Image commercially licensed from: Unsplash
With their offbeat humor, heartwarming camaraderie, and penchant for saving the universe to the tune of an infectious ’70s and ’80s soundtrack, the Guardians have carved out a distinctive space in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). As we gear up for the third installment, get ready for an emotional joyride that will have you laughing, crying, and, quite possibly, dancing in the aisles.
Emotional Sucker Punches: Rocket’s Traumatic Backstory
The lovable and sarcastic Rocket, voiced by Bradley Cooper, has always been a fan favorite, but in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3, we are given a deeper understanding of his character. Rocket’s backstory is explored as we learn about his traumatic past as a subject of the High Evolutionary’s (Chukwudi Iwuji) twisted experiments.
This mad scientist believes that perfection can be achieved through macabre animal testing, and Rocket’s escape from his clutches came at the cost of being separated from his soulmate, Lylla (Linda Cardellini).
Lylla, a pure-hearted otter with prosthetic metal arms, represents a sense of innocence and purity that has been lost in Rocket’s life. Their separation adds a layer of emotional weight to Rocket’s character, as he seeks to find a way back to her while also fighting the High Evolutionary’s attempts to recapture him. This emotional arc provides a strong foundation for the film’s narrative and allows audiences to connect with Rocket on a deeper level.
The High Evolutionary—A Complex Villain:
The introduction of the High Evolutionary adds a new layer of complexity to the film’s emotional landscape. His God complex and twisted beliefs about creating a perfect society through animal experimentation make him a formidable antagonist. His relentless pursuit of Rocket demonstrates his obsession with control and perfection, while also highlighting the dark side of scientific experimentation and the potential ethical dilemmas that can arise from such pursuits.
Dark Themes—Eugenics and Vivisection:
The High Evolutionary’s goals and methods touch on some unexpectedly dark and controversial themes, such as eugenics and vivisection. Eugenics, the belief in improving the genetic quality of the human population, has a dark history of being used to justify discrimination, forced sterilization, and even genocide. The High Evolutionary’s pursuit of a perfect society through genetic manipulation and experimentation mirrors this disturbing ideology.
Vivisection, the practice of performing operations on live animals for experimental purposes, is another dark theme touched upon in the film. The High Evolutionary’s experiments on animals, including Rocket, are cruel and inhumane, highlighting humanity’s capacity for unimaginable cruelty towards other species.
A Bond of Loyalty and Friendship:
Despite the heavy themes explored in the film, there is a celebration of loyalty and friendship at its core. Rocket’s bond with his fellow Guardians serves as a powerful counterpoint to the High Evolutionary’s cold, detached pursuit of perfection. Their unwavering support and love for one another demonstrate that true strength lies not in physical perfection or power, but in the connections we forge with others.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 is a fitting conclusion to the beloved series, providing the audience with a rollercoaster of emotions and thought-provoking themes. As we bid farewell to the Guardians, we can only hope that their adventures will continue to inspire us to be better and kinder towards others, both human and non-human alike.
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