Section 31 faced numerous challenges as Star Trek’s first streaming movie, particularly due to its controversial focus on one of the franchise’s most divisive concepts. Despite receiving mostly negative reviews, there are some aspects of the film that show potential while also highlighting its shortcomings.
One of the film’s strengths lies in the chemistry of the cast, with performances that elevate the material despite limited character development. Kacey Rohl’s portrayal of Rachel Garrett and Omari Hardwick’s Alok offer glimpses of deeper storytelling potential that unfortunately go largely unexplored. Michelle Yeoh’s standout fashion choices also add flair to the film, showcasing a different side of Star Trek’s aesthetic beyond Starfleet uniforms.
However, Section 31 falls short in engaging with its own premise and the wider Star Trek universe. The movie fails to delve into the complexities of the titular organization or explore the unique storytelling opportunities presented by its setting. Instead, it feels like a generic sci-fi action film that lacks the depth and curiosity typically associated with Star Trek.
Furthermore, the film’s action sequences suffer from poor execution, with unclear visuals and editing that detract from the excitement of the scenes. Despite interesting concepts like phasing technology, the action sequences lack coherence and fail to fully showcase the talents of the cast, including the skilled Michelle Yeoh.
Overall, Section 31 struggles to live up to its potential, offering glimpses of promise amidst a narrative that fails to engage with the rich lore of Star Trek or deliver satisfying action sequences.