They might not be two things you'd think would go well together, but I can't help but notice how well Rihanna's "Sledgehammer" lyrics complement the trailer for Star Trek Beyond . The singer's latest song is featured in the most recent trailer for the upcoming Star Trek movie and if you look at the lyrics, it really couldn't be a more perfect fit. This newest film in the franchise is all about Captain James T. Kirk — played as always by Chris Pine — coming to terms with who he is as a person, after working his whole life to fill the shoes of his father. And while "Sledgehammer" isn't explicitly about that relationship, it does describe a journey of self-discovery and renewal, that begins when you're feeling at your lowest:
I hit a wall, I never felt so low, so lowLike a waterfall, my tears dropped to the floor, the floorThey left a swimming pool of salted crimes, crimesOh, what could I do to change your mind?
It speaks to Kirk's insecurity and fear that he's doing the wrong thing, leading his crew down the wrong path, and that he'll ultimately be responsible for their deaths. And the only way through it, for him to become a great leader again, is to stop living in fear and questioning himself: "I'm bracing for the pain and I am letting go / I'm using all my strength to get out of this hole." It's a really powerful description of emerging from a crisis of confidence, which is exactly what Kirk needs to do if he's going to be successful against the terrifying new enemy that is Krall, played by Idris Elba.
I hit a wall, I thought that I would hurt myselfOh I was sure, your words would leave me unconsciousAnd on the floor I'd be lying cold, lifelessBut I hit a wall, I hit 'em all, watch the fallYou're just another brick and I'm a sledgehammer
This brick and sledgehammer metaphor genuinely has me excited for the movie, which is exactly what a well-chosen song in the trailer should make you feel. It suggests that enemies can endlessly try to place obstacles in the way of the Enterprise crew, but at the end of the day, they're the sledgehammer that's going to blast through. It's so perfect, and it doesn't hurt that the song itself has these soaring futuristic themes to it as well. Take a listen to how perfectly it matches up with the vibe of the trailer.
Ugh, I love it, and it has me so pumped to go see Star Trek Beyond when it hits theaters on July 22. Well played, Ri.
