Review by Jon Donnis
Rupert Sanders' 2024 reboot of The Crow brings a fresh, modern twist to James O'Barr's beloved graphic novel, blending dark fantasy with vengeance-fuelled action. Bill Skarsgård takes on the iconic role of Eric Draven, a man resurrected from the dead to avenge the brutal murders of himself and his girlfriend Shelly, played by FKA twigs. In a film deeply rooted in themes of love, loss, and retribution, Skarsgård delivers a disturbingly compelling performance, capturing Eric's pain, fury, and transformation with chilling intensity.
The film's plot expands upon the original tale, delving into Eric and Shelly's troubled pasts and their bond, forged in shared trauma. Shelly's tragic fate is set in motion after she receives incriminating evidence of crime lord Vincent Roeg's demonic past, a role Danny Huston plays with chilling ease. FKA twigs imbues Shelly with a blend of vulnerability and strength, creating a romance that adds more emotional weight than the original film. Their love, however, becomes both the driving force and the film's occasional stumbling block, as the focus on their connection sometimes drags the pacing. A slightly leaner runtime might have alleviated this, as the 2024 version feels about 20 minutes too long, with some scenes losing momentum.
That said, when The Crow hits its stride, it soars. The action sequences are brutal, relentless, and masterfully choreographed. The third-act climax, set in an opera house, is a cinematic spectacle, gory, intense, and unforgettable. This scene alone is worth the price of admission, combining expertly shot, edited, and staged violence that leaves a lasting impression. Fans of visceral action will be particularly thrilled by the unflinching combat, which complements the dark, atmospheric world that Sanders builds.
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, long-time fans may feel it lacks the same raw emotional punch. It's not a bad film by any means, but the haunting essence of Brandon Lee's portrayal of Eric casts a long shadow that Skarsgård, despite his commendable performance, never fully escapes.
The Crow succeeds in reimagining the tragic love story at its core, but occasionally falters in its pacing. The central romance, though more developed, slows down what could have been a tighter, more impactful narrative. However, 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, particularly 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
