth finding newfound impetus.

Often during the Star Wars films and television series, the battle of the Light and Dark for Force users is more of a discussion of feelings and urges in a place strong with the Dark Side. Star Wars Visions Volume 2 Episode 1 depicts this struggle much more in line with how the Jedi of the High Republic see the Force. Jedi of that era see their connection to Force as a chorus-filled song, the ocean’s vastness, and many other ways. In “Sith,” seeing the Force as a beautiful tapestry that requires both the cool colors of the Light Side and the harsh blacks of the Dark Side makes the difference between the two more than just the color of the user’s lightsaber.

Lola’s commitment to staying true to herself and forging her path makes her story that fans will want more of. She separates herself from other Force users in that grey area but not turning away from the Light or the Dark side. It’s embracing all aspects of herself that gives her the strength to overcome the darkness and make it a part of her – redefining what it means to be a Force user in the middle.

“Sith” very much leans into the message seen throughout Star Wars Visions Volume 2. Focusing on the individual journey allows Star Wars Visions Volume 2 Episode 1 to elevate themes that we have come to love as Star Wars fans. Over 14 minutes, director Rodrigo Blaas and the team at El Guiri Studios paint an elegant tapestry that focuses on the importance of accepting one’s self and pushing back against the traditional views of the Force. Proper balance comes from more than acknowledging the dark parts of yourself but embracing those aspects to reclaim that power as you forge your path.

Star Wars Visions Volume 2 Episode 1 is streaming now exclusively on Disney+.