"Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens" is a 2015 film directed by J.J. Abrams. It is the first installment of the sequel trilogy in the Star Wars saga, set approximately 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi. The story follows new characters like Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron as they join the Resistance to fight against the First Order, a group that has risen from the remnants of the Galactic Empire. The film also features returning characters such as Han Solo, Leia Organa, and Luke Skywalker. Central to the plot is the search for Luke Skywalker, who has gone missing. The film explores themes of hope, legacy, and the ongoing battle between the light and dark sides of the Force.