Director: Catherine Hardwicke (returning after 17 years)
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Mackenzie Foy (reprising Renesmee), and introducing Isabella Ferreira as a new vampire threat.
A Surprise Revival That (Mostly) Works
Just when you thought the Twilight saga had faded into the early 2000s like frosted lip gloss and moody LiveJournal posts, The New Chapter arrives—a sequel that nobody expected but somehow makes sense. Set a decade after Breaking Dawn – Part 2, the film brings back the original trio (Bella, Edward, and Jacob) while introducing a new supernatural conflict that reignites the franchise’s signature blend of romance, angst, and vampire-werewolf politics.
The Plot: Old Love, New Threats
Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) are now seasoned vampire parents, raising Renesmee (Mackenzie Foy) in a world where the Volturi’s power has waned. But when a nomadic coven of ancient vampires—led by the ruthless Sylvia (Isabella Ferreira)—discovers Renesmee’s hybrid blood holds the key to unlocking daylight immortality, the Cullens must reunite with old allies (and enemies) to protect her.
Meanwhile, Jacob (Taylor Lautner) struggles with his imprinting bond as Renesmee grows into her powers, leading to tension between him and the Cullens. And yes, the love triangle kinda resurfaces—because some tropes never die.
What Works: Nostalgia Meets Evolution
1. The Core Cast Still Has Chemistry
Despite their post-Twilight careers taking them to indie films and superhero blockbusters, Stewart, Pattinson, and Lautner slip back into their roles with surprising ease. Stewart’s Bella is more confident now, embracing her vampire strength, while Pattinson’s Edward remains brooding but with a touch of dry humor. Lautner, meanwhile, delivers his best performance yet as a conflicted Jacob.
2. Mackenzie Foy Shines as Renesmee
No longer the CGI baby from Breaking Dawn, Foy brings depth to Renesmee—a young woman torn between her human emotions and vampire instincts. Her dynamic with Jacob is handled with more nuance this time, avoiding the creepiness of the original imprinting plot.
3. A More Mature (But Still Cheesy) Tone
Gone are the shaky-cam close-ups and awkward dialogue about “sparkly” skin. The New Chapter leans into gothic horror, with Sylvia’s coven feeling like a genuine threat. The action scenes are improved, featuring vampire fights with actual stakes (pun intended).
That said, this is still Twilight—so expect:
- Dramatic staring contests
- Over-the-top romantic voiceovers (“His cold hands still set my dead heart on fire.”)
- A slow-motion forest run (because tradition)
What Doesn’t Work: The Growing Pains of a Revival
1. The New Villain Feels Underdeveloped
Sylvia has a killer design (literally—she wears a cloak made of wolf pelts), but her motivations are thin. She wants power… because evil? A flashback to her origins could’ve helped.
2. Some Returning Characters Feel Wasted
Charlie Swan (Billy Burke) and the wolf pack (including Leah Clearwater) get minimal screen time, which is a shame given their fan-favorite status.
3. The Ending Sets Up More Sequels (Of Course)
Without spoiling, the finale leaves a major door open for Twilight 7, which might frustrate viewers hoping for closure.
Final Verdict: A Worthy Comeback for Fans
The Twilight Saga 6: The New Chapter won’t convert haters, but for those who still unironically listen to Decode by Paramore, it’s a satisfying return to Forks. The film balances nostalgia with genuine growth, delivering the melodrama and supernatural intrigue that made the franchise a phenomenon.
Rating: 7/10
“Less sparkling, more biting—this is the Twilight sequel we didn’t know we needed.” – Entertainment Weekly
Now in theaters.
Would You Like?
- A ranking of all Twilight movies, including this one?
- A deep dive into the book vs. movie changes?
- Predictions for Twilight 7?
Let me know how you’d like to expand this review
