5 Things About ‘Thor: The Dark World’ That Made Zero Sense and 5 Things That Made Perfect Sense

‘Thor: The Dark World’ (2013) dives deeper into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, bringing back ChrisHemsworth as Thor, Natalie Portman as Jane Foster, and Tom Hiddleston as the cunning Loki. The film tacklescosmic stakes with the Dark Elves and the mysterious Aether, blending high-fantasy action with Asgard’s royaldrama. While it’s a visual feast with strong character moments, some plot points and choices left me puzzled,while others felt perfectly in tune with Thor’s journey.

As a sequel to ‘Thor’ (2011) and a follow-up to ‘The Avengers’ (2012), this movie aims to balance epic battles,romance, and humor. It’s not without flaws, but it has its share of memorable scenes that shine. Let’s breakdown five things that didn’t add up and five that clicked perfectly, alternating between the two to explore whatworked and what fell flat.

Made Zero Sense: Malekith’s Vague Plan

The villain Malekith, played by Christopher Eccleston, wants to use the Aether to plunge the universe intodarkness. But why? His motive feels like a generic evil scheme with no clear endgame. Is he ruling the darkuniverse or just destroying everything? The film doesn’t explain his obsession, making him a weak antagonistcompared to Loki’s layered villainy. It’s hard to care about a threat that feels so undefined.

This lack of depth hurts the story’s stakes. Malekith’s plan lacks the personal touch that makes villainscompelling, leaving his actions feeling like a plot device to move Thor around. A stronger motive could havetied his quest to Asgard’s history, but instead, it’s just a vague desire to end light. I was left wondering whathe’d even do if he won.

Made Perfect Sense: Loki and Thor’s Dynamic

The brotherly tension between Thor and Loki steals the show. Their mix of rivalry, trust, and betrayal feelsauthentic, rooted in years of history. Tom Hiddleston’s Loki is mischievous yet vulnerable, especially in sceneswith Thor, where their banter and uneasy alliance shine. Chris Hemsworth nails Thor’s mix of loyalty andfrustration, making their bond the heart of the film.

This relationship grounds the cosmic chaos. Whether they’re scheming to trick Malekith or sharing a quietmoment of grief, their interactions feel real. Loki’s deceptive nature paired with Thor’s growing wisdom sets uptheir arc beautifully for later films like ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ (2017). It’s a dynamic that carries the movie through itsweaker moments.

Made Zero Sense: Jane Foster’s Aether Infection

Jane Foster stumbling upon the Aether feels like a convenient plot twist. She’s teleported to a hidden realmand just happens to find this ancient, universe-threatening substance? The film doesn’t explain why the Aetherchooses her or how she even survives its power. It’s a lazy way to bring her back into Thor’s world withoutearning the moment.

This random event undermines Jane’s role as a scientist. Instead of her skills driving the story, she’s reducedto a damsel carrying a dangerous MacGuffin. The Aether’s effects on her are inconsistent, sometimesweakening her, sometimes not, leaving me confused about its rules. A more logical setup would have madeher involvement feel earned.

Made Perfect Sense: Asgard’s Visual Grandeur

Asgard looks stunning, with golden palaces, the shimmering Bifrost, and a lived-in feel that makes it a realplace. Director Alan Taylor, known for ‘Game of Thrones’ (2011-2019), brings a gritty, Viking-inspired texturethat grounds the mythical realm. The visuals elevate every scene, from battles to quiet moments, makingAsgard a character in itself.

This aesthetic fits Thor’s world perfectly. The detailed costumes, like Loki’s flowing cape or Thor’s armor, andthe cosmic backdrop of the Nine Realms create a sense of awe. It’s easy to believe this is a kingdom of gods,and the visuals make Thor’s duty to protect it feel urgent and real.

Made Zero Sense: The Convergence’s Rules

The Convergence, where the Nine Realms align, is central to the plot, but its mechanics are murky. Portalsopen randomly, letting characters hop between worlds, but the film doesn’t clarify how or why. Sometimesobjects pass through easily, other times they don’t. This lack of clear rules makes the climax feel chaotic andhard to follow.

The Convergence feels like a plot device to justify action scenes, like the final battle in London. Withoutdefined limits, it’s tough to grasp the stakes or why certain events happen. A simpler explanation could havemade this cosmic event feel less like a convenient excuse for portal-hopping fights.

Made Perfect Sense: Frigga’s Sacrifice

Queen Frigga’s death is a heart-wrenching moment that drives Thor and Loki’s motivations. Rene Russo’sperformance as Odin’s wife and Thor’s mother is brief but powerful, showing her love for both sons. Hersacrifice to protect Jane from Malekith feels true to her character, adding emotional weight to the story.

This moment fuels the brothers’ quest for vengeance, making their alliance more compelling. The funeralscene, with its glowing boats and Asgardian mourning, is visually striking and emotionally resonant. It’s aturning point that shows the cost of war, grounding the film’s high stakes in personal loss.

Made Zero Sense: Thor’s Solo Fight Against Malekith

Thor faces the Dark Elves’ invasion alone, despite being part of the Avengers. After the massive team effort in‘The Avengers’ to stop Loki’s attack, it’s odd that Thor doesn’t call for backup. The Dark Elves threaten theentire universe, yet he handles it single-handedly, which feels inconsistent with the MCU’s team dynamic.

This choice makes Thor seem overly independent. A quick call to Tony Stark or Steve Rogers could haveadded depth to the story, showing his growth as a team player. Instead, his solo mission feels like a plot hole,especially since the Avengers assemble for lesser threats in other films.

Made Perfect Sense: Loki’s Fake Death

Loki’s apparent death on Svartalfheim is a clever twist that fits his trickster nature. Tom Hiddleston sells theemotional moment, making Thor and the audience believe he’s gone, only to reveal he’s alive and posing asOdin. This deception is peak Loki, blending cunning with a hint of redemption.

The twist sets up future films while staying true to his character. Loki’s survival isn’t just a cheap fake-out; itshows his knack for outsmarting everyone, even Thor. It’s a satisfying payoff that rewards fans who knowLoki’s history of never staying down for long.

Made Zero Sense: Darcy and Selvig’s Roles

Darcy Lewis and Dr. Erik Selvig feel tacked on to the story. Kat Dennings’ Darcy provides comic relief, but herintern role doesn’t justify her involvement in cosmic events. Selvig, played by Stellan Skarsgård, is reduced toa quirky professor running around naked, which feels out of character after his serious role in ‘The Avengers’.

Their scenes add humor but little substance. Darcy’s sudden importance and Selvig’s erratic behavior don’tmesh with the high-stakes plot. Giving them more meaningful roles, like using Selvig’s expertise to study theAether, could have made their presence feel less forced.

Made Perfect Sense: Thor’s Growth as a Leader

Thor’s journey in the film shows him maturing from the brash warrior of the first movie. He defies Odin’s ordersto save Jane and the Nine Realms, showing strategic thinking over blind loyalty. Chris Hemsworth portraysThor’s balance of strength and humility, making his leadership feel earned.

This growth ties into his arc across the MCU. By choosing to protect Earth and Asgard, even at personal cost,Thor proves he’s ready to step up. His decision to reject the throne at the end highlights his self-awareness,setting the stage for his evolution in later films.

What’s your take on ‘Thor: The Dark World’—any moments that baffled you or felt spot-on? Share yourthoughts in the comments!