The Complexity of Rey's Relationships in Star Wars: A Critique of Writing Styles and Character Development

The complex web of relationships that develops throughout the Star Wars sequel trilogy, particularly involving Rey and the characters of Finn and Kylo Ren, has attracted considerable analysis. However, a significant argument can be made that the development of these relationships, especially Rey's choice for a love partner, is fundamentally tied to the writing style and overall direction taken by the filmmakers.

Understanding Rey's Love Interests in Star Wars

Rey has been portrayed as a character with deep and meaningful relationships, yet her romantic interests - Finn and Kylo Ren (Ben Solo) - are not what one might expect. There is an argument that Rey is not "in love" with either Finn or Kylo in the traditional sense of the term. Rather, her emotional connections with these characters stem from shared experiences and a sense of shared identity.

Rey's attachment to Finn is complex; she values his friendship and trust, yet they are not romantically entwined. Similarly, while Rey experiences a deep bond with Kylo, it is described as a kind of limerence - a form of infatuation or unrequited love rather than a typical romantic relationship.

Why Rey Chose Kylo Over Finn

The decision for Rey to align with Kylo Ren can be explained through an exploration of the writing styles employed in the trilogy. The first film, directed by JJ Abrams, embodies a style often referred to as "gardening." This approach sees the filmmaker setting the stage and developing characters and plot points organically, with a blend of planning and spontaneity.

In stark contrast, the second film in the trilogy, directed by Rian Johnson, can be described as a more spontaneous style, better fitting the definition of "gardeners." However, the direction taken by Abrams in the third film veered towards a "failed gardening" approach. This lack of coherent planning and the oversensitivity to audience feedback marred the narrative, leading to a series of questionable decisions.

A Failed Gardening Approach and Its Consequences

The sequel trilogy's structuring is often viewed as a series of missteps. JJ Abrams' initial attempt at recreating the original triumvirate resulted in a series of underwhelming returns. The direction introduced by Rian Johnson, while innovative, was met with widespread disappointment due to its failure to maintain the narrative coherence established in the first film.

Director Rian Johnson successfully subverted several narrative themes in a way that served the story, but failed to develop a coherent follow-up. The trilogy's third entry, directed by JJ Abrams, suffered from the weight of these missteps. In a misguided attempt to address every criticism, Abrams revised the script to include changes that, while potentially appealing to some, diluted the core narrative and character development.

In this context, Rey's alliance with Kylo Ren was not a logical progression but an attempt to fulfill fan expectations. The lack of chemistry between Rey and Kylo was a result of poor character development and direction. Had the film been more firmly grounded in coherent storytelling, Rey might have had a stronger, more authentic relationship with Finn.

Implications for Character Development

The interplay between Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren highlights the broader issues affecting character development and narrative coherence in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Each character's journey is inextricably linked to the overall arc of the story. For Rey's relationship with Finn to have been more meaningful and sustained, it required stronger, more established character arcs and a more coherent ending for the trilogy.

Ultimately, the devolution of the sequel trilogy into a series of subplots and character subversions speaks to the complexity of storytelling and the importance of narrative coherence. Critics argue that a better written third film would have allowed Finn and Rey to be a couple, with Kylo Ren as the primary antagonist. However, this would require not just a better storyline but also a better director to guide the development of the narrative.

The saga of Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren in the Star Wars sequel trilogy offers valuable lessons for future filmmakers. It underscores the importance of a cohesive narrative, character development, and a director's vision in maintaining audience engagement and satisfaction.