With three female leads, this smart and fun piece offers a new perspective of the Terminator films adding more emotion and fearless new characters, nevertheless it keeps the essence of the first two films, which are, without a doubt, the reason for the franchise’s huge success.
One of the best things in Dark Fate is the return of Linda Hamilton as the iconic Sarah Connor, since she is clearly the most important character in the first two films, it was wise to bring her back to ensure it creatively succeeds where the last three Terminator franchise resets failed. Hamilton’s entrance is brilliant, showing the hero she really is since T2 even though she has a bittersweet ending, she delivers one of the best performances of her career and some of the greatest lines I’ve heard. But Linda Hamilton’s triumphant return is not the only eventuality in Terminator: Dark Fate. Of course Arnold Schwarzenegger also returns as another
T-800 but showing the human side of this "machine", something that the film added with humor. Schwarzenegger’s screen time is brief but adequate to the story that the film wants to tell.
Dark Fate succeeds in introducing new protagonists played by Natalia Reyes and Mackenzie Davis. I have to say this is what excites me the most about Director Tim Miller’s fantastic film. Reyes, as Dani Ramos, is essentially the answer to the 1984 film, while Davis plays Grace, a super-soldier from the future whose life mission is to keep Dani safe.
Both Reyes and Davis shine in their action and dramatic scenes, but the undisputed new leading star is Natalia Reyes. The Colombian actress brings humanity and a new light to the franchise, the range of emotions her character goes through and expresses in the entire film is challenging enough for any actor, and Reyes shows her talent. For me, it was completely emotional and a delight to see a Latina playing such an interesting and fearless character, something that isn't common in the industry. Representation is important in Dark Fate; the film not only features diverse talent, but does them justice on screen. Reyes definitely steals the show and delivers one of the greatest performances I’ve seen in a while. She convincingly handles Dani's journey from helpless, frightened innocent to tough-minded, resourceful decision-maker in a perfect way.
Terminator: Dark Fate combines alternate timelines, stunning visuals, impressive action sequences and a mesmerizing set of new characters with a script that does justice to the first two chapters of the story, while moving it forward in interesting ways. Female and diverse representation in Sci-fi is what I’m here for. In conclusion, Dark Fate is most definitely the best Terminator sequel since T2.
Score: ★★★★½
