Since his debut in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Kylo Ren (portrayed by Adam Driver) has emerged as one of the most complex and conflicted characters in the Star Wars franchise. Torn between his lineage as Ben Solo—son of Han Solo and Leia Organa—and his new identity as a dark Force-wielder, Kylo Ren’s allegiance to the First Order forms the backbone of his early character arc. However, when he encounters Rey (Daisy Ridley), an untrained Force-sensitive from Jakku, his resolve begins to crack. Their budding connection—often described as a Force bond—challenges his loyalty to Supreme Leader Snoke and the First Order itself. This article explores the subtleties of Kylo Ren’s relationship with Rey and how it ultimately pulls him away from the path of darkness.
The Seeds of Conflict: The Force Awakens
A Powerful Encounter
Kylo Ren’s first significant interaction with Rey takes place on Takodana, where he senses her unexpected ability to resist his mind probes. This confrontation sets the tone for their dynamic:
- Recognition of Strength: Kylo is both intrigued and unsettled by Rey’s natural connection to the Force.
- Personal Insecurities: The fact that an untrained scavenger can repel his powers rattles his confidence, hinting at an emotional vulnerability beneath his imposing persona.
The Awakening of Compassion
By the film’s climax, Rey has tapped into the Force to match Kylo Ren in lightsaber combat. Their tense duel concludes with Rey besting him, symbolically planting the seed of doubt in Kylo’s mind about both his abilities and his unwavering commitment to the First Order. Although he remains a formidable villain, the cracks in his dark facade become more apparent.
The Force Bond Intensifies: The Last Jedi
Shared Visions and Emotional Vulnerabilities
The Last Jedi expands on the connection between Kylo Ren and Rey, revealing that they can see and communicate with each other across vast distances. This “Force bond” (later revealed to be a dyad in the Force in The Rise of Skywalker) sets them apart from ordinary Force-users:
- Empathy & Understanding: Conversations and glimpses into each other’s thoughts create a sense of empathy, leading Rey to believe she can bring Kylo back to the light.
- Push and Pull: While Rey seeks to save him, Kylo attempts to recruit her to his cause, suggesting a dark alliance against Snoke.
A Challenge to Authority: Turning on Snoke
The bond culminates in the throne room showdown with Supreme Leader Snoke. In a shocking turn, Kylo Ren kills Snoke to protect Rey, a decision that showcases his growing ambiguity:
- Rebellion Against the First Order’s Figurehead: By eliminating Snoke, Kylo breaks free from the manipulative control that once cemented his loyalty.
- Power Vacuum: Kylo’s subsequent claim of leadership over the First Order indicates he’s not fully redeemed—he seeks power on his own terms, yet his motives remain enmeshed with his connection to Rey.
Though the throne room scene suggests a potential alliance, the two remain divided by conflicting visions of what must be done to bring balance to the galaxy. Kylo Ren emerges more powerful but still tormented.
The Struggle for Redemption: The Rise of Skywalker
Force Dyad and Inner Turmoil
By The Rise of Skywalker, it’s confirmed that Kylo Ren and Rey form a rare Force dyad—two individuals extraordinarily bonded through the Force:
- Heightened Emotional Ties: This unparalleled connection deepens the resonance of their interactions. Their fates become inextricably linked, intensifying Kylo’s internal battle between darkness and light.
- Rey’s Influence: Over time, Rey’s unwavering hope chips away at Kylo’s resolve. Her determination to stand against the resurrected Emperor Palpatine reminds him of the heroism in his Skywalker lineage.
The Turn Back to Ben Solo
After a pivotal confrontation in which Leia reaches out to her son through the Force, Kylo faces the memory of his father, Han Solo. This emotional reckoning catalyzes his shift:
- Abandoning the Kylo Ren Persona: The guilt and remorse he feels for killing his father and betraying his family resurface.
- Act of Redemption: Casting away his lightsaber symbolizes the reclamation of his identity as Ben Solo, proving that Rey’s faith in his goodness has ultimately prevailed.
The Ultimate Impact on His Loyalty
Kylo Ren’s evolving bond with Rey becomes the linchpin that erodes his unquestioning service to the First Order. While his thirst for power never completely disappears until the final act, his interactions with Rey perpetually test his darkest impulses. Moments of empathy, protectiveness, and eventual sacrifice highlight a crucial takeaway: the connection they share is powerful enough to disrupt the strongest indoctrination and the harshest ambitions.
- Emotional Unrest: Every time Kylo Ren confronts Rey, his confusion and hesitation grow, showing that her presence resonates more deeply than his allegiance to an oppressive regime.
- Acts of Defiance: Killing Snoke and, later, rejecting the First Order’s ideology prove that Kylo Ren’s loyalty to darkness is not absolute.
- Path to Redemption: The final decision to return as Ben Solo and aid Rey against Emperor Palpatine represents a complete renunciation of the First Order’s goals, sealing his ultimate departure from the dark side.
Conclusion
Kylo Ren’s journey is among the most emotionally charged in the Star Wars saga. Initially presented as an ardent disciple of the First Order and the dark side, his confrontations with Rey create fractures in his resolve. Their unique Force bond awakens remnants of Ben Solo, the child of heroes once thought lost to the dark side forever. By exploring Kylo Ren’s evolving relationship with Rey, fans witness a nuanced portrayal of conflict, loyalty, and the enduring belief in redemption. Ultimately, the compassion they share and the empathy they foster become the catalysts that challenge—and eventually override—Kylo Ren’s devotion to the First Order.