The romantic pairing of Rey and Kylo Ren from the Star Wars sequel trilogy has generated substantial debate, with many critics arguing that the relationship normalizes or romanticizes unhealthy dynamics. Central to this argument are the power imbalances inherent in the characters’ positions and their history of conflict. One character exerted significant control and inflicted emotional and physical distress on the other, acts considered detrimental to a healthy relationship foundation.
Concerns stem from the portrayal of such interactions as potentially romantic, leading to the perception that manipulation, coercion, and abuse can be components of love. Historical and contemporary analyses of media representation highlight the impact of fictional relationships on viewers’ understanding and expectations of real-world partnerships. The normalization of unhealthy behaviors within popular narratives carries the risk of desensitizing audiences to these issues.
