When Disney revealed *Moana 2* in February 2024, I felt a sense of doubt. The unexpected announcement, occurring just a few months before its November debut, indicated that an intended *Moana* TV series had been transformed into a cinematic feature. This sparked worries: Was *Moana 2* a hasty attempt to bounce back from Disney’s 2023 box office challenges with films such as *The Marvels* and *Wish*? And if that were the case, would quality be compromised for expediency?

Thankfully, *Moana 2* rose above expectations, offering an exciting journey coupled with a touching look into family connections. Although the film has some flaws—like a somewhat forgettable antagonist and songs that don’t reach the heights of those in the original—much of it meets, and occasionally exceeds, the standards set by its forerunner. A significant aspect of its triumph stems from the ongoing development of its extraordinary heroine.

### *Moana 2* Affirms Moana’s Starring Role

Even if you haven’t revisited *Moana* since its 2016 release, *Moana 2* quickly reminds you why Moana (voiced by Auliʻi Cravalho) commands attention. The film kicks off with a thrilling sequence: Moana dashes through a lush rainforest, leaps over a ravine, and climbs a steep rock face with her devoted pig Pua at her side. This scene culminates in a dramatic hero shot—Moana, hair billowing in the wind, standing atop a mountain and surveying the expansive ocean. Yet her triumphant call into a conch shell receives no reply, underscoring her quest to locate other human beings dwelling in the ocean.

Back on her home island of Motunui, Moana is celebrated as a “living legend.” Young girls imitate her, even finding their own versions of Pua, earning the moniker “Moanabes.” Her father, Chief Tui (Temuera Morrison), aspires to honor her as Tautai, a designation reserved for master navigators and leaders—a title that hasn’t been held for generations.

However, Moana’s perfect existence is shaken by a chilling vision of Motunui’s future: isolation and despair unless they reconnect with other humans. This insight compels Moana to confront a tough choice. She could embark on a journey to the mythical island of Motufetu, once a center for oceanic routes and communities. Yet the island is cursed by the god Nalo, who despises humans, and lies farther than any of her ancestors ever ventured. The expedition endangers not only her life but also her opportunity to return to her family and cherished island.

In this moment, *Moana 2* illustrates Moana’s maturation. With age and responsibility weighing upon her, she fully understands the stakes involved. Her anxiety about losing her family—especially her scene-stealing younger sister Simea (Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda)—infuses her decision with emotional significance. Resolute yet encumbered, Moana sets sail for Motufetu with a revamped canoe and an updated crew.

### New Characters Enrich the Journey

Although Moana is accustomed to sailing alone, this time she’s accompanied by three new companions. Loto (Rose Matafeo), a sharp-eyed inventor, injects the group with her infectious enthusiasm, despite her tendency to disassemble the canoe for “enhancements,” which raises concerns. Farmer Kele (David Fane) serves as the curmudgeonly elder, contributing more grumbles than pearls of wisdom. Completing the team is Moni (Hualālai Chung), a Motunui folklore enthusiast and devoted Maui fan who humorously crafts “fanfic” illustrations of himself alongside the demigod.

Speaking of Maui, he is conspicuously missing from Moana’s expedition, having been ensnared by Nalo’s ally, the goddess Matangi (Awhimai Fraser). Matangi, a “bat diva” with a vampiric edge, is a remarkable addition. Flanked by a swarm of bats and showcasing fangs, she nearly competes with *Moana*’s glimmering crab Tamatoa for captivating charm.

Yet Matangi isn’t the sole hurdle. The returning Kakamora coconut pirates bring chaos, and a gigantic, island-sized clam threatens to engulf the crew whole. Despite these vibrant foes, *Moana 2*’s main antagonist, Nalo, comes across as lackluster. The climactic confrontation, though visually impressive, pales in emotional depth compared to *Moana*’s encounter with the fierce Te Kā. Nalo’s ambiguous persona diminishes the climax to a struggle against inclement weather, although a mid-credit scene hinting at his possible return adds a layer of intrigue.

### Emotional Connections Ground the Narrative

While *Moana 2* may not offer a captivating villain, it compensates with deep emotional ties. Moana’s connections—with her crew, her ancestors, and her family—form the film’s core. Gramma Tala (Rachel House) returns with profound wisdom and touching moments, while Moana’s