Aquaman (2018), directed by James Wan, brings the underwater world of Atlantis to life, starring Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry, also known as Aquaman. This visually stunning superhero film follows Arthur’s journey as he embraces his true destiny and claims his place as the King of Atlantis. The film blends action, mythology, and family drama, as Arthur must confront his half-brother Orm (Patrick Wilson) to prevent a war between the underwater kingdoms and the surface world.
Arthur Curry’s Origins
The film begins with the story of how Arthur was born. His mother, Atlanna (Nicole Kidman), the Queen of Atlantis, falls in love with a human lighthouse keeper named Thomas Curry (Temuera Morrison) after escaping an arranged marriage. Together, they have a son, Arthur, who possesses both human and Atlantean traits. However, when Atlanna is forced to return to Atlantis to protect her family, Arthur grows up without her, developing his abilities on his own.
Arthur becomes a protector of the seas, using his superhuman strength, ability to breathe underwater, and communicate with marine life to fight against threats like pirates. He is first introduced stopping a group of pirates led by David Kane/Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), whose father dies during the confrontation, fueling David’s hatred for Aquaman.
Orm’s Plan: The Ocean Master
In Atlantis, Arthur’s half-brother, Orm (Patrick Wilson), is scheming to unite the seven underwater kingdoms and declare war on the surface world, whom he blames for polluting the oceans. Orm seeks to become the Ocean Master, a title given to the ruler who commands all of Atlantis and its surrounding kingdoms.
Mera (Amber Heard), a princess from the kingdom of Xebel and ally of Atlantis, comes to the surface to warn Arthur of Orm’s plan and begs him to return to Atlantis to claim his rightful place as king. At first, Arthur is reluctant, feeling unworthy of the Atlantean throne. However, after the destruction caused by a tsunami (engineered by Orm) threatens his father’s life, Arthur agrees to help Mera.
The Quest for the Trident
To defeat Orm and stop the war, Arthur and Mera embark on a quest to find the legendary Trident of Atlan, the weapon of the first king of Atlantis, which is said to grant its wielder the power to rule over the seas. They are pursued by Black Manta, who seeks revenge on Aquaman for his father’s death and is equipped with advanced Atlantean technology provided by Orm.
Arthur and Mera’s journey takes them to various locations around the world, including the Sahara Desert, where they uncover clues about the location of the trident. Eventually, they find themselves in the Kingdom of the Trench, a terrifying underwater realm inhabited by monstrous creatures. They barely escape and are led to a hidden sea at the Earth’s core, where they find the ancient trident guarded by Karathen, a giant sea creature.
Arthur’s Transformation: Becoming Aquaman
Arthur proves himself worthy of the trident by demonstrating his connection to the ocean and his desire to unite, rather than dominate, the underwater kingdoms. With the trident in hand, he gains control over the seas and its creatures, including Karathen. Now fully embracing his destiny, Arthur dons the iconic Aquaman armor, symbolizing his new role as King of Atlantis.
The Final Battle: Arthur vs. Orm
The film’s climax takes place during a massive battle between Orm’s forces and the allied kingdoms. Arthur, now wielding the trident and commanding an army of sea creatures, confronts Orm in an epic duel. The battle showcases Aquaman’s full powers as he fights to prevent the war that could devastate both the underwater kingdoms and the surface world.
In the end, Arthur defeats Orm, but instead of killing him, he spares his life. Orm is taken prisoner, and Arthur is hailed as the new King of Atlantis. He unites the underwater kingdoms and vows to protect both the seas and the surface world.
The Ending: A New King of Atlantis
The movie concludes with Arthur fully embracing his role as Aquaman, the King of Atlantis, and protector of the oceans. He is reunited with his mother, Atlanna, who had survived in exile and returns to Atlantis to see her son take the throne. Meanwhile, Black Manta, who survived the battle, is shown vowing revenge, setting the stage for future conflicts.
Aquaman is a thrilling, visually spectacular film that brings the underwater world to life with stunning effects and epic action. It blends superhero elements with mythology and family drama, showing Arthur Curry’s transformation from a reluctant hero to the King of Atlantis.
At the end of Aquaman (2018), Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa) fully embraces his destiny as the true King of Atlantis. After obtaining the powerful Trident of Atlan and proving himself worthy of the title, Arthur confronts his half-brother, Orm (Patrick Wilson), who seeks to become the Ocean Master and wage war on the surface world. In a climactic battle, Arthur and Orm engage in a duel atop a warship during an epic underwater conflict involving various sea creatures and armies.
With the trident in hand and his newfound mastery over the ocean’s creatures, Arthur defeats Orm in combat. However, instead of killing him, Arthur spares Orm’s life, showing mercy and compassion. Atlanna (Nicole Kidman), Arthur’s mother, who was presumed dead but had been living in exile, returns to Atlantis and embraces both her sons, ending the conflict. Orm, acknowledging Arthur’s strength and rightful place as king, is taken into custody.
The movie ends with Arthur being hailed as the new King of Atlantis. He takes his place on the throne, uniting the underwater kingdoms and vowing to protect both the seas and the surface world. The final moments show Arthur, fully transformed into Aquaman, declaring, “I am the protector of the deep. I am Aquaman.”
Meanwhile, a post-credits scene teases future conflicts as Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), who survived the battle, is shown vowing revenge against Aquaman, setting up the potential for his return in future films.