Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Review: 7 Ups & 3 Downs
6. Letitia Wright Steals The Show As Shuri
Though Letitia Wright is something of a controversial figure for obvious reasons, there's no arguing with the brilliance of her performance in this film.
Wright, who of course played a supporting role in the original Black Panther, has been unexpectedly passed the protagonist baton for this sequel, and more than rises to the occasion.
From the film's very first scene, Wright powerfully conveys Shuri's anguish at her brother's death and her struggle to move on from it.
It is a highly potent portrayal of grief, especially for the standards of a splashy tentpole film, in large part because Wright gives such a magnetic performance.
Sure, she may not be nearly as charismatic as her late screen brother, but given what Shuri is dealing with throughout the movie, that's hardly expected. This is an often shockingly introspective superhero character study, and Wright knocks it out of the park.