Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End

REVIEW:

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This review contains major plot details from Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.

After the jaw dropping ending to Dead Man’s Chest, I was so excited to dive into this next instalment. The previous film left audiences on a cliffhanger that demanded answers, and At World’s End wastes no time reminding us of the stakes. The opening is shockingly grim: mass hangings, pirates stripped of hope, and a child among the executed. It is a ruthless introduction that makes it crystal clear this film is not pulling its punches, and immediately positions the pirates as the side to root for if you weren’t already.

One of the things I love most about this entry is its willingness to broaden the scope beyond just the Caribbean. We are taken to Singapore with its misty docks and treacherous alliances, to the frozen surreal Arctic, and of course to the bizarre otherworldly Davy Jones’ Locker. The variety of landscapes makes the film feel bigger and more epic, adding a freshness to the world building that makes this finale feel like a true voyage across uncharted seas.

Speaking of Davy Jones, he is arguably more complex here than ever before. With Lord Beckett holding his heart, Jones is reduced to a pawn, a weapon wielded by the East India Trading Company. The irony is that while Jones is still terrifying and ruthless, the film makes it clear his cruelty stems from betrayal and heartbreak rather than sheer malice. Beckett and the Company emerge as the real monsters, a commentary on unchecked greed and soulless control that resonates throughout the story.

Visually, this film is a feast. There are moments that burn themselves into your mind, like Barbossa leading the crew as they sail literally off the edge of the world. Davy Jones’ Locker is a triumph in surrealist design, capturing the loneliness and insanity of Jack Sparrow’s exile. Jack himself leans even further into madness here, with multiple versions of him arguing and plotting in his own head, which makes perfect sense given his time trapped in the Locker. And then there is the quiet tragedy of Governor Swann, drifting through the afterlife, a reminder that not even beloved characters are safe from this story’s darker turns.

Of course, not everything lands perfectly. A small nitpick that has always bugged me is how on earth did Pintel and Ragetti manage to tie themselves upside down during the capsizing sequence. Yes, it is played for laughs, but I could not help thinking it would have been funnier to actually see them fumbling with ropes and panicking mid setup. Little touches like that could have elevated the comedy without breaking the tension.

What struck me on this rewatch is how desperate and self serving most of the main characters are in this film. Everyone has their own agenda, and the constant double crossing makes them harder to root for. I understand they are pirates, betrayal is second nature, but it leaves Will as the only one with a truly selfless motivation, saving his father. Even Elizabeth gets tangled in the murky politics of the Brethren Court. That said, Keith Richards showing up as Jack’s father was a stroke of brilliance, a perfect nod to the Rolling Stone who inspired Depp’s iconic performance.

The film’s exploration of pirate lore is another highlight. Shipwreck Cove, the Brethren Court, the Pirate Lords, and the idea of electing a Pirate King all enrich the mythology and expand the universe far beyond one ship or crew. It gives the story a sense of legacy and culture, proving that piracy in this world is not just about treasure but about power, history, and freedom. Combined with some of the best CGI of its time, Davy Jones still looks flawless, it is a clear sign of just how much detail and effort went into making this film feel like an epic conclusion.

Yes, the runtime nearly hits three hours, and yes, some stretches sag. But then comes the final act, and suddenly every criticism fades into the storm. The maelstrom battle is breathtaking, from the Pearl and Dutchman circling each other in chaos to the intimate drama of Will and Elizabeth marrying mid fight. Jack’s duel with Davy Jones, Will being bound to captain the Dutchman to save his own life, and the ultimate destruction of Beckett’s fleet deliver an emotional, action packed finale that left me grinning and heartbroken in equal measure. This is not a flawless trilogy, but At World’s End ensures it ends on a thunderous note, grand, messy, and unforgettable.