Tom Holland is back as Spider-Man in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, a reset for the franchise that sees the 30-year-old actor portraying a more muscular and mature webslinger. The film, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, explores unprecedented new physical and mental health issues for Peter Parker, including headaches that lead to what critics describe as a 'semi-Cronenberg-style' experience.
A fresh start for Peter Parker
At the end of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Doctor Strange erased everyone's memory of Peter Parker being Spider-Man, including his best friend Ned Leeds (Jacob Batalon) and love interest MJ (Zendaya). Now, Peter lives alone in a shabby room surrounded by tech gear, adored by New Yorkers as Spider-Man but pining for the people he once knew. The film asks whether this truly represents a 'brand new day' for the character.
Spider-Man faces a new villainous entity that possesses important people, starting with Scorpion (Michael Mando), aiming to infiltrate the government's Damage Control unit led by Bill Metzger, played by Tramell Tillman. This threat coincides with Parker's worsening headaches and physical ailments, pushing the film into body horror territory reminiscent of David Cronenberg's work.
Zendaya's standout performance
Zendaya saves the film from silliness and overfamiliarity, according to the review. Her portrayal of MJ brings a grounded, grownup presence that contrasts with the superhero antics. A scene involving a flash of transgressive sexuality adds depth to her character. Director Cretton draws the best from her, making her scenes with Holland particularly impactful.
Holland's Parker obsessively seeks to reconnect with MJ, effectively stalking her and witnessing her new relationship. These encounters hold out hope that he can rekindle their romance while pursuing his lonely superhero vocation.
Supporting cast and cameos
The film features several notable cameos. Florence Pugh appears as Black Widow, advising Parker while reclining in a plunge pool, where a shy Spidey joins her in his mask and underpants. Mark Ruffalo returns as Bruce Banner, whose revived acquaintance with Parker ends in chaos. Jon Bernthal plays Frank Castle, aka the Punisher, creating a fractious frenemy-bromance with Spider-Man.
Holland's role in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey as Telemachus was described as his 'last chance to play a boy,' but here he matures in the Spider-Man role. However, the review questions whether the role matures with him.
Familiar Spidey tropes
Despite the reset, the film retains familiar elements: Spider-Man swings through Manhattan without the necessary horizontal web attachments, and the digital city faces apocalyptic yet temporary destruction. The review notes that while entertaining, the film lacks the novelty of experimental iterations like the Spider-Verse animations. A more radical reboot is needed, the critic suggests.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day releases on 29 July in the UK, 31 July in the US, and 30 July in Australia.
