Director Alex Proyas’ 1994 adaptation of James O’Barr’s The Crow remains a landmark film, renowned for its haunting gothic aesthetic and the tragic death of its star, Brandon Lee. Proyas’ vision was so distinct and impactful that it not only defined the ’90s but also launched a successful franchise and TV series. Given the strong legacy of the original, Rupert Sanders’ new adaptation faced an uphill battle. Although Sanders aimed to honor Proyas’ film by charting new territory, his version struggles to forge a distinct identity beyond its dreamlike visual style.
In Sanders’ retelling, written by Zach Baylin and Will Schneider, Eric (Bill Skarsgård) is a troubled youth who finds his soulmate, Shelly (FKA twigs), in a detention center. Their romance is abruptly disrupted when Shelly becomes entangled in a video exposing crime lord Vincent Roeg’s (Danny Huston) criminal activities. Roeg’s henchmen eventually eliminate Shelly, giving Eric a chance to seek vengeance and right the wrongs of the past.
The film primarily focuses on the romantic relationship between Eric and Shelly, investing more in their bond than in developing the antagonist or the overarching plot. Roeg’s character, introduced as a demonic crime lord, lacks depth and poses little real threat, rendering Huston’s role somewhat wasted.
Sanders introduces an ethereal realm with a mystic guide, Kronos (Sami Bouajila), where reality bends into a surreal dream. However, this dreamlike quality permeates the entire film, leading to a disjointed narrative where scenes drift without clear purpose, diminishing the overall impact. While this aesthetic suits Eric’s journey, it hampers the film’s coherence.
The film’s inability to decide on its tone further compounds the confusion. Despite reviving iconic elements from the original, it neglects the core mythology surrounding Eric’s resurrection. The focus on the video and the romance delays the action, which only intensifies in a lackluster third act. The film’s excessive use of VFX blood showcased predominantly in the trailers, offers little substance.
While The Crow attempts to explore themes of souls and redemption, its execution muddles these concepts, overshadowing the more intriguing aspects of Sanders’ vision. The violence, though abundant, feels inconsequential, with Eric’s invulnerability and the interchangeable henchmen failing to make a lasting impression. Even the portrayal of Shelly and Eric’s deaths feels relatively tame.
Is The Crow a villain or a hero?
The Crow is a superhero and the protagonist of the Crow comic book series, which was created by American artist James O’Barr in 1989. The title character is an undead avenger who is resurrected by a supernatural crow to revenge his murder and the death of his fiancée.
