Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
After the immense success of Wonder Woman (2017), Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) brought back Gal Gadot as the iconic Amazonian superhero in a much-anticipated sequel. Directed by Patty Jenkins, the film is set in the 1980s and sees Diana Prince facing new enemies, old loves, and moral dilemmas in a world driven by greed and excess.
Though Wonder Woman 1984 received mixed reactions compared to its predecessor, it remains a bold, colorful adventure with plenty of nostalgic ’80s flair. With themes of wish fulfillment, the consequences of power, and the importance of truth, the film is as much about the human experience as it is about superhero spectacle.
For those wanting to watch Wonder Woman 1984 online, this review covers the film’s themes, performances, and its current availability on streaming platforms in the U.S.
Plot Overview: Wishes, Power, and Consequences
Set decades after the events of the first film, Wonder Woman 1984 opens with Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) living a quiet, solitary life in Washington, D.C. She still protects humanity as Wonder Woman but remains haunted by the loss of Steve Trevor (Chris Pine). Everything changes when she encounters two powerful adversaries: media tycoon Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal) and gemologist-turned-villain Barbara Minerva (Kristen Wiig), aka Cheetah.
The central plot revolves around the mysterious Dreamstone, an ancient artifact that grants wishes but at a steep cost. Diana’s wish brings Steve Trevor back to life, but it weakens her powers. Meanwhile, Barbara wishes for strength and confidence, transforming her into the formidable Cheetah, and Maxwell Lord uses the stone to manipulate global events, creating chaos.
The film explores how each character grapples with their desires and the consequences of their wishes. Diana must confront difficult choices and sacrifices, learning that truth and integrity are more important than fleeting desires.
Character Performances: Strength, Charm, and Complexity
Gal Gadot as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman
Gal Gadot once again shines as Diana Prince, portraying both her vulnerability and strength with grace. Gadot’s performance in Wonder Woman 1984 strikes a delicate balance between the powerful, compassionate superhero and a woman struggling with her personal losses. Her chemistry with Chris Pine remains one of the film’s highlights, and she captures Diana’s internal conflict as she faces her toughest emotional challenge yet.
Chris Pine as Steve Trevor
Chris Pine reprises his role as Steve Trevor in a surprising way, given his character’s fate in the first film. His return offers a mix of humor, warmth, and emotional depth. Steve’s childlike wonder at the advancements of the 1980s provides light-hearted moments, but his relationship with Diana remains deeply moving. Pine’s performance is a heartwarming counterpart to Gadot’s, adding layers to the narrative.
Pedro Pascal as Maxwell Lord
Pedro Pascal delivers an over-the-top yet nuanced portrayal of Maxwell Lord, a businessman who craves success and power at any cost. Pascal captures Lord’s charismatic yet unhinged personality, making him a compelling and surprisingly sympathetic villain. His arc, grounded in themes of fatherhood and the price of ambition, adds emotional depth to what could have been a one-dimensional character.
Kristen Wiig as Barbara Minerva/Cheetah
Kristen Wiig’s transformation from shy, insecure Barbara Minerva to the powerful Cheetah is one of the more intriguing aspects of the film. Wiig effectively portrays Barbara’s gradual descent into villainy, fueled by jealousy and resentment toward Diana. Her portrayal balances humor, vulnerability, and menace, though some critics felt her character deserved more screen time to fully develop her motivations.
Direction and Visual Aesthetic: A Retro 1980s Spectacle
Patty Jenkins returns as director, once again showcasing her talent for combining action with emotional storytelling. The decision to set the film in the 1980s allows Jenkins to fully embrace the era’s bright colors, excess, and larger-than-life energy. From neon-lit shopping malls to the iconic costumes, the visual aesthetic feels like a loving homage to the time period.
The action sequences in Wonder Woman 1984 are dynamic, particularly the opening scene set in Themyscira and the chase through the streets of Cairo. However, some critics noted that the film’s pacing suffers in places, with long stretches of exposition slowing down the momentum.
Despite these pacing issues, Jenkins’ direction ensures that the emotional beats of the story resonate. She emphasizes themes of hope, sacrifice, and the importance of accepting reality over illusion, offering a message that feels especially relevant in today’s world.
Themes: The Price of Wishes and the Value of Truth
At its core, Wonder Woman 1984 is a film about wish fulfillment and the consequences that come with it. Each of the central characters—Diana, Maxwell, Barbara—gets what they desire, but they must confront the reality that their wishes come at a cost.
Maxwell Lord’s arc is particularly poignant, as he learns the hard way that unlimited power cannot fill the void in his life. Diana’s journey is one of personal growth, as she realizes that she must let go of Steve and embrace the truth, even when it’s painful. The film’s message is clear: true strength lies not in what we wish for, but in our ability to face the world as it is.
The film also explores the dangers of unchecked ambition, with Maxwell Lord’s rise to power mirroring real-world issues of greed and exploitation. Barbara’s transformation into Cheetah highlights the theme of identity, as she grapples with feelings of inadequacy and jealousy.
Critical Reception: Mixed but Bold
Wonder Woman 1984 opened to a mix of praise and criticism. While many applauded Gal Gadot’s performance and the film’s hopeful tone, others pointed out the uneven pacing and felt that the movie didn’t live up to the high expectations set by the first film.
On review aggregator sites like Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a mixed rating, with audiences split over the film’s balance of action and emotional depth. Despite the critiques, Wonder Woman 1984 remains a bold sequel that dares to be different, with a focus on character-driven storytelling rather than relentless action.
Where to Watch Wonder Woman 1984 Online: Streaming and Rental Options in the U.S.
For those looking to watch Wonder Woman 1984 online, several streaming and rental platforms offer the film in the U.S. Here’s where you can access it:
1. HBO Max
As a Warner Bros. production, Wonder Woman 1984 was initially released on HBO Max in conjunction with its theatrical release. Subscribers to HBO Max can still stream the film as part of the service’s catalog, making it one of the most convenient options for those with an HBO Max subscription.
2. Amazon Prime Video
Wonder Woman 1984 is available for both rental and purchase on Amazon Prime Video. Rental prices typically start at $3.99, while the purchase price is around $14.99 for HD. Amazon Prime allows streaming on a variety of devices, from smart TVs to mobile phones.
3. Apple TV (iTunes)
On Apple TV (formerly iTunes), viewers can rent or purchase Wonder Woman 1984. Rentals are priced at $3.99, while purchases cost approximately $14.99. Apple TV’s seamless integration across its ecosystem makes it a great option for Apple device users.
4. Google Play Movies & YouTube
Google Play Movies and YouTube offer Wonder Woman 1984 for rental starting at $3.99, or for purchase at $14.99. These platforms are accessible on most devices, allowing for convenient viewing at home or on the go.
5. Vudu
Vudu provides Wonder Woman 1984 for rent and purchase, with prices similar to other platforms—$3.99 for rentals and $14.99 for purchases. Vudu’s high-quality streaming options make it a solid choice for those who prefer HD or UHD formats.
6. Redbox
For those who prefer traditional rental services, Redbox offers Wonder Woman 1984 both digitally and via its physical kiosks. You can rent the digital version for $3.99 or purchase it for $14.99.
Conclusion: A Vibrant, Emotional Superhero Sequel
Wonder Woman 1984 may not have reached the critical heights of its predecessor, but it offers a visually stunning, emotionally driven story that takes risks with its narrative. Gal Gadot’s portrayal of Diana Prince continues to be the heart of the franchise, delivering a performance that resonates with both strength and vulnerability.
The film’s exploration of truth, desire, and sacrifice, combined with its 1980s setting and colorful aesthetic, makes it a unique entry in the superhero genre. Whether you’re a fan of comic book films or simply enjoy character-driven stories, Wonder Woman 1984 offers something for everyone.
With its availability on multiple streaming platforms, including HBO Max, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV, accessing Wonder Woman 1984 online in the U.S. is simple and convenient.
