Review of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018)

Directed by Ol Parker, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018) is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2008 hit Mamma Mia! Based on the popular stage musical that takes its inspiration from ABBA’s iconic songs, the film takes audiences on another joyous, music-filled journey to the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi. While the original film was lighthearted, playful, and filled with nostalgia, the sequel explores deeper emotional territory while still delivering the upbeat and energetic musical numbers that made the first film so beloved.

Set both in the present day and in flashbacks to 1979, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again serves as both a continuation of Sophie’s (Amanda Seyfried) life and the story of her mother, Donna (Meryl Streep). The film tells the story of Sophie attempting to honor her late mother’s memory by reopening the hotel her mother had built, all while discovering more about her mother’s past, especially the summer that changed Donna’s life forever. With its mix of heartwarming nostalgia, whimsical musical numbers, and the charm of the original cast, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is a feel-good film that expands the world of the first movie while deepening the emotional stakes.

Plot: Past, Present, and the Power of Family

The film opens with Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), who is now pregnant and struggling with her role as both the new owner of the hotel and the memory of her mother, Donna. In the absence of her mother, Sophie faces the challenges of her new life, unsure how to carry on Donna’s legacy. She decides to reopen the hotel in Donna’s honor, but the task is daunting, especially as she navigates the pressures of motherhood, running a business, and balancing relationships with her partner Sky (Dominic Cooper) and her three fathers, Sam (Pierce Brosnan), Harry (Colin Firth), and Bill (Stellan Skarsgård).

In parallel, the film flashes back to 1979, where a young Donna (Lily James) embarks on her own adventure in Greece, full of youthful energy and free-spirited ambition. The film tells the story of Donna’s life before she became a mother, focusing on the pivotal summer that led her to meet each of Sophie’s fathers. In a delightful twist, the film reveals how Donna’s relationships with Sam, Bill, and Harry shaped her future and ultimately led to her decision to raise Sophie alone. The flashbacks help to provide context to Sophie’s quest for understanding her mother and serve as a tribute to Donna’s incredible journey of independence and love.

At the heart of the story is Sophie’s emotional arc — her desire to connect with her mother’s legacy while forging her own path. As Sophie navigates this personal journey, she is also supported by her father figures, who each play a unique role in her life, and her friends, including the ever-charismatic Tanya (Christine Baranski) and Rosie (Julie Walters), who both add comedic flair and emotional support.

The film culminates in a grand celebration of love, family, and self-discovery, with a series of uplifting and emotional moments that come together to create a joyful, heartwarming finale.

Themes: Love, Legacy, and Self-Discovery

The central themes of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again revolve around love, legacy, and personal growth. Sophie’s struggle to find her own voice and continue her mother’s work is one of the film’s emotional cornerstones. The film presents Donna as a strong, independent woman who built something from nothing, and Sophie’s desire to honor her mother’s legacy underscores the importance of familial love and the desire to carry on a sense of purpose. However, the film also emphasizes the importance of finding one’s own path and carving out one’s own identity, separate from the weight of others’ expectations.

The theme of self-discovery is most prominently explored through Donna’s flashbacks. The young Donna, played by Lily James, is full of life and eager to explore the world on her own terms. Her relationships with Sam, Bill, and Harry are transformative, as they each represent different aspects of freedom, love, and adventure that define her future. Through these flashbacks, the film reflects on the idea of personal growth and the ways in which life’s unexpected twists shape who we become.

The film also explores the theme of family, both biological and chosen. Sophie’s relationship with her three fathers is a core part of the narrative, as they support her and share in her journey of honoring Donna’s legacy. Despite their differences, the bond they share with Sophie, and their willingness to be there for her, speaks to the idea of love transcending biology and traditional family structures. The camaraderie between Tanya, Rosie, and the rest of the characters further emphasizes the power of chosen family — the idea that the people who surround us, whether by blood or by choice, can provide strength and support during our most difficult times.

Music: The Heart of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

As with the first film, the music of ABBA is the beating heart of Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. The film’s soundtrack is packed with some of the Swedish pop group’s most beloved hits, including “Dancing Queen,” “Super Trouper,” “Waterloo,” and “Fernando,” along with a few lesser-known gems. The iconic music adds to the film’s infectious energy, and the musical numbers are designed to get audiences dancing in their seats and singing along.

The song “When I Kissed the Teacher” opens the film with a lively and joyous energy, while the title track “Mamma Mia!” and the unforgettable “Dancing Queen” provide show-stopping, feel-good moments that are sure to bring a smile to any viewer. The film also introduces several new renditions of classic ABBA songs, including a beautiful, heartfelt version of “Fernando” featuring Cher as the older version of Ruby, Donna’s mother.

Perhaps the most emotionally resonant song is “I’ve Been Waiting for You,” which reflects the deep emotional undercurrents of Sophie’s relationship with her mother. This song is a beautiful exploration of longing, loss, and the search for identity — the kind of track that brings a tear to your eye while you’re tapping your feet.

Additionally, the film introduces new songs, including “My Love, My Life,” which is sung by Lily James and captures Donna’s journey from youth to maturity with a delicate balance of nostalgia and emotional depth. The new songs blend seamlessly with the familiar hits, making the soundtrack a rich and vibrant companion to the story.

Performances: A Stellar Cast

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again features a star-studded ensemble cast that brings both depth and fun to the film. Amanda Seyfried, as Sophie, reprises her role with warmth and vulnerability. Seyfried perfectly captures Sophie’s emotional arc, balancing her youthful enthusiasm with the weight of her family legacy. Her journey from uncertainty to empowerment is a heartwarming and relatable one.

Lily James, who plays the young Donna, is a standout in the film. Her energetic performance channels the free-spirited nature of Donna’s character, and she brings a youthful exuberance to the role. James has incredible chemistry with the actors playing the younger versions of Sam (Jeremy Irvine), Bill (Josh Dylan), and Harry (Hugh Skinner), and her portrayal of Donna in her younger years helps to illuminate the character’s growth and transformation over time.

The return of the original cast adds further emotional weight to the film. Meryl Streep, though only appearing briefly, brings her signature gravitas to the role of Donna, even in her brief moments. Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Stellan Skarsgård, as Sophie’s three fathers, bring warmth, humor, and emotional support to the story, each man representing a different facet of love and family. Their dynamic with each other is one of the film’s most endearing elements.

Cher’s appearance as Ruby, Donna’s mother, adds a layer of star power and fun to the film. Cher’s iconic presence is as glamorous as ever, and her performance of “Fernando” with Andy Garcia (who plays her love interest, the charming Fernando) is a highlight of the film.

Direction and Cinematography: A Bright and Colorful World

Scott Parker’s direction continues the vibrant, high-energy style of the first Mamma Mia! film, embracing the whimsy and joy that the franchise is known for. The film’s visuals are bright, colorful, and bursting with life, especially during the musical numbers, which are staged with a mix of exuberance and graceful choreography. The cinematography beautifully captures the stunning Greek landscapes, with sweeping shots of the islands and the vibrant coastal scenes providing the perfect backdrop for the movie’s themes of love, nostalgia, and discovery.

The flashbacks to 1979 are particularly well-executed, with the film embracing a slightly more retro, vintage feel that emphasizes the youthful energy of Donna’s past. The combination of the picturesque location, lively musical numbers, and warm tones creates a perfect atmosphere for the film’s uplifting narrative.

Conclusion: A Heartfelt, Joyful Celebration of Love and Family

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018) is a joyous and heartfelt sequel that delivers everything fans loved about the first film, while adding emotional depth and a touching exploration of Donna’s past. The performances, particularly from Lily James, Amanda Seyfried, and Cher, elevate the film, while the iconic ABBA soundtrack keeps the energy high and the mood uplifting.

The film is a love letter to the power of music, family, and self-discovery. Its emotional moments, balanced with infectious tunes and a strong sense of community, make it a heartwarming experience. Whether you’re a die-hard Mamma Mia! fan or a newcomer to the franchise, Here We Go Again is a film that will leave you tapping your feet, singing along, and perhaps even shedding a few tears. Ultimately, it’s a celebration of life, love, and the connections that make us who we are.