Having burst onto the stage in 2016 with a captivating combination of sun, sand, sea, and stunning songs, Moana returns to the big screen this December with its much-anticipated sequel, Moana 2. While the follow-up doesn’t quite reach the heights of the original, it remains an enjoyable family movie that will likely prove popular with kids and parents alike. But how can we reflect on the movie theologically and use it to foster meaningful worldview conversations with our children?
Let’s Talk About… The Story
Set three years after the events of the first film, Moana 2 establishes the heroine as the Wayfinder of her island, Motunui. Though her father is still the official tribal leader, his role is minor, often portrayed as secondary to Moana’s drive and aspirations. This shift reflects the movie’s broader themes of empowerment and generational change.
The story also introduces Moana’s younger sister, Simea, with whom she shares an incredibly strong bond. The plot revolves around a vision Moana receives from Tautai Vasa, a former Wayfinder of the island, who warns her that her dream of uniting the peoples of the islands will fail unless she finds the legendary island of Motufetu. Once a hub connecting the islands, its disappearance has left the islanders fragmented and isolated.
Motufetu’s fate is tied to Nalo, the ancient god of thunder and chaos, who sank the island into the sea. Nalo’s curse ensures humanity lives disconnected and alone. To break the curse, Moana must follow the star in the sky and succeed where Tautai Vasa failed.
With her motley crew—including the lovable chicken Heihei, her pig Pua, and new characters Loto, Moni, and Kele—Moana embarks on a quest to rescue and reconcile the island peoples. Along the way, she is joined by her old friend, Maui, the demigod of the wind and sea, for the climactic showdown with Nalo.
What Is True, Good, and Beautiful?
There is lots to enjoy about Moana 2. Its visuals are stunning, and the introduction of new characters adds fresh humour and interest. While the storyline feels overly packed at times, it retains enough charm to entertain.
Family and Friendship
The film offers a refreshingly positive portrayal of family life. Moana’s relationship with Simea is especially heartwarming, a reminder of the value of familial love and unity (Ephesians 6:1-4). Similarly, the friendships Moana develops with her crew highlight the importance of community and mutual support. One standout moment has Maui reminding Moana of her identity, empowering her to complete her mission—an inspiring example of supportive and encouraging friendship.
Sacrifice and Selflessness
The theme of sacrifice, particularly in the climactic battle with Nalo, is another strong point. Both Moana and Maui risk their lives to rescue others, offering a countercultural example of selflessness. This echoes John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
What Is False and Idolatrous?
While there are many positive aspects to celebrate, the movie also includes elements that require careful discernment.
The movie’s emphasis on Hawaiian mysticism and mythology is a key concern. New gods and goddesses are introduced, and Moana’s ancestors frequently appear as spirits. In the finale, these ancestors even resurrect Moana and grant her godlike powers. These elements present fictional depictions of the spiritual realm, death, and divinity that may be confusing for children.
Parents should approach these elements thoughtfully, helping children discern the difference between fictional myths and biblical truth (Hebrews 9:27, Psalm 115:4-8).
The movie also perpetuates the idea that salvation comes from within. Though aided by Maui and her crew, Moana remains the central figure in the film’s narrative of salvation, with her success or failure determining the fate of her people.
How Does the Gospel Apply?
Despite its flaws, Moana 2 offers opportunities to point children to the gospel.
A Curse to Break and a People to Rescue
The movie’s themes of breaking a curse and uniting people offer a natural bridge to the gospel story. Like the islanders, we live under the curse of sin, which fractures our relationships with God, others, and creation (Genesis 3, Romans 8:20-23). There is also scope to talk about the hope of rescue and the Promised Rescuer from Genesis 3:15. In many ways, watching this movie at Christmas is a great opportunity to point out to kids that this time of year is all about celebrating the truth that God has sent us His Promised Rescuer to break the curse of sin and reconcile human beings to Himself and to one another.
Sacrifice and Salvation
Moana’s willingness to risk her life for her people mirrors the gospel’s emphasis on sacrifice. Scripture teaches that humanity cannot rescue itself. Salvation must come from outside—through the perfect sacrifice of another. This sacrifice results in the creation of a new humanity (Ephesians 2:15) and the formation of a people from every nation, language, and tongue (Revelation 7:9-10).
A Glimpse of New Creation
The movie’s final scene, where the island peoples reunite at Motufetu and visit Motunui together, offers a glimpse of what is promised in the new creation. In the ultimate fulfillment of this hope, the curse of sin will be broken once and for all, and the serpent will be fully and finally crushed. The Lord Jesus Christ will gather a people for Himself, united in worship and reigning with Him over the new heavens and the new earth. This is the glorious future hope of the gospel and the ultimate destination of history—a reality that the closing scene of Moana 2 faintly echoes.
Moana 2 is an enjoyable sequel with stunning visuals, meaningful themes, and opportunities for rich conversations. As you discuss Moana 2 with your family, use it as a springboard to share the gospel’s message of true rescue and reconciliation, pointing your children to the hope and joy found in Christ
