Rupert Sanders' 2024 reboot of The Crow offers a fresh and modern interpretation of James O'Barr's beloved graphic novel, skillfully blending dark fantasy with action-driven vengeance. Bill Skarsgård steps into the iconic role of Eric Draven, a man brought back from the dead to avenge the brutal murders of himself and his girlfriend, Shelly, played by FKA twigs. The film explores deep themes of love, loss, and retribution, with Skarsgård delivering a disturbingly compelling performance that captures Eric's pain, fury, and transformation with chilling intensity.
The plot expands upon the original story, delving into Eric and Shelly's troubled past and the bond they share, forged through trauma. Shelly's tragic fate unfolds when she uncovers incriminating evidence of crime lord Vincent Roeg's dark history, portrayed chillingly by Danny Huston. FKA twigs brings a blend of vulnerability and strength to Shelly, creating a romance that adds more emotional weight than in the original film. However, their connection can also slow the pacing at times, with a slightly leaner runtime potentially enhancing the film's momentum, as it feels about 20 minutes too long and some scenes lose their impact.
When The Crow hits its stride, it truly soars. The action sequences are brutal, relentless, and masterfully choreographed, culminating in a breathtaking third-act climax set in an opera house. This scene is a cinematic spectacle, gory, intense, and unforgettable, making it worth the price of admission alone. The expertly shot, edited, and staged violence leaves a lasting impression, particularly for fans of visceral action who will appreciate the unflinching combat that complements the dark, atmospheric world Sanders creates.
Despite its strengths, the film struggles to escape comparisons with the 1994 classic. While it stands as a solid reboot for those unfamiliar with the original, longtime fans may find it lacking the same raw emotional punch. Though not a bad film, the haunting essence of Brandon Lee's portrayal of Eric casts a long shadow that Skarsgård, despite his commendable performance, never fully overcomes.
The Crow successfully reimagines the tragic love story at its core, but it occasionally falters in pacing. The central romance, while more developed, can slow down what might have been a tighter, more impactful narrative. Nevertheless, with an incredible opera house sequence, stellar action choreography, and Skarsgård's standout performance, The Crow remains a solid, if imperfect, reboot. It's worth seeing for its visual and emotional intensity, earning a respectable 7 out of 10.
Out In Cinemas now and on Digital at https://apple.co/4gDM3DF
