The latest installment in the Star Trek franchise has fans wondering if, much like the secretive organization it follows, this movie was better off staying in the shadows.
Originally conceived as a series, Star Trek: Section 31 was officially restructured as a film in April 2023. The reasoning behind this shift remains murky, though many speculate that Michelle Yeoh’s rising star—following her Oscar-winning turn in Everything Everywhere All At Once—played a role. Others believe it was a strategic decision, possibly influenced by budget constraints or the long development timeline.
Either way, it’s a gamble that may not have fully paid off for Paramount or the franchise.
[Minor Spoilers Ahead – Nothing Major, Just Some Classified Intel]
What’s It About?
When we last saw Philippa Georgiou (Michelle Yeoh), she was attempting to slip away from the watchful eyes of both Starfleet and Section 31. That plan? Clearly a bust, as the film opens with both organizations fully aware of her whereabouts.
But before we dive into the main mission, we’re treated to a backstory detailing how Philippa rose to power as Emperor of the Terran Empire. While it carries some foreshadowing, it’s hardly the shocking revelation it wants to be. The Terrans are ruthless, and Philippa’s reputation as a brutal ruler is well-established. Rather than offering fresh insights, this sequence feels more like a reaffirmation of what we already knew—Philippa Georgiou is dangerous, cunning, and utterly unapologetic.
Thankfully, we don’t linger too long before transitioning to the core narrative. Interestingly, instead of the usual exterior shots of planets or stardates, we jump straight into a mission briefing—an approach that oddly reminded me of Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego?. All that was missing was the floating head of the Chief.
The mission itself? Simple enough. Starfleet wants to detain Philippa and use her likeness to retrieve a vital piece of technology before it falls into the wrong hands. Alpha Team is deployed with a strict 24-hour deadline. Of course, things go sideways—betrayals, unexpected alliances, and a race against time force Philippa to rely on her razor-sharp instincts to survive.
While the premise has potential, the execution feels predictable. The film attempts to throw in twists and red herrings, but most are easy to spot a mile away.
Does It Add Anything to the Star Trek Universe?
In terms of franchise impact, Star Trek: Section 31 doesn’t bring much to the table. It delivers a fun, action-packed dive into the murkier corners of the Star Trek universe, but it’s hardly darker or grittier than Discovery or Picard. In fact, some might argue those shows took bigger storytelling risks.
Even the film’s ending feels underwhelming. It provides answers to questions that, frankly, no one was really asking. Who is Control? Never crossed my mind.
If anything, I was more interested in the origins of Section 31—what missions led them down their morally gray path? How did they operate in their early days? But instead of exploring the organization’s shadowy past, the movie focuses on Philippa’s personal history outside of Section 31.
And then there’s the lingering uncertainty—was this a one-off, or is Section 31 setting up future films or spin-offs? The lack of clear direction makes it hard to gauge whether this was a true launchpad or just another standalone adventure.
In the grand scheme of the Star Trek timeline, the film’s events feel inconsequential. It’s difficult to imagine Captain Pike, or even Michael Burnham in the 32nd century, ever feeling the ripple effects of what happens here.
Final Thoughts – Mission Accomplished or Classified Failure?
Star Trek: Section 31 is far from the worst entry in the franchise, but it’s certainly not the groundbreaking expansion some may have hoped for.
Michelle Yeoh, as expected, is phenomenal. She infuses Georgiou with a sharp, menacing charisma that feels effortless—there’s a distinct sense that she loves playing this character, and that passion translates on screen.
However, in terms of story, plot, and overall Star Trek impact? The movie falls short. Maybe the Star Trek franchise should stick to serialized storytelling on Paramount+ and leave the big-screen adventures to Chris Pine’s Kirk and crew.
If you’re craving a Star Trek fix and want an original story set in this beloved universe, Section 31 delivers solid entertainment. It’s fun, fast-paced, and well-acted.
But if you’re expecting something along the lines of Picard, with deep lore reveals and major franchise implications? You might walk away disappointed.
