Why Jyn Erso from 'Rogue One' Is the Feminist Hero We Need Right Now
Save us, Felicity Jones.
Okay, so Rogue One: A Star Wars Story isn't exactly your average Star Wars movie. There's no triumphant lightsaber battle. There's no Chewbacca. There's no existential crisis about "the force." There isn't even a John Williams-scored opening crawl with background on what going on in a galaxy far, far away.
But that's fine. There's still plenty of Star Wars-y Star Wars-ness to go around, including cool aliens, ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and insane outer space battle scenes. Plus, about four major OMG-YOU-GUYS cameos that made everyone at the press screening clap. Because it was f*cking awesome.
Rogue One is an explosive, nail-biting, thrilling, heartbreaking war movie that'll make you forget about the bucket of popcorn on your lap—and it features a strong cast that's as refreshingly diverse as it is talented.
The standalone spinoff tells the scene-setting story described in the opening crawl of the OG Star Wars: A New Hope: "…During the battle, Rebel spies managed to steal secret plans to the Empire's ultimate weapon, the DEATH STAR, an armored space station with enough power to destroy an entire planet…"
It all begins on the kind of cozy Sunday we all love—unless you're Galen Erso (Mads Mikkelsen), a former Imperial scientist who gets a visit from Director Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn) and his totally on-trend white cape. [Side] Things don't, uh, go particularly well because Galen's young daughter Jyn Erso is left completely alone while he's whisked away to do some important work for Darth Vader's gang. Eventually she's found and taken in by rebel leader Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker), and moments later we flash-forward to meet twenty-something Jyn, played by Felicity Jones.
Jyn is a bad ass. We know this because even when rebel soldiers rescue her en route to an Imperial prison camp, she still beats the crap out of everyone around her. That is, until the arrival of my fantasy BFF K-2SO, a sassy seven foot droid voiced by Alan Tudyk who specializes in #realtalk, and provides levity to some serious bleakness throughout the film. Deadpan: "Congratulations. You are being rescued. Do not resist."
Turns out the rebels need Jyn to help find her old buddy Saw, and they offer her freedom in exchange. Why not? After some epic fighting, the gang finds Saw and realizes the Death Star is exactly what it sounds like: creepy and terrible. The good news? It has a teeny tiny vulnerability that Luke Skywalker will use to destroy it one movie from now.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
"This is when Jyn becomes her peak feminist hero best."
Unfortunately Rebel Alliance in-fighting ruins the idea of hijacking the Death Star's plans, which is when Jyn becomes her peak feminist hero best. And, let's face it, we need her now more than ever. (See: the news.)
Jyn delivers a battle cry for action, for change, for not sitting this one out because you're scared. She's an action hero, yes, but a reluctant one. That is, until she witnesses the havoc that evil and unchecked power can wreak, and finally does something about it. She rejects fear. She risks it all for the greater good—not just because she's lost everything, but because it's right. So right that there's no other choice. And her actions inspire those around her.
Oh, and did we mention Jyn doesn't need saving? At one point she's surrounded by stormtroopers and singlehandedly takes them out one-by-one. She isn't tough "for a girl." She's strong, courageous, and relentless because she chooses to be.
Jyn, like any Star Wars hero, is a reminder that the bad guys with big resources and bright red baseball caps black helmets don't have to win. We won't tell you what happens next or how Rogue One ends, but see it. Then get to work.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story opens in theaters December 16.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celebrity news, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
As deputy editor, Jen oversees Cosmopolitan's daily digital editorial operations, editing and writing features, essays, news, and other content, in addition to editing the magazine's cover stories, astrology pages, and more. Previously, Jen was a senior editor at Marie Claire. Before that, she worked at GQ.
-
Zendaya Delivers a Podium-Worthy Pre-Olympics Gown
She's shining brighter than the City of Lights.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'Love Island USA' Star Kenny Rodriguez Is Not "Playing Around" with His and JaNa Craig's Romance Outside of the Villa
The prince and princess of season 6 have remained the cutest couple since filming wrapped.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
So Many Celebrity Beauty Favorites Are in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Shop Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Markle, and Kaia Gerber's beloved picks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
How 'Drop Dead Gorgeous' Pulled Off Its Iconic Wardrobe With Gowns From the Mall of America and Crafting
As the cult classic turns 25, its costume designer opens up about creating magic on a scrappy production.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
How the 'Twisters' Soundtrack Rides Country Music's Mainstream Storm
The summer blockbuster is blowing into theaters with storm-wrangling sequences and killer needle drops.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Breaking Down the Shocking, Satanic Ending of ‘Longlegs’
The horror film and box-office hit stars Maika Monroe as an FBI agent hunting a serial killer played by Nicolas Cage.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
'Maxxxine' Is an Homage to the Sleazy Horror Genre Giallo—But Does Away With Its Violence Against Women Cliché
The new 'X' movie is inspired by the sleazy Giallo genre, but its lead flips the misogynistic horror style on its head.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Maika Monroe Opens Up About Crafting a Nuanced Final Girl in Her 'Longlegs' Character Lee Harker
The actress opens up about her affinity for playing final girls and crafting her character in this year’s runaway horror hit.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
32 Movies to Watch if You Like Sci-Fi
Whether you're into films set in space or time travel.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
The 17 Best Feminist Horror Movies Ever
Calling all scream queens.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
'Janet Planet' Is the Latest Must-See Entry in the Mother-Daughter Movie Canon
The sweet A24 movie marks the feature debut of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Annie Baker.
By Sadie Bell Published