The Crow Review: Inside me, there are two distinct crows. One was nurtured on a diet of Gothic horror action films like Underworld, Hellboy, Blade, and Queen of the Damned. This crow embraced black eyeliner, plastic jelly bracelets, and fishnet stockings, dressing exclusively in black for a decade. This emo crow would have been all about The Crow. The other crow, however, is older, has seen more films, and experienced more of life. This crow is less impressed by the latest reboot of a cult classic.
Leaving the theater after watching this new version of The Crow, I found myself torn about my feelings toward it. On one side, this movie taps into the very essence of my teenage years with its drama, violence, and obsessive romance centered around a pair of doomed lovers. But does that nostalgia equate to quality? It’s not a simple question to answer for me.
The Crow (2024)
Action | Crime | Fantasy
A contemporary reinterpretation of the iconic character, The Crow, based on James O’Barr’s original graphic novel.
Release Date
June 7, 2024
Director
Rupert Sanders
Cast
Bill Skarsgård, FKA Twigs, Danny Huston
Main Genre
Action
Writers
James O’Barr, Zach Baylin, William Josef Schneider
Budget
$50 Million
Distributor(s)
Lionsgate
Comparing the 2024 Reboot to the 1994 Original
The original The Crow, starring Brandon Lee, was released 30 years ago, and it’s clear that the 2024 film is quite different. While the 1994 version enveloped a fictional Detroit in a moody, gothic atmosphere, the 2024 film opts for a different approach. Though it retains some elements of the original, it diverges significantly in style. The 2024 film’s lighter take on the gothic aesthetic makes the romance between Shelly (FKA Twigs) and Eric feel more real and relatable compared to the original, which didn’t emphasize the romance as strongly. Despite the original film’s unique dark vision, the 2024 version lacks visual distinctiveness. Lee’s Eric Draven would never be seen in high-end underwear, unlike Skarsgård’s Eric, which might change how fans view the character but adds a layer of humanization before the tragedy unfolds.
In this version, both Eric and Shelly are depicted as damaged individuals who fall deeply in love and embark on a whirlwind romance. The film embraces their youthful hedonism with tattoos, drugs, champagne, and vivid colors. Unlike the gloomy, rain-soaked world of the original, the 2024 film presents a more vibrant life for the couple before Shelly’s death. This shift in mood is a plus for the reboot, as it gives us a deeper look at their romance, although it requires a dramatic change in tone after Shelly’s death. The 1994 film’s focus on Eric’s revenge came at the cost of character development, with Shelly’s role being largely one-dimensional. In contrast, the new film gives Shelly more depth and importance, removing the sexual violence that was a significant aspect of the original’s plot.
The Crow’s Struggle with Its Identity
The 2024 The Crow turns towards the supernatural after Shelly’s death, shifting the plot from a simple revenge story to a larger mystery and conspiracy. Huston’s Vincent Roeg represents a modern antagonist, living in luxury and wielding significant power. While Huston portrays a menacing figure, director Rupert Sanders struggles with the film’s world-building and lore, leading to gaps in the story that aren’t well addressed. The movie attempts to blend a tragic romance with supernatural action but falters in execution. The transition to this new direction is jarring, with some action scenes being particularly gory but failing to seamlessly integrate with the love story.
The Value in ‘The Crow’
Despite its flaws, the film is not without merit. Once the story shifts gears, it becomes easier to enjoy, largely due to the chemistry between Bill Skarsgård and FKA Twigs. Their performances add depth to the romance, making the film engaging despite its shortcomings. Skarsgård convincingly portrays Eric Draven, and Twigs brings a compelling presence to Shelly. Their on-screen relationship, though not perfect, is captivating.
Eric’s transformation into a vengeful figure is gradual but intense, with some of the bloodiest scenes being quite striking. The film’s portrayal of Eric as an invincible avenger adds a dramatic flair, but it also emphasizes the film’s lack of subtlety in conveying its message. Ultimately, while The Crow may have its issues, it serves as a fitting Gen Z successor to the original. For those who appreciate this genre and its nostalgic elements, it offers a nostalgic trip worth experiencing.
