When Star Trek: Section 31 was first announced, fans were eager to see how this secretive, morally grey organisation would be explored on the big screen. With Michelle Yeoh reprising her role as Emperor Philippa Georgiou, it had the potential to be a thrilling, espionage-driven entry into the Star Trek universe. Unfortunately, the film fails on nearly every level as a Star Trek story and instead feels like a generic sci-fi action movie with little connection to the franchise, or start of something fresh.
From the start, Section 31 distances itself from the core themes and storytelling that define Star Trek. The franchise has always aimed to deliver thought-provoking narratives, diplomacy, exploration, and moral dilemmas. However, this film leans heavily into unoriginal, over-the-top action sequences, abandoning any intellectual depth and optimism for which Star Trek is known. The political intrigue of Section 31 could have made for a compelling, layered story, but instead, we get an average spy-thriller with little substance.
The plot itself is where Section 31 completely falls apart. It’s riddled with clichés, predictable twists, and illogical decisions that make it a forgettable action flick rather than a meaningful addition to Star Trek canon. Instead of diving deep into the morally ambiguous world of Section 31, the film resorts to a tired “rogue agent” storyline that feels more Mission: Impossible than Star Trek. The stakes feel artificial, the conflict forced, and by the end, the entire experience feels hollow. Yeoh is a brilliant performer, but here she plays a violent pub landlord with a weird ex who is out to kill her. Eastenders in space? One of the co-stars, Robert Kazinsky, who plays Zeph in the \Q&A after we saw the film said “I am so pleased to finally be in a Star Trek production” – Sorry, Rob, you haven’t quite done that yet – this is not Trek!
I also wondered what research the production designer did. The powerful bomb in the film would have been brilliantly voiced by Windsor Davies.
In the end, Star Trek: Section 31 is a massive disappointment. It’s not just a weak Star Trek film—it barely qualifies as one at all. While some might appreciate its fast-paced action and slick visuals, it ultimately fails to justify its existence. For die-hard Star Trek fans hoping for an intelligent, engaging exploration of Section 31, this film is an utter letdown. If you enjoyed Season 3 of Discovery, you might find some entertainment here. Otherwise, it’s best to skip this one.
Watch MANBORG instead, it is a much more enjoyable film with a very similar mix of characters.
