Spider-Man: Brand New Day is a significant leap forward for the Tom Holland-led franchise, delivering a grounded, emotional, and expertly crafted addition to the canon that rivals, and possibly surpasses, the quality of Sam Raimi's original Spider-Man films. The film has been lauded as the best Spider-Man movie since Raimi's Spider-Man 2, moving away from an over-reliance on Marvel quips and embracing smarter, more mature storytelling.
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, known for "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings," and written by Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers, the film picks up immediately after the events of "No Way Home." Peter Parker finds himself isolated, his existence erased from the memories of his loved ones due to a spell cast by Doctor Strange. He dedicates himself to fighting crime, with his primary interactions being a professional one with NYPD detective Jean DeWolff, portrayed by Liza Colón-Zayas, and a complex relationship with Frank Castle, also known as The Punisher, played by Jon Bernthal.
An early montage showcases Spider-Man diligently cleaning up the streets of New York, confronting classic adversaries such as Scorpion and Tombstone, as well as the ninja clan The Hand. Meanwhile, Cretton artfully depicts the passage of several years by showing Peter observing his former best friend Ned and ex-girlfriend MJ navigate college life, graduation, and their return to New York via social media. Just as Peter seems poised to re-enter the life he left behind, he faces two new formidable challenges: unsettling bodily transformations that suggest he is turning into an actual man-spider, and a mysterious, elusive villain intent on acquiring classified information held by the Department of Damage Control.
While details about the latter threat are kept under tight spoiler wraps, the narrative skillfully incorporates twists and turns that feel neither overly predictable nor convoluted. Sadie Sink delivers a compelling performance as the enigmatic antagonist at the core of the mystery, skillfully guiding the audience through the plot's complexities and leaving viewers eager to see more of her character in future Marvel installments.
Peter Parker's physical changes, though not as central to the plot as early trailers might have suggested, play a crucial role. These developments allow Tom Holland to further develop his portrayal of Spider-Man, introducing natural webbing and heightened senses. Cretton draws inspiration from the Sam Raimi films, particularly in depicting Peter's discovery of these new powers with a sense of adolescent awkwardness and subtle body horror. A notable slow-motion sequence mirrors a similar iconic scene from the original "Spider-Man" (2002).
The film also features appearances from Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/The Hulk and Jon Bernthal reprising his role as The Punisher. However, "Brand New Day" avoids the pitfall of feeling like Spider-Man merely has a superhero "babysitter." Instead, the dynamics between these characters feel organic, with heroes teaming up out of necessity rather than Peter seeking mentorship. This approach is seen as a more realistic depiction of how a city like New York, teeming with heroes, might function within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The action sequences in "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" are particularly striking, with Cretton acknowledging inspiration from Insomniac's Spider-Man video games. The film effectively translates the immersive experience of embodying Spider-Man found in the games into cinematic form, featuring creative and fluid action that highlights Peter Parker's mastery of his web-slinging abilities. Cretton elevates these sequences further, particularly in a stunning confrontation with The Hand that evokes the gravity-defying aerial combat style of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."
Ultimately, the success of "Brand New Day" lies in the seamless integration of these elements. The film coalesces to tell a streamlined story that remains firmly focused on Spider-Man himself, fulfilling the long-held belief that the best Spider-Man movies are those that prioritize the character at their core, shedding any extraneous elements that do not serve this central purpose.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is scheduled to be released in theaters on July 31.