The kiss between Rey Skywalker and Ben Solo, also known as Kylo Ren, in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, has been a topic of much controversy, and Daisy Ridley‘s interpretation of this moment has raised numerous questions. This iconic kiss sparked confusion, as fans have been left debating whether the kiss was truly romantic or simply a farewell. Ridley’s comments during a recent interview have only fueled this ongoing discussion.
In an interview with Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Ridley shared her perspective on the kiss. She explained, “It felt earned. And what was interesting again, I think it’s like intentionality. My feeling in that moment was it was a goodbye, so that felt earned. Because, I mean, you can call a kiss a thousand things, but I felt like it was a goodbye. And that whole scene felt so emotional, and I felt like I was saying goodbye to the job.” This description has only added to the already tense discussions surrounding Rey and Kylo Ren’s relationship.
The persistent skepticism regarding the romantic nature of this kiss is perplexing, particularly considering the numerous hints of deeper feelings between Rey and Kylo Ren throughout the sequel trilogy. Long before the fateful kiss in The Rise of Skywalker, their interactions conveyed a strong emotional bond. For example, during their first encounter, Kylo Ren carried Rey back to his ship in a bridal style, starkly contrasting how he treated other characters such as Poe Dameron, who experienced much harsher treatment.
As their story progressed, several moments indicated the growing romantic tension between the two characters. Whether it was the instant connection they shared through the Force dyad or various close encounters, such as the moment they almost kissed in the elevator, hints were evident. Their connection was not just about the Force; it symbolized much more that could easily be interpreted as a romantic inclination.
Ridley’s characterization of the kiss as a farewell raises even more questions. If it were indeed just a goodbye, one must wonder how Rey could have known that this parting would be final. Given that she was visibly shocked by Kylo Ren/Ben Solo’s sudden demise, the contradicting interpretations from Ridley and the text itself suggest a lack of coherence in explaining their relationship.
Further complicating matters is the Rise of Skywalker novelization by Rae Carson, which characterizes the kiss as a “kiss of gratitude.” This framing offers yet another layer of meaning to the moment that seems to contradict Ridley’s perspective. The amalgamation of these interpretations illustrates the struggle Lucasfilm faces in solidifying the portrayal of these characters. It appears as if there is a conscious attempt to avoid labeling their interactions as romantic, contradicting the visual story presented on-screen.
Despite the hesitation from Lucasfilm regarding the confirmation of romantic feelings, the narrative arc of Rey and Kylo’s relationship fits well within the enemies-to-lovers trope. Fans observe this dynamic and argue that it would not be the first time Star Wars explored complex romantic relationships, as evidenced by the controversial kiss shared between Luke and Leia in the original trilogy. There’s certainly a valid space within the franchise for this type of storytelling, which resonates with viewers.
The ongoing insistence from Ridley and Lucasfilm that Rey and Kylo Ren’s kiss was merely a goodbye instead of an expression of romantic entanglement appears increasingly difficult for fans to accept. As the dialogue continues among the Star Wars community, it seems clear that viewers want clarity regarding the emotions behind the characters’ connection. There exists an underlying feeling among the fanbase that the narrative surrounding the kiss doesn’t align with their interpretations of the films.
Consequently, the ambiguity surrounding Rey Skywalker and Kylo Ren’s relationship leaves them in a complex web of interpretations. With the sequel trilogy still being a source of discussion, it’s hard to predict how upcoming Star Wars projects will tackle this narrative. Will they maintain this surface-level interpretation, or might there be an acknowledgment of the more profound connections shared between characters? For now, fans can only speculate.
The ultimate significance of the kiss between Rey Skywalker and Kylo Ren lies in its implications for character development, fan engagement, and the broader Star Wars narrative. Daisy Ridley’s take adds another layer to an already intricate tapestry of relationships, challenging viewers to dissect the many emotions woven throughout the trilogy. As Star Wars continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these sentiments will be addressed moving forward, but for now, the debate over Rey and Kylo Ren’s kiss continues unabated.
