The film begins with Arthur Curry, the Aquaman, now firmly established as the King of Atlantis, striving to maintain peace between the underwater kingdoms and the surface world. Despite his efforts, tension is brewing as ancient prophecies foretell the rise of a destructive force that could plunge both worlds into chaos.
The movie opens with a mysterious tremor felt across the ocean floors, awakening an ancient threat: Atlan, the original King of Atlantis, who has been resurrected by a powerful sorceress named Nereida. Bitter and vengeful, Atlan seeks to reclaim his throne and establish dominion over all the Seven Seas, including the surface world. He wields the mythical Trident of the Depths, which can command the ocean and unleash devastating natural disasters.
Arthur, along with Mera, Orm (Ocean Master), and his trusted advisor Vulko, sets out to discover the source of these disturbances. They encounter Nereida, who reveals her plan to use Atlan’s power to awaken the Leviathans, ancient sea monsters capable of destroying entire civilizations. Nereida believes that only through destruction and rebirth can the oceans be purified from surface dwellers’ pollution and exploitation.
The movie’s central conflict revolves around Arthur’s struggle to unite the Seven Kingdoms of Atlantis against Atlan and Nereida. Old grudges and mistrust resurface as the kingdom leaders question Arthur’s ability to lead them against such a formidable foe. Orm, still seeking redemption for his past actions, becomes an unlikely ally and shows loyalty to his brother, proving his worth and changing his path from villain to hero.
In a series of spectacular underwater battles, Arthur faces Atlan, who is not only a master tactician but also possesses immense magical abilities. The climax occurs in the ruins of ancient Atlantis, where Arthur and Atlan engage in an epic duel. With Mera’s help, Arthur manages to wrest the Trident of the Depths from Atlan, stripping him of his power.
In the end, Atlan is imprisoned in the depths, and Nereida escapes, setting the stage for future conflicts. Arthur’s leadership is solidified as the kingdoms pledge their loyalty, and peace returns to the seas—at least for now.
