Destiny in Motion: ‘Moana 2’ Further Explores her Courage, Connection to the Ocean, and Deep Sense of Duty
- After seeing the film, I couldn’t help but reflect on the messages of courage, leadership, and self-discovery it so powerfully conveyed.
Watching “Moana 2” at Pixar Studios was an experience I won’t forget, especially as I shared it with my daughter. The morning felt magical, but as I sat there, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much things had changed since the first film. While my daughter was buzzing with excitement — still holding on to the memories of the original Moana’s brave journey — I found myself struggling to recall the finer details of the first movie. It had been a while, and life in 2016 had been a whirlwind. Still, there I was, sitting in the theater, ready to rediscover the world of Moana with her.
“Moana 1” was a story of self-discovery and courage — a young girl venturing beyond the safety of her island, discovering her identity as a way-finder, and learning to trust in herself.
But by the time we reached “Moana 2,” she had evolved into a confident leader, tasked not only with saving her people from a curse but also with figuring out how to balance her leadership role with the adventurous spirit that defined her in the first film. The stakes were higher, and the challenges more complex, but the heart of the film remained the same: Moana’s courage, her connection to the ocean, and her deep sense of duty to her people.
One of the standout elements of “Moana 2” for me was the return of Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson), the demigod, and his magical tattoos. I absolutely loved how his tattoos were not only a visual masterpiece but also a living chronicle of his history. Watching them move and shift as he navigated his journey was incredibly intriguing. It gave him an emotional depth that was really special.
The tattoos weren’t just a part of his backstory; they were a way to show his vulnerabilities, his moments of doubt, and his desire for redemption. His ability to shrink, change shape, and still show vulnerability made him more human — and better. There was a mythological quality to him that reminded me of figures like Hanuman or Garuda: powerful, but with undeniable humanity.
Another great addition was Moana’s bond with her younger sister. Their relationship provided a warmth that grounded the film. It was lovely to see Moana pass down the wisdom she’d gained from her adventures to her sister — a subtle metaphor for how we pass on lessons to the next generation. It was also a great setup for the film’s theme of ripples—how one’s actions, decisions, and wisdom spread across time and through people. Plus, their shared moments and the cute new outfits
they sported were bound to create a lot of merchandising buzz.
The humor in “Moana 2” was another highlight. The colony of tiny but fierce coconut people — the Kakamora — were both hilarious and dangerous. Their antics added a lighthearted touch to the action, and it was impossible not to laugh at their persistence. Alongside them was the farmer who, unfortunately, had the worst sea legs. Moana’s loyal pets—her cute pig, Pua, and the bumbling rooster, Heihei — were back, and they brought their signature charm to the film. They weren’t just sidekicks; they were constants in her journey, offering both companionship and comfort.
Mani, a friend and ally, was more of a calligrapher than a warrior. It was refreshing to see a character whose strength lay in their ability to communicate, reflect, and preserve wisdom. Not everything needs to be solved with force, and this character was a great reminder that intellect and creativity have power, too—something that both the characters and the audience could take to heart.Then there was Matangi, the batwoman — another unique character — who helped Moana see that there’s more than one way to approach a problem. Her wisdom about perspective and how solutions can come from unexpected places was a beautiful, subtle lesson in adaptability and thinking outside the box.
As the movie unfolded, it was clear that the story was setting up a larger narrative. “Moana 2” didn’t just feel like a standalone film — it left the audience with the sense that Moana’s journey is far from over. From the unresolved threads of leadership and her responsibilities, to the hints of future challenges, the movie subtly suggested that “Moana 3” is likely in the works.
There were many lingering questions, and Moana’s story will continue to expand, as will the world she inhabits. The way the film ended — with Moana standing tall as a leader, yet still deeply connected to the sea and her people — was truly inspiring.
Watching the film, I couldn’t help but reflect on the messages of courage, leadership, and self-discovery that it so powerfully conveyed. The world may be shrinking in some ways — especially for young girls facing increasing restrictions on their freedoms—but Moana’s journey remains a beacon of hope. Her courage to defy expectations, to venture beyond the reef, and to fight for what’s right is a message that resonates now more than ever.
Still, as I looked around the theater, I noticed something that stayed with me: despite the empowering story unfolding on the screen, the mood in the room was quieter than I expected. The young girls were enjoying the music, and songs like “Beyond” and “Can I Get a Chee Hoo?” were fantastic, but the girls were not jubilant. They seemed to be absorbing the movie on a deeper level.
Perhaps they too were feeling the weight of the world — feeling the pressure of a future that seems less certain, less free than it once did. And maybe that’s why, despite the adventure and the humor, the film felt all the more urgent. In a world where freedoms are shrinking, Moana’s story is more important than ever. Her strength, her resilience, and her willingness to step up and lead — no matter the cost — are the qualities we need to see in our young girls today.
With one foot in Huntsville, Alabama, the other in her birth home India, and a heart steeped in humanity, writing is a contemplative practice for Monita Soni. She has published hundreds of poems, movie reviews, book critiques, and essays and contributed to combined literary works. Her two books are My Light Reflections and Flow through My Heart. You can hear her commentaries on Sundial Writers Corner WLRH 89.3FM.