Rey (Daisy Ridley) exploded into theStar Warsfranchise as the leader of the sequel trilogy. This was a refreshing change of pace for the franchise that had featured predominantly male protagonists up until that moment. In the three movies she led,Rey proved herself to be a charming and resourceful protagonist who was always worth cheering fordespite all her flaws. While the ultimate conclusion of her story may have leftsomething to be desired, she was never anything less than magnetic.
While Rey’s entire arc was fascinating to watch, there were several key moments where she stood out. Some moments highlighted her compassion, and her ability to connect with characters who others would not have looked twice at. Other scenes highlighted how resourceful she was, and how she never forgot where she came from even as she developed her skills with the Force. The best Rey moments highlight everything that made the character so lovable during her tenure.
10Rey Uses Force Lightning
‘Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker’ (2019)
While Rey’s journey inStar Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalkerfell short in fully developing this character’s arc, Rey still had several important moments in the movie that highlighted how amazing this character is. Until this moment, Rey had demonstrated her natural connection with the Force, and had been learning with Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) to hone her skills. In this final chapter of the sequel trilogy,she wields Force lightning and is able to direct it.
Rey’s relationship with the Forcewas a central theme in the sequel trilogy.The moment she wields Force lightning is important because it shows the synthesis of her natural abilitiesand the training she has had. This ability to combine these two highlights what a skilled wielder of the Force Rey is. The moment Rey wields Force lightning is not only the culmination of one chapter of her story, but the beginning of another.
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker
In the riveting conclusion of the landmark Skywalker saga, new legends will be born-and the final battle for freedom is yet to come.
9Rey Connects With Kylo in Ahch-To Hut
‘Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi’ (2017)
Rey’s connection with Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) was a crucial character arc for her. The two often found themselves being more similar than either cared to admit. Both had immense talent, and they each had a powerful relationship with the Force. While Kylo is introduced as the villain inStar Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens,Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jediintroduces a far more nuanced version of the character. Nowhere is this more evident than when he connects with Rey through the Force.
This connection scene is important to Rey’s character because it highlights her ability to see the complexities of the Force, and how it can impact everyone differently. When she connects with Kylo after her trip to the cave, she begins to understand Ben’s perspective.This is a turning point for Rey as she further establishes the character she wants to be. This ability to connect with someone she could have easily hated highlights the strength of her character.
Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi
The Star Wars saga continues as new heroes and galactic legends go on an epic adventure, unlocking mysteries of the Force and shocking revelations of the past.
8Rey Rescues BB-8
‘Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens’ (2015)
There are several moments shortly after Rey is introduced where she showcases the kind of character she is. One of these is when she rescues a tangled BB-8, who is droid-napped by Teedo. As Rey gives viewers a glimpse into what she has to do to survive, she is still in tune with the needs of those around her, even those of the non-human variety.This is the beginning of a sweet relationship with a sweet little robot.
Much likeLuke Skywalker’s relationship with C-3PO and R2-D2, Rey’s connection to BB-8 highlights how empathetic she can be. Rey’s immediate focus on BB-8 when he is in distress is a testament to her ability to take action to protect those weaker than herself. This moment inStar Wars: The Force Awakensis one of the first thatspotlights Rey’s role as a protector, even as she survives in the desert alone.
Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens
As a new threat to the galaxy rises, Rey, a desert scavenger, and Finn, an ex-stormtrooper, must join Han Solo and Chewbacca to search for the one hope of restoring peace.
7Rey and Finn Steal the Millennium Falcon
Rey stealing the Millennium Falcon without knowing what it is, is another moment thatcomes early inStar Wars: The Force Awakenswhich demonstrates the kind of character she is. At this point in the story, she has met Finn (John Boyega), the rogue Storm Trooper who also finds himself on the planet Jakku. When Rey comes across the Millennium Falcon,she rigs it so she and Finn are able to escape the planetjust in the nick of time.
This is a powerful moment for Rey because it highlights how resourceful she is…
This is a powerful moment for Rey because it highlights how resourceful she is and how quickly she is able to think on her feet.It also ties Rey’s story to the franchise’s past. By instinctively being able to fly the iconic Millennium Falcon, one of the most well-known set pieces of the original trilogy, she tells the world that she is meant to be here. Also, stealing the Falcon also ties her to Han Solo (Harrison Ford), a staple of theStar Warsuniverse.
6Rey Fights Alongside Kylo Ren in Snoke’s Throne Room
AsRey and Kylo Ren’s relationship evolvedthrough the sequel trilogy, there were several key moments where they had to trust one another despite their misgivings. The scene in Snoke’s throne room where they team up is one such moment. This is a key moment for Kylo Ren as he chooses to go against Snoke (Andy Serkis), and a key moment for Rey, who decides to put aside her misgivings for him.
Deciding to fight alongside Kylo Ren is a reflection of recognizing the bond between each other.
The throne room scene highlights how powerful these two characters are as individuals, and how much more powerful they are when they work together. What makes this such an important moment for Rey is that she could have easily abandoned the fight, fought her own way out, and left Kylo Ren to deal with the consequences of his own actions. Deciding to fight alongside Kylo Ren is a reflection of recognizing the bond between each other.
5Rey Scavenges a Star Destroyer
Rey’s first moments inStar Wars: The Force Awakenshighlight the difficult reality she lives in. As she fights the elements to survive, she is clearly determined never to let her living situation get to her. From these first scenes, audiences can see that Rey is someone who is fiercely independent, and able to provide for herself even when faced with extraordinary odds. Even as a scavenger in the desert,Rey makes clear from the beginning that she is a character worth watching.
…Audiences can see that Rey is someone who is fiercely independent…
These first moments with Rey in the desert highlight how able she is to focus only on the tasks in front of her in order to survive. It is also heartbreaking to see how hard she works, alone and with no support. Beneath her tough exterior that is clear in her introductory scenes, she is evidently someone with much to offer. These first scenes highlight how much potential she has, even if she is introduced to using this potential just to get by.
4Rey’s Lesson With Leia Organa
Carrie Fisher’s final scenesin theStar Warsfranchise are deeply emotional. Every scene she is in is a chance to reflect on the force of nature she was. These scenes are also an opportunity to consider whata phenomenal character Leia(Fisher) will always be, and how this character will always be a crucial part of this franchise. Watching Rey and Leia interact one-on-one here is bittersweet, since it’s the passing of the torch to the next generation, while also a reminder of how unfortunate it is that these two didn’t have more time together.
Watching Rey and Leia interact one-on-one here is bittersweet, since it’s the passing of the torch to the next generation…
Rey’s one-on-one scene with Leia inStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalkeris poignant on several levels. For Rey, this further establishes the fact that this character is the future of this franchise while being connected to the past. It is also a chance for Rey to pay tribute to a character who ultimately paved the way for her. This scene is a brilliant reminder of the fact that without Leia, there would never have been Rey.
3Rey Learns From Luke Skywalker
At theend ofStar Wars: The Force Awakens, Rey makes her way to Luke, who has been living in self-imposed exile. In the opening moments ofStar Wars: The Last Jedi, Luke rejects Rey’s request for him to be her teacher. However,Rey persists in insisting that Luke mentor her. When Luke reluctantly agrees, Rey completely throws herself into learning everything she can about the Force from the last Jedi.
…Rey completely throws herself into learning everything she can about the Force…
Rey’s entire time with Luke profoundly affects her character. The scene where they spend the most time together as teacher and student is particularly notable because it brings out the best in both of their characters. This scene highlights how funny and charming Rey is, even as she does everything she can to take this training seriously. Rey again shows how determined she can be and how easy it is for her to reach out to the Dark Side of the Force.
2Rey Fights Kylo Ren in the Forest
At the end ofStar Wars: The Force Awakens,Rey and Kylo Ren face offin the forest. Rey is able to summon a lightsaber, even after having no formal training in wielding one. This gives her the ammunition she needs to fight Kylo Ren, fight for her life, and ultimately escape. This scene is not only a battle of strength, buta battle of wills between two powerful characters who are fighting for completely different ideals.
What makes this scene so powerful is the fact that it highlights how powerful Rey is, even without instructions. This moment is proof beyond a shadow of a doubt that Rey has a deep connection to the Force. Additionally, this moment highlights how willing Rey is to fight for what she believes in. This is another example of a moment where Rey could have run away. Instead, she stands and fights a villain who fights for an imperial society.
1Rey Escapes From the First Order
Rey’s escape from the First Ordercomes after she was held captive by them. After being taunted by Kylo Ren and being restrained, she finally frees herself with help from her allies. This moment comes before she witnesses Han Solo’s untimely death at the hands of his son.Even though Rey is physically weakened by her time being held captive, she has enough strength to pull throughand plot her successful escape.
This highlights the inner strength Rey has, which makes her formidable.
What makes this such a powerful scene for Rey is the fact that it highlights the depth of her strength. A physically and mentally weaker character would not have been able to carry on after such a brutal imprisonment. However, the fact that Rey is able to make it out alive is a testament to the fact that her determination always ran deep. This highlights the inner strength Rey has, which makes her formidable.
