Spider-Man: Brand New Day is boisterous and action-packed, but it’s truly at its best when it’s exploring the emotional side of our web-slinging hero. The fourth standalone film for Tom Holland’s Spidey, the film dives into the importance of meaningful connections at a time when the character needs it most. And it also cements the actor as the best portrayal of Spider-Man on screen.
Set several years after Spider-Man: No Way Home, Peter (Tom Holland) is now living a very isolated life after having Dr. Strange cast a spell that made everyone forget his true identity, hoping it will protect those he loves after losing his Aunt May.
He watches from afar as his best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon) and former girlfriend MJ (Zendaya) enjoy college life, but otherwise stays focused on crime-fighting. This is when a new baddie enters the picture, a mysterious figure who’s trying to break into a maximum security facility housing Spider-Man’s biggest enemies.
While the Marvel Cinematic Universe is deep in the midst of its The Multiverse Saga, Spider-Man: Brand New Day feels like a refreshing back-to-basics story where the character development shines between thrilling action sequences. Returning is co-writing duo Erik Sommers and Chris McKenna, who truly have a pulse on who this Peter Parker is.
The conflicts Peter finds himself in are so entertaining, but the most endearing part of the film is about the character’s experience, as both a superhero and a human.
He’s going through a lot of changes, transitioning into adulthood, and also struggling to maintain his morals while facing some pretty tough foes. And doing it all, for the most part, on his own. And there’s this big overarching theme of whether he can be both Peter Parker and Spider-Man, or does he have to choose?
And that’s what leads to so many of the surprisingly emotional moments in the film. I think that’s what I love most about Holland’s Spider-Man in particular; he just feels so vulnerable and human despite having immense power. And I also enjoyed seeing his darker side explored as he’s navigating these new challenges.
There were also some deeply moving and somber scenes between Peter and MJ as they have this new complicated relationship. He’s still so in love with her, but to her, he’s a stranger. And similar with Ned. It’ll certainly have you sniffling in the theaters.
Another big highlight for me was also his dynamic with Jon Bernthal as The Punisher. They couldn’t be any different, and they irritate the heck out of each other, which makes for some very fun banter. It’s a much different relationship than Peter’s mentorship with Tony Stark, and while not replaceable, I do think Spider-Man and The Punisher make such a great duo.
Director Destin Daniel Cretton really brings a fresh energy to not only the Spidey series, but the MCU as a whole, as seen in his other work, the Disney+ series Wonder Man. I appreciate that the film still drives this phase of the MCU forward, but doesn’t sacrifice standalone storytelling. And while we get familiar faces like Bruce Banner/The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), it’s not for gimmicks.
There’s also this very heartwarming piece to the story that feels like a subtle love letter to New York and its people. Again, not in a way that feels for show, but just makes sense from the filmmakers’ point of view, showing the joyful parts of the human experience.
And as for Sadie Sink, all I can say is, she’s in it. And she’s great.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day swings into theaters July 31
Jordy Reviews It 
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