This close read of The Last Jedi's lightsaber battles draws some surprising conclusions
In the months leading up to the release of The Last Jedi, some fans began to speculate that the film would center round Rey and Kylo Ren choosing to join forces—either for good or for evil. Those theories were kind of right considering the connection between the two formed the emotional core of the film, even if they ultimately turned against one another. But one fan’s incredibly deep read of the lightsaber choreography adds some fuel for the shippers still pining for “Reylo.”
By comparing the two characters’ lightsaber technique—specifically when Rey is performing a kata on Ahch-To and when Kylo is dueling Luke on the salt planet of Crait—Tumblr user Painfully Intimate formed the basis of the theory that these two are more connected than we think. Not only are some of their motions identical, but Rey slicing the rock in half may be a foreshadowing of Kylo’s attempt to halve Luke, only to realize he’s a force projection. Also, earlier in the film, during the showdown in Snoke’s throne room, Rey uses lightsaber techniques that mirror those used by Kylo in The Force Awakens.