Rey’s journey begins with the revelation that Emperor Palpatine (played by [Ian McDiarmid](../actor/ian-mcdiarmid)) has survived the events of Return of the Jedi using dark Force powers, secretly orchestrating events from the shadows. The opening fanfare underscores his influence throughout the galaxy as Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) is tasked with locating and bringing him back. Rather than dying at the end of the original trilogy, Palpatine has been alive all along, deeply embedded in the sinister plans that threaten the galaxy once again.
The story continues with Rey (Daisy Ridley), who is training under the wise guidance of Leia (Carrie Fisher). Together, they form a resilient team alongside Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), Finn (John Boyega), and the loyal Wookiee Chewbacca. Their goal is to gather intelligence about Kylo Ren’s schemes, which leads them on a quest to find an artifact that could hold the key to locating Palpatine himself. This artifact, a Sith-inscribed dagger, is inscribed with secret text that C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) can interpret, but only at the cost of losing his memory as his memories are backed up in R2-D2. The inscription reveals the existence of a powerful device called the Wayfinder, located on a Moon of Endor, which can guide them directly to Palpatine.
During their adventure, Kylo Ren confronts Rey, and their encounter escalates into a fierce duel, culminating with Rey unleashing Force lightning—a rare display of her raw power. The tension further intensifies when, on another planet, Rey and her allies succeed in interpreting the Sith text, which reveals the location of the Wayfinder. However, the process costs C-3PO his memories, adding emotional weight to the mission. This discovery leads them to a wreckage of the second Death Star on Endor’s moon, where Rey finds the Wayfinder. Touching it, she experiences a vision of herself as a Sith Lord, revealing the extent of her ancestral connection to Palpatine.
Meanwhile, Kylo Ren destroys the Wayfinder, reverting to his Ben Solo persona after a brutal fight with Rey. In a poignant moment, Leia reaches out to her son through the Force, which enables Rey to wound Kylo Ren mortally. Showing remarkable compassion and strength, Rey uses the Force to heal him, leading to a surprising turn when Ben Solo discards his Sith identity, renouncing the dark side. He rejoins the light by returning to Acht-To and has a heartfelt encounter with the Force ghost of Han Solo (Harrison Ford). This moment helps him leave behind his past darkness and resume his true self as Ben Solo.
Rey then receives guidance from the Force ghost of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), who urges her to face the Emperor directly. Equipped with a new own yellow lightsaber and the guidance of Leia’s lightsaber, Rey sets off using the Wayfinder on Palpatine’s planetary hideout. The Resistance, led by General Leia and others, prepares for the ultimate confrontation against a fleet of Star Destroyers commanded by Palpatine.
In a climactic battle, Palpatine (played by [Ian McDiarmid](../actor/ian-mcdiarmid)) attempts to drain the life force of Rey and Ben, growing ever more powerful. As the skies fill with ships of the Resistance, voices of deceased Jedi like Yoda, Qui-Gon Jinn, Anakin Skywalker, and Mace Windu echo in Rey’s mind, strengthening her resolve. She fights valiantly, wielding both Luke and Leia’s lightsabers, and deflects Palpatine’s Force lightning back onto him, seemingly ending his reign of terror once and for all.
However, the immense power drains Rey, leading to her apparent death. In a heroic act, Ben (Adam Driver) uses the last of his Force abilities to resurrect her, sacrificing himself in the process. The two share a final embrace and a kiss before, together, they join the Force, symbolizing their union and sacrifice. With Palpatine defeated and the First Order destroyed, peace is restored to the galaxy.
Rey’s return to Tatooine marks a new beginning. She buries the twin lightsabers of her past, including the legendary Skywalker saber, symbolizing the end of her journey. The film closes with a glimpse of Rey unveiling a yellow lightsaber, reminiscent of Jedi apprentices, and introducing herself to a passing stranger simply as "Rey Skywalker," a fitting title that signifies her rebirth and acceptance of her true heritage.
This story blends themes of redemption, legacy, and the enduring strength of hope, making it a fitting conclusion to the saga that has spanned generations.
