Avatar: Fire & Ash has finally arrived in cinemas, and while it has a better overall story than The Way of Water, it still struggles with some noticeable structural issues. Many of these problems could be addressed by rearranging certain events, changing locations, or cutting elements that interrupt the flow of the narrative. The biggest issue appears in the first half of the film, where there is no clear overarching goal. Instead, the story jumps from one objective to the next, make it feel more like a videogame than a movie. Thus, reworking the story would make it more engaging.
To establish a goal right away, Spider’s transformation is moved to the opening act. His newfound ability to breathe then becomes the catalyst for the Sully family to move, rather than a simple shortage of batteries. This also allows for an earlier introduction of the Mangkwam, showing why Neytiri recognizes them as a force to be reckoned with later on. The climax is also overhauled. Instead of another resource hunt, the final confrontation is moved a volcanic landscape. This shift avoids repetition the last movie's Tulkun hunt, and embraces the titular Fire & Ash better.
Act 1: Breathe
After finding refuge among the Metkayina, Jake Sully and his family struggle to live with the loss of Neteyam. Their peace is shattered when the Mangkwan launch a sudden raid on the reef village. Led by Varang, the fire-inspired clan burns structures and kills defenders before retreating. During the attack, Spider is gravely injured when his breathing equipment is destroyed. As he suffocates, Kiri enters a trance, connecting to Pandora and infusing Spider with living mycelia. The process saves him, permanently altering his body and allowing him to breathe Pandora’s air.
Jake realizes that this wouldn't be the last attack, and decides that Spider must be returned to the human scientist camp to better understand his physiology, with the family escorting him. When a fleet of flying merchant ships arrives, they depart with the traders. En route, the Mangkwan return and ambush the convoy, setting ships ablaze and massacre traders. Amid the chaos, Jake’s family is separated. Jake encounters Quaritch and Wainfleet, and the old enemies reluctantly join forces to search for the missing children.
Act 2: Alliances
The Mangkwan eventually capture the children, along with Jake and Quaritch when they intervene. While imprisoned, Quaritch earns Varang’s trust by teaching her how to use human weapons. Kiri then commands the surrounding flora to kill the guards, enabling their escape. After, they unite with Neytiri and the scientists, while Quaritch flees. Spider is examined and revealed to house an organism that could allow all humans to breathe Pandora’s atmosphere. Meanwhile, Quaritch regroups with Wainfleet and travels to the Mangkwan village, delivering firearms and forging an alliance.
When Kiri and Spider learn about their bond with Pandora, Quaritch ambushes them and captures Spider. He leads the Mangkwan in an attack on the human-Omatikaya village, demanding Jake's surrender. To prevent further destruction, Jake complies, and both he and Spider are taken to Bridgehead City. Awaiting execution, Jake escapes execution with the help of Ian Garvin, while Neytiri infiltrates the base to find him. Spider escapes as well, and helps Jake and Neytiri flee by acting as human shield. Seeing Spider save Jake during the escape, Neytiri finally accepts him as family.
Act 3: Fire & Ash
Jake, Neytiri, and Spider return to the human-Omatikaya village. There, Jake realizes that fleeing will only allow Quaritch, the humans and the Mangkwan to create a stronger alliance. Accepting that running isn't an option indefinitely, Jake decides to take the fight to directly to his enemies. With the help of his old allies, Jake reunites the clans and reclaims his bond with Toruk to rally their strength. United under a single cause, the Na’vi clans march toward the volcanic homeland of the Mangkwan, determined to confront Varang and Quaritch and end the threat at its source.
At the volcano, the clans discover the Mangkwan village abandoned. Human forces now occupy the caldera instead, revealing Quaritch anticipated this move and laid a trap instead. As battle erupts, Kiri, with Spider and Tuk’s help, connects with Eywa and pleads for aid. Pandora’s wildlife surges against the human forces in response, and the vulcano erupts. Jake uses this to his advantage and destroys the RDA command ship, while Neytiri confronts Varang. Jake and Quaritch fight one final time, briefly uniting to save Spider before Quaritch willingly falls. Afterward, Spider is welcomed fully among the Na’vi.