BRAVE 2 (2026) opens as a coming-of-age epic, where courage is no longer about drawing a bow and arrow or defying fate, but about confronting the past, healing divisions, and shouldering the responsibilities of a changing world.

Years after Princess Merida dared to “rewrite her own destiny,” Scotland seemed to have entered a period of peace. The once-rivaled families now coexist in a fragile order, and Merida is no longer the impulsive girl who chased after freedom. She has grown up—not losing her wild spirit, but learning that every arrow she shoots carries consequences. It is in this seemingly tranquil moment that an ancient curse is awakened from forgotten legends, bringing with it a darkness that threatens to engulf the Scottish tribes.

This curse is not simply magic. It embodies old resentments, of the cracks that have never truly healed between once-rival kingdoms. Mythical creatures rise from the deep forests and mists of the North, carrying the memories of a time of war and bloodshed. Merida is forced to confront a bitter truth: her past victory never truly resolved the fear and hatred within humanity.

BRAVE 2’s greatest strength lies in Merida’s inner journey. Daisy Ridley presents a more mature and profound Merida, where impulsiveness is replaced by moments of very human hesitation. She remains a skilled archer, still rides through the forest on horseback with her fiery red hair flowing, but each decision now impacts the fate of many others. The film cleverly places Merida in choices where there is no absolute right or wrong: fight to defend her territory or negotiate with her former enemy; believe in ancient prophecy or her own intuition.

The mother-daughter relationship between Merida and Queen Elinor continues to be the emotional heart of the story. Emma Thompson once again portrays Elinor as calm, experienced, yet equally vulnerable to the risk of losing everything she has built. If the first film was a journey of understanding between two generations, BRAVE 2 delves deeper into companionship: where the mother is not just a guide, but willing to step back to let her daughter move forward on her own. Their dialogues are not loud, but full of weight, reminding us that family ties are sometimes the thread that holds people together amidst the storms of history.

New characters, voiced by Florence Pugh and Tom Holland, bring a fresh energy to the film’s world. They represent different kingdoms and perspectives: some yearn for peace, others believe war is inevitable. The clash of these viewpoints elevates BRAVE 2 beyond the realm of a simple adventure film, transforming it into a story of politics, faith, and compromise—told in Pixar’s intimate and emotionally resonant language.

Visually, the film is truly breathtaking. The Scottish forests are depicted as both majestic and somber, mist swirling around the cliffs, moonlight reflecting on the lakes as if foreshadowing something ominous. The archery battles are grand but avoid excessive violence, emphasizing tension and the cost of conflict. The magic in BRAVE 2 is not only visually stunning but also possesses a mystical, ancient quality, as if the land itself is whispering its story.

Above all, BRAVE 2 conveys a powerful message: true courage lies not in standing alone against the world, but in the ability to connect and build alliances in the most divisive moments. With war looming, reaching out to those different is sometimes harder than drawing a bow and shooting an arrow. Merida learns that rewriting her destiny isn’t about erasing the past, but about daring to confront it to create a better future.

With its mature story, profound emotions, and subtly expanded mythological world, BRAVE 2 is not only a worthy sequel but also proof that Pixar can tell increasingly complex stories while still touching the hearts of viewers. It’s an adventure for both audiences who grew up with Merida and a new generation searching for the meaning of “courage” in a turbulent world.