Great write up, Omni! I actually think we’re on similar pages.
I think we both agree that a true Jedi must acknowledge the dark side that exists in them, and they shouldn’t let the dark side control them. But in my opinion, we never really get a moment where Rey acknowledges her dark side.
What I’m suggesting is that Rey can have a moment in the film where she does what is referred to in Jungian psychology as “shadow work”. Sure, shadow work in real life isn’t about shooting lightning from your fingertips, but Star Wars is all about the metaphor. But it’s like you said, one must confront and understand their own dark side, but Rey never does that.
The thing is, we know that Rey is afraid of, more than anything, herself. Not Palpatine. Herself. So, how is her overcoming Palpatine satisfying in any way, shape or form? What is the ultimate boon that Rey earns by the end of this film that she can bring back to the ordinary world? Rey’s arc over the course of the trilogy has been to forge her own identity and learning to accept herself for who she is. If Rey learned to accept this final aspect of herself, it might actually be something the entire movie seemed to be setting up.
Perhaps it is the wrong move for Rey to use the lightning to defeat Palpatine. At the very least I like the idea to make Rey’s lightning she uses on Pasana yellow. Not only to separate her use of it from Palpatine, but choosing to make her lightsaber the same color as her lightning might be enough to show that Rey has come to acknowledge that dark side in her. I hope that makes some sense.
Also, thanks Ash and Idir for your thoughts! Again, I enjoy your input Omni. These are my favorite kind of conversations.