Summary
In Avatar: The Way of Water, Neteyam's death deeply affects Jake and Neytiri, with Neytiri becoming consumed by grief and Jake blaming their youngest son, Lo'ak.
Neteyam's death introduces intriguing possibilities for future character development in Avatar 3 and beyond. As Jake and Neytiri embark on a quest for revenge against Quaritch, their other children will also navigate their own journeys of seeking justice or finding healing.
The tragic loss of Neteyam may deeply impact Lo'ak, prompting him to become more vigilant in protecting his siblings. Alternatively, it could push him towards a path consumed by anguish and remorse.
In a recent episode of Cinema Therapy, therapist Jonathan Decker analyzed the tragic death in Avatar: The Way of Water. Set sixteen years after the first film, the sequel follows Jake and Neytiri's Na'vi family as they seek refuge with the aquatic Metkayina clan. During the final battle, their oldest son Neteyam is fatally shot by one of Quaritch's men, dying in front of his family.
Decker, a licensed therapist, delves into the details of Neteyam's death and examines Jake and Neytiri's response to the tragedy. While Neytiri is overcome with grief, Decker highlights how Jake's reaction differs, as he blames his younger son Lo'ak for Neteyam's demise. Read a portion of Decker's commentary or watch the full video below.
Both Jake and his wife are grieving, making it insensitive and hurtful to say such things. It's understandable if Jake's emotions cloud his judgment, but despite that, he remains compassionate towards his wife and strict with his sons.
There is progress in Jake's emotional state, as we all learn, evolve, and grow over time. However, during difficult moments, we sometimes revert back to old patterns. As an audience, it was frustrating and painful to witness Jake's regression towards the end of the film. Nevertheless, this portrayal stays true to his character and reflects human psychology. Yet, we still crave that catharsis and a resolution leading to a healthier place for the character's development.
What Neteyam's Death Means For Avatar 3 & Future Sequels
Neteyam, the eldest son of Jake and Neytiri, had the responsibility of guarding and caring for his younger siblings. However, it was his impulsive younger brother, Lo'ak, who managed to persuade him to save their symbolic sibling, Spider - the biological son of Miles Quaritch. Consequently, Lo'ak feels burdened by the guilt of Neteyam's demise, while Jake, consumed by grief, places blame on his youngest son for the loss of his oldest. Neteyam's tragic death and the resulting family dynamics serve as a strong foundation for future character development in Avatar 3 and subsequent sequels.
Moving forward from the conclusion of Avatar: The Way of Water, it is crucial for Jake and Neytiri to seek justice against Quaritch for their son's demise, as they strive to put an end to his destructive rampage once and for all. Neteyam's death holds the potential to greatly impact Lo'ak, either leading him to become more cautious in protecting his siblings or spiraling down a path filled with pain and remorse. This heartbreaking tragedy may also influence the actions of Jake and Neytiri's other children, Kiri (Sigourney Weaver) and Tuk (Trinity Jo-Li Bliss), as they embark on their own journeys of seeking revenge or finding solace and healing.
Source: Cinema Therapy