The Crow (2024) Movie Review: A Dark and Stylish Revival with a Unique Twist
Few films have achieved the cult status of The Crow (1994), a dark, atmospheric masterpiece that captured the essence of vengeance, love, and the macabre. When news broke that The Crow would be rebooted in 2024, the anticipation was mixed with trepidation. Could this new iteration recapture the magic of the original, or would it be yet another failed attempt to revive a classic? After watching The Crow (2024), it’s clear that while the film doesn’t entirely reach the iconic heights of its predecessor, it offers a fresh, visually captivating take on the classic story that’s worth watching—just don’t expect it to be a remake in the traditional sense.
A New Chapter in a Familiar Story
From the outset, it’s important to acknowledge that The Crow (2024) doesn’t attempt to mimic the original. Instead, it carves out its own identity, bringing a new facet to the haunting tale of Eric Draven and Shelley Webster. This time, the film distances itself from the urban grunge that made the 1994 version a pop culture phenomenon, opting for a darker, more stylized aesthetic that reflects the evolution of the gothic genre over the past few decades.
This decision to depart from the original’s atmosphere is both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, it allows the 2024 version to stand on its own, offering something new for both longtime fans and newcomers. On the other hand, it risks alienating those who cherished the gritty, rain-soaked streets of the original. But for those willing to embrace this new vision, The Crow (2024) offers a compelling, if imperfect, exploration of love, loss, and vengeance.
Bill Skarsgård’s Haunting Portrayal
At the heart of The Crow (2024) is Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal of Eric Draven. Known for his chilling performances, Skarsgård brings a new level of darkness to the role, imbuing Eric with a brooding intensity that’s both captivating and unsettling. His take on the character is less about rehashing Brandon Lee’s iconic performance and more about exploring the psychological torment that drives Eric to seek vengeance.
However, it’s worth noting that Skarsgård’s Eric takes a while to fully come into his own. The first hour of the film is a slow burn, with much of the action and character development delayed until well into the runtime. This pacing might frustrate some viewers, especially those expecting a more immediate dive into the film’s darker themes. But for those with patience, the payoff is worth the wait. Once the film shifts gears, Skarsgård’s Eric becomes the embodiment of vengeance, and the action sequences that follow are a visceral, bloody spectacle.
A Villain Unlike Any Other
One of the most significant departures from the original Crow is the portrayal of the antagonist. The 2024 version introduces a villain who is markedly different from the Gothic Mafioso bad boy of the 1994 film. This new antagonist brings a fresh dynamic to the story, offering a different kind of challenge for Eric. While the villain lacks the iconic status of the original’s Top Dollar, the new character adds depth to the film’s narrative, particularly in how their actions intertwine with Shelley and Eric’s love story.
This version of The Crow also omits one of the most iconic elements of the original: Devil’s Night. However, the devil is still very much in the details. The connections between Shelley, the villain, and Eric are made clearer in this version, adding layers of complexity to the story that were more ambiguous in the original. This shift in focus from external chaos to internal struggle is a bold move, and while it may not resonate with everyone, it adds a new dimension to the tale.
Missing Characters and New Faces
For fans of the original, one of the most noticeable changes in The Crow (2024) is the absence of key characters like Sarah and Daryl. Instead, we’re introduced to new characters, such as Shelley’s friend Sadie, who attempts to fill the void left by Sarah’s absence. While these changes might disappoint some, they’re a necessary part of the film’s effort to distinguish itself from its predecessor.
The cast, including the likes of FKA Twigs, brings a mix of strengths and weaknesses to the film. FKA Twigs’ performance, unfortunately, falls a bit flat, lacking the emotional depth needed to fully sell her character’s relationship with Eric. This lack of chemistry is particularly noticeable in a film that hinges so heavily on the power of love and loss. The relationship between Eric and Shelley, central to the plot, doesn’t have the same impact as in the original, making it harder to fully invest in their journey.
The Action: A Double-Edged Sword
One of the highlights of The Crow (2024) is its action sequences, though they come with a caveat. The action doesn’t really kick in until over an hour into the film, leaving viewers to wade through a slow-paced drama before getting to the more exciting moments. When the action does arrive, it’s intense, bloody, and visually stunning. The final fight sequence, in particular, stands out, set against the backdrop of an opera performance that adds a surreal, almost poetic quality to the violence.
However, the delayed gratification might be a dealbreaker for some. The film’s pacing issues are hard to ignore, and while the action is well-executed, it feels like too little too late for a film that could have benefited from a more balanced distribution of its more thrilling moments.
Embracing the Absurd
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of The Crow (2024) is its willingness to embrace the absurd. By the second half of the film, it fully leans into its own ridiculousness, with Eric sporting outrageous tattoos, including on his eyeballs, and engaging in over-the-top fight scenes that feel more at home in a music video than a gritty revenge drama. It’s a bold choice, and while it may not work for everyone, it’s this very absurdity that makes the film so oddly entertaining.
In many ways, The Crow (2024) is a film that dances on the line between being so bad it’s good and genuinely good. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s also not a disaster. Instead, it’s a fun, flawed, and ultimately watchable movie that knows exactly what it is and doesn’t try to be anything more.
One significant criticism of The Crow (2024) that wasn't touched upon in the blog is the film's inconsistent tone, which can be jarring for viewers. The movie swings between moments of intense, somber drama and absurd, over-the-top action without much warning, leaving some audiences feeling disoriented. Additionally, the film’s script has been criticized for its lack of coherence, with several plot points feeling underdeveloped or unnecessarily convoluted. This lack of narrative clarity, combined with the uneven pacing, detracts from the overall impact of the story, making it difficult for viewers to stay fully engaged throughout the film.
Final Thoughts
The Crow (2024) is a film that will likely divide audiences. Some will appreciate its fresh take on a beloved story, while others will find it lacking in comparison to the original. But for those willing to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to embrace its quirks, it offers an engaging, visually captivating experience that stands on its own merits. Just don’t go in expecting a faithful remake—this is The Crow reimagined for a new era, with all the strengths and flaws that come with it.
The Crow (2024) may not reach the iconic status of its predecessor, but it carves out its own niche, offering a dark and stylish revival of a classic tale that’s worth checking out for fans and newcomers alike.