Star Trek: Section 31 (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Star Trek: Section 31 (2025) marks the latest addition to the Star Trek franchise, bringing the enigmatic Emperor Philippa Georgiou (played by Academy Award® winner Michelle Yeoh) into the spotlight. Directed by Olatunde Osunsanmi and written by Craig Sweeny, Bo Yeon Kim, and Erika Lippoldt, the film takes viewers into the shadowy underbelly of Starfleet’s covert operations. But does it live up to the legacy of Star Trek or veer too far from its roots? Let’s dive into an in-depth review of the movie and explore where you can watch it online.
The Plot: A Shadowy Adventure
In Star Trek: Section 31, Emperor Philippa Georgiou finds herself recruited into a secretive division of Starfleet. Tasked with protecting the United Federation of Planets, Georgiou must confront the sins of her dark past as the ruthless ruler of the Terran Empire. Her mission: retrieve the Godsend, a devastating weapon from the Mirror Universe, now in the wrong hands. Alongside a ragtag team of misfits, Georgiou embarks on a high-stakes journey that questions morality, loyalty, and redemption.
While the premise promises intrigue, the execution leaves much to be desired. The plot’s pacing feels rushed, cramming what might have been a multi-episode series into a 90-minute runtime. The moral complexities of Section 31 are barely scratched, replaced instead by clichéd team dynamics and superficial character arcs.
Performances: A Mixed Bag
Michelle Yeoh’s portrayal of Georgiou, a character rich with potential, falls short in this outing. Known for her commanding presence and versatility, Yeoh struggles to bring depth to a script that underutilizes her talents. Her character’s transition from an unapologetic tyrant to a reluctant anti-hero feels unearned and hollow.
The supporting cast, including Omari Hardwick as Alok and Kacey Rohl as a young Rachel Garrett, fails to deliver memorable performances. Sam Richardson’s Quasi provides occasional comedic relief, but the dialogue often lands flat. One particularly jarring element is the inclusion of a Vulcan character controlled by a microscopic alien, complete with an inexplicably exaggerated Irish accent. Such creative choices detract from the film’s overall tone.
Direction and Editing: A Disjointed Experience
Directed by Discovery veteran Olatunde Osunsanmi, Section 31 suffers from inconsistent direction and chaotic editing. The film employs excessive crash zooms and frenetic cuts that feel more suited to an amateur YouTube video than a cinematic experience. Action sequences lack impact, and the visual effects, though ambitious, often appear lackluster.
Thematic Disconnect
At its core, Star Trek has always balanced optimism with ethical dilemmas, presenting a utopian vision of the future while addressing real-world issues. Unfortunately, Section 31 abandons this legacy. Instead of exploring the moral ambiguity of covert operations within Starfleet, the film devolves into a derivative action-comedy. The lack of meaningful engagement with the franchise’s core themes leaves long-time fans feeling alienated.
Where to Watch Online
For those curious to judge the film for themselves, Star Trek: Section 31 is available to stream exclusively on Paramount+. You can visit the official site to watch the movie here.
If you prefer to rent or purchase, the movie is also available on popular platforms such as:
- Amazon Prime Video (Rental/Purchase)
- Apple TV (Rental/Purchase)
These options provide flexibility for viewers in the United States to access the film on their preferred platform.
Final Verdict
Star Trek: Section 31 is a bold attempt to expand the Star Trek universe, but it ultimately falls short. The movie’s reliance on tired tropes, uninspired performances, and lack of thematic depth make it a disappointing addition to the franchise. While Michelle Yeoh’s involvement initially generates excitement, the weak script and disjointed execution squander her potential.
For die-hard Star Trek fans, this film may serve as a curious footnote in the franchise’s history. However, casual viewers and those new to Star Trek are unlikely to find much appeal here. Perhaps it’s time for the franchise to take a step back and rediscover the core principles that made it beloved for generations.
Are you ready to explore the darker side of Starfleet? Watch Star Trek: Section 31 on Paramount+ and decide for yourself whether it’s a hit or miss. Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know how this film compares to other Star Trek installments. For more reviews and updates on streaming options, subscribe to our newsletter today!
