Moana: Journey Through the Afterlife Theory

One fan theory proposes that Moana, the protagonist of the 2016 film by the same name, was actually dead for most of the movie. The theory is based on several observations throughout the film. Moana's journey begins with her island life, but she is called to action and embarks on a grand adventure. During this journey, she asks the ocean for help and is immediately caught in a storm, which drives her to Maui's island. The theory suggests that there might be a barrier between the normal human world and the magical otherworld, where Polynesian mythology comes to life. To traverse this barrier, one must be a part of it, possibly by being deceased.

According to this theory, the storm that hits Moana could have taken her life, transporting her to the realm of the otherworld where she encounters Maui, various monsters, and experiences extraordinary survival feats. This interpretation points out that Moana doesn't have interactions with "normal" living humans from the moment of the storm until after her encounter with Te Fiti. Throughout her adventure, she defies the limits of human capabilities, surviving falls and other challenges that seem impossible for a living person. Her encounters with her grandmother's spirit and ancestors also predominantly occur in the afterlife, making the theory suggest that she might be in a realm beyond the living world.

The theory is further supported by the idea that Te Fiti not only fixes Moana's wrecked boat but also brings her back to life at the end of the film, allowing her to return to the human world. This fan theory offers an intriguing perspective on Moana's journey, suggesting that her adventure may have taken place in a realm between life and death, where she interacted with the supernatural elements of Polynesian mythology.