“The Crow” – Movie Review: A Modernized and Much Altered Revival of the 90’s Classic

“The Crow” is a movie directed by Rupert Sanders starring Bill Skarsgård. With FKA Twigs, Danny Huston and Isabella Wei.

Once a modern classic of the 90’s, the film has now been revived with a fresh, modernized, and notably more violent iteration than its original counterpart. Rather than simply remaking Alex Proyas’ renowned film, this new version embarks on a different path, endeavoring to forge its own unique universe, free from the borrowings and homages of its predecessor. This bold choice aims to modernize an already iconic film.

Plot

Eric and Shelley are entwined in an almost idyllic romance, until tragedy strikes, and they are brutally murdered. Eric returns from the dead in an immortal form, determined to avenge his beloved’s death and attempt to rescue her from the clutches of death itself.

About the Film

“The Crow” is a film destined to be endlessly compared to the 1994 classic. It diverges significantly, with a resolute intention to discard Proyas’ visually dazzling aesthetic in favor of creating a new, more contemporary, violent, and grimly realistic universe. However, “The Crow” emerges as an uneven film, with an initial segment that can feel somewhat sluggish until Eric transforms into a vengeful specter. At this juncture, the film shifts dramatically, evolving into a tale of violent retribution that borders on operatic carnage, a stark contrast to the earlier, slower rhythm of the narrative.

Nevertheless, “The Crow” earns commendation for its bold attempt to craft its own aesthetic, transforming the romantic tale into something far more raw, visceral, and savage. Inevitably, comparisons with the original will abound, as it’s impossible to escape them when revisiting the same story. This new version may not eclipse its predecessor, or so it seems, but it stands out as a daring, vibrant film brimming with energy.

Our Opinion

This new rendition, striving to diverge as much as possible from its forerunner, achieves something fresh and noteworthy, particularly in the brutality of its climactic sequences. Although a commendable film, it remains burdened by the unavoidable comparisons to its predecessor.