Raya and the Last Dragon 2021

In a time long ago, Kumandra thrived in harmony until the emergence of malevolent spirits known as the Druun, which wreaked havoc across the land by turning souls to stone. To combat this threat, the dragons of Kumandra combined their dwindling magic to forge a powerful orb. This orb not only kept the Druun at bay but also resurrected all those who had perished, leaving the dragons themselves as the only victims, forever transformed into stone. This event led to a splintering of the once-united kingdom into five tribes, each named after sections of a dragon-shaped river: Fang, Heart, Tail, Spine, and Talon. The Heart Tribe, guardian of the orb, fiercely protected its power.

Fast forward 500 years, Chief Benja of the Heart Tribe has been diligently preparing his daughter Raya for her role as the orb’s protector. Despite his training, he holds a hopeful vision that peace can reign once more, prompting him to organize a grand feast inviting delegates from all tribes. During the festivities, Raya forms a bond with Namaari, the daughter of Chief Virana of the Fang Tribe, and they both share a fascination with dragons. Trusting in their newfound friendship, Namaari gifts Raya a dragon pendant; however, this trust is soon betrayed when the Fang Tribe attempts to seize the orb. Chaos ensues, resulting in the orb shattering and the Druun awakening once again. Benga urges Raya to escape with her fragment of the orb as he succumbs to stone.

Six years later, driven by the quest to restore the orb, Raya searches for Sisu, the legendary dragon who created it. Her journey leads her to the desolate remains of the Tail Tribe, where she successfully calls forth Sisu. Sisu reveals that she is not the orb’s creator, but through it, she can channel powers from her siblings. Together, they discover the ruined Tail Temple, reclaiming another piece of the orb that enables Sisu to take human form. As they travel, they encounter Namaari once more but manage to flee thanks to the help of Boun, a resourceful young boat captain.

Upon reaching the Talon Tribe, which has ingeniously built their village on water to fend off the Druun, Raya searches for their leader to regain another orb piece. In a clever turn of fate, she meets Little Noi, a clever child who stole Raya’s heart. After an amusing chase involving the adorable Ongis—her monkey-like companions—Raya decides to enlist their help. Meanwhile, Sisu attempts to engage in diplomacy by gathering gifts for the tribes, only to encounter danger from the actual tribal leader.

The adventure continues as they arrive at the Spine Tribe, where Raya and Sisu meet Tong, a fierce warrior, but soon find themselves trapped as Namaari and her tribe close in. As a clash ensues, Sisu transforms back into her dragon form to confront Namaari. Struck by the sight of this majestic being, Namaari returns to her mother, Virana, who insists on reclaiming all pieces of the orb and capturing the dragon. Back at their vessel, Raya confesses to her companions about Sisu’s identity, solidifying their newfound alliance.

Raya devises a bold plan to reclaim the final orb piece from the Fang Tribe, initially suggesting a confrontational approach. However, Sisu argues for a more diplomatic gesture, compelling Raya to reconsider her strategy. As tensions rise and they stand face-to-face with Namaari, their meeting takes a fateful turn, unleashing a series of emotional confrontations. In a moment of crisis, as the Druun encroach upon the Fang Tribe, Raya and Namaari find common ground, each confronting their deep losses.

In an epic struggle of resilience and honor, the characters unite, pooling their strengths to combat the Druun. Through selfless actions, Raya makes a critical decision, epitomizing her growth, and inspires others to lay down the pieces, joining forces against a mutual adversary. As the Druun face their downfall, the power of unity breathes life anew, bringing both dragons and people back from eternal sleep.

In a heartfelt resolution, Sisu revives along with her kin, extending gratitude towards Raya for her faith in collaboration. In a poignant reunion, Raya finally comes home to her father, Benga, joyously introducing him to Sisu as all tribes come together, celebrating the dawn of a hopeful new era.