BY: Kaleria Jackson
This is the moment that thousands, if not millions, of fans have been waiting for since Steven Universe aired in 2013. After the Season 5 series finale, “Change Your Mind,” there were loose ends that were tied between Steven, the Crystal Gems, and the Diamonds. Moving on, the movie leads to the future where the Steven that fans have come to know is no longer a young quirky boy, but a knowledgeable teenager.16-year-old Steven is taller and has a neck, which many fans are in awe about seeing.
This movie pays tribute to the viewers that have been watching this series from the beginning. The series itself has touched on various topics that are not for a typical children’s show, such as touches on unhealthy relationships, non-traditional families, gay relationships, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (depression and anxiety), and stages of grief. The show may have touched on various topics, but it leads to the emotional journey that carries on into the movie.
Viewers have noticed how much of an emotional journey that this show takes each character on. For example, Pearl was once an obedient servant that aimed to please her Diamond. Now, Pearl is independent and serves no one. In order to reach this place, Pearl has gone through different trials and tribulations. The movie was no exception to how an emotional journey can be shown through its characters. The emotional journey continues as Steven is yet again put in the position to handle the destructive path his mother, Rose Quartz, left for Steven.
This movie was less of an actual story progression but more along the lines of a musical. Each song (available on Itunes, Apple Music, and Spotify) showcases the genius of not only Rebecca Sugar (creator of Steven Universe) but the song artist as well. I think the best song from the movie would have to be “Drift Away”– it shows the essence of character growth that comes from an emotionally damaged gem that has progressed over time.
What fans have not seen so far in the series that the movie shows is a gem that is so far emotionally damaged that the characters do not know how to fully comprehend the gem. The Crystal Gems have come across a villain in this movie that may be too much for them.
Steven comes to figure out that, as the hero, who he has to be is more important than who he wants to be. Steven does an excellent job of fine-tuning the world around him whenever he is faced with trouble.
Blogger Shannon Miller says, “The biggest takeaway from Steven Universe: The Movie is that many of us have to recalibrate what our idea of a happy ending looks like.” This is true when it comes to the reality of life.
https://tv.avclub.com/steven-universe-the-movie-is-melodious-proof-of-a-seri-1837688938
https://www.denofgeek.com/us/tv/steven-universe/282972/steven-universe-the-movie-review-spoiler-free