While “Avatar: Fire and Ash” has drawn large crowds to theaters, it has also stirred some discontent among die-hard fans of the series. Curious about what has caused a stir? Our video above delves into the elements that have unsettled the franchise’s devoted followers.

The movie is steeped in turmoil and emotional tension within the Sully family, with heartache woven throughout their story. The shadow of Neteyam’s death looms heavily, impacting each family member uniquely. Jake (played by Sam Worthington) grows distant from his community, channeling his grief and frustration towards his second son, Lo’ak (portrayed by Britain Dalton), whom he perceives as reckless and immature. Lo’ak struggles under the weight of newfound responsibilities, nearly buckling under the pressure. Meanwhile, Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) grapples with her feelings toward her adopted human son, Spider (Jack Champion), initially rejecting him. A near-tragic moment occurs when Jake and Neytiri almost harm Spider, only to realize he is integral to their tribe. Yet, this is merely a fraction of the film’s controversial elements.

The Na’vi possess kurus, a crucial part of their anatomy that connects them to each other and to Eywa, the goddess central to Pandora’s spiritual life. Thus, it’s particularly shocking when Varang (Oona Chaplin) coldly severs a kuru while interrogating a captive Na’vi, leaving audiences stunned by her brutality. Her villainous actions culminate in a frustrating twist as she vanishes by the movie’s end, setting up a cliffhanger intended to lead into “Avatar 4.”

Kurus are physical part of the Na’vi body that allow for them to make a connection with one another and back to Eywa, their goddess and the very center of all spiritual life on Pandora. That’s why it’s so shocking when Varang (Oona Chaplin) severs one while interrogating a captive Na’vi, leaving the audience immediately distraught by Varang’s viciousness. The action is so over-the-top it makes her unsatisfying villain arc even more irritating when she simply disappears at the end of “Fire and Ash,” leaving behind a cliffhanger that serves as nothing more than set-up for “Avatar 4.”

Tulkans are gentle, pacifistic creatures, but the last two “Avatar” movies have not been kind to them. In “Fire and Ash,” a whole bunch of them die onscreen. Payakan (Kevin Dorman) — the most prominent member of their race in the “Avatar” series of films — has an already-sad backstory that turns even more tragic in “Avatar 3.” Still excised from the tulkan community, he has vowed never to sing again. The Sully kids reunite him with his voice, but when he meets the only survivor of his pod, he turns out to be just as shell-shocked from the trauma they’ve been through as Payakan. Want a recap of all of the audience-depressing moments that occur in “Avatar: Fire and Ash” before watching the movie? Click our video above and sob your heart out.