Reviews
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Marvel Cinematic Universe projects are like rollercoaster rides. Some are adrenaline-fuelled, rip-roaring experiences that leave you wanting more and never wanting to get off. Others are nausea-fuelled, whiplash-inducing ordeals that leave you counting the seconds until they’re over. Up until 2019, most MCU projects fell into the former category. However, since Avengers: Endgame, the rides have become noticeably less fun and a lot more janky. The one constant throughout that period has been Spider-Man, consistently delivering high quality outings, with No Way Home arguably the best MCU film since 2019. So it gives me great pleasure to say, and I’m sure to the relief of many, that fine form continues with Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
Set four years after the events of No Way Home, Spider-Man: Brand New Day follows Peter Parker (Tom Holland) as he continues to fight crime anonymously full time as Spider-Man while navigating a world that no longer knows of his existence as Peter Parker. With his emotions escalating and an unknown enemy plaguing the streets of New York and the Department of Damage Control, Parker faces a dangerous battle against a growing mutation in his DNA as he has to figure out friend from foe whilst dealing with the difficult personal circumstances he finds himself in.
Under the guidance of Shang-Chi director Destin Daniel Cretton and his writing team, Brand New Day feels like a much needed fresh take on Tom Holland’s Spider-Man. While it does take its time to find its footing in the first act, once it settles into its rhythm the film adopts a darker, more dramatic approach than previous entries in the franchise, which is a welcome change and delivers a more heartfelt experience than any Marvel film has threatened to do this decade.
For the most part, that darker approach plays to the film’s strengths, especially with Peter Parker’s character arc. The loneliness and grief he is suffering from are evident from the very beginning. Mourning the loss of someone who is still there is a pain unlike any other, and that’s something Parker has to endure as he watches MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon) from afar, longing to be a part of their lives once more. It’s a feeling many audience members will be able to relate to and is handled exceptionally well, with Parker’s anguish providing a genuine emotional punch, especially with how certain scenes unfold.
Another aspect of Brand New Day that lands so well is the inclusion of the Punisher (Jon Bernthal). The more grounded storyline allows Cretton to do the impossible and actually make the Punisher feel human. By the time the credits roll, he’s become a character far more people will be able to connect with. Sadie Sink’s character also leaves a strong impression, although she probably could’ve been given a little more screen time to develop her arc further. She still adds another emotional layer to the story that comes as a welcome surprise.
Without a doubt though, it’s the scenes Holland, Zendaya and Batalon share together that remain the standout. They may be completely different in terms of their dynamic because of what occurred in No Way Home, but they still provide some of the most infectious fun the film has to offer. It’s clear Cretton wanted to pull on the audience’s heartstrings, particularly when it comes to the trio, and while it might not always land with the force it intended, plenty of viewers will need to crack out one or two tissues along the way.
That said, there’s an argument to be made that the emotional weight of the film would’ve been even greater if it wasn’t for the overreliance on the Marvel style humour we’ve grown accustomed to. Even during some of the more dramatic moments there are a few ill placed gags that create a sense of tonal whiplash. That’s not to say it isn’t funny, because it most certainly is, with the joke hit rate being relatively high. It does, however, feel like the humour is misplaced on certain occasions where deeper moments should’ve been allowed to breathe for a little longer.
Outside of the narrative, some of the strongest moments come in the form of the action sequences. Plucked from the same style as Shang-Chi, there are more than a fair share of showstopping fights that rank alongside some of the finest the MCU has produced. Equally impressive is the stunt work, especially during the extensive hand to hand combat exchanges which, thanks to inventive camera work and some Matrix inspired slow mos, ensure everything feels completely immersive and wouldn’t have gone amiss in this year’s The Furious.
Visually, as has unfortunately become an all too common occurrence within the MCU, Brand New Day is a mixed bag. On the one hand, there are sequences that are visually astounding, with one particular moment in the final act displaying a show of superhero power unlike anything you’ve seen this decade and leaving the hairs on the back of your neck standing to attention. On the other, there are several occasions where the CGI and visual effects are janky to say the least and even verge on becoming completely distracting.
Another grievance Marvel films have been especially guilty of is endless cameos for the sake of cameos. Thankfully that’s not something this film falls foul of. Whilst there are a few, each one is there to drive the narrative forward rather than simply provide the fan service others have been guilty of. That said, there are still those annoying inserted pauses begging for the audience’s applause, albeit they’re nowhere near as egregious as we’ve previously seen.
The undisputed highlight, though, is Tom Holland. Holland has more to do here than ever before, and at times it feels like he’s playing a dual role, and he rises to the occasion brilliantly in what is his career defining performance to date. It feels like a far more mature turn overall as he captures Peter Parker’s transition from boy to man exceptionally well. Across four films he’s grown into the role of Spider-Man with every outing, and it has culminated in a complete all round performance that demands more of him emotionally than we’ve ever seen before. He absolutely smashes it out of the park.
Aside from Holland, the supporting cast all have memorable moments. Sadie Sink proves she is a truly inspired addition to the MCU, delivering a compelling and intriguing performance that will have audiences begging for more and excited by the prospect of watching her character develop over future instalments. Jon Bernthal is at his commanding best while also delivering some of the film’s funniest moments. Meanwhile, Zendaya, who is asked to do the almost impossible by not reacting to Tom Holland in any way, delivers her finest performance as the now iconic MJ. It really is difficult not to become infatuated with everyone on screen.
While it has become very easy to be overly critical of Marvel films due to the studio’s slipping standards, Brand New Day proves there’s still plenty of life left in the MCU. By no means is it a complete slam dunk, but it’s undoubtedly a giant leap in the right direction and one Spider-Man fans will adore and revisit for years to come.