The Crow (2024) might have some missteps with stale dialogue and questionable acting in certain scenes. However, it does succeed at building the emotional connection between its main characters Eric and Shelly, packing in graphic violence, and delivering a soundtrack to make it worthy of a double feature with the original film. It’s no easy task to take on a piece of cinema that nailed the dark, gritty noir world the original The Crow embodied, along with a soundtrack that nailed the alternative rock with a violent, rancid city backdrop. But this reboot does a solid job of stepping up to the challenge.
This vision of The Crow reimagines the source material of the graphic novel by James O’Barr, leaning into a larger world of supernatural forces. Rather than attempting the monumental task of replacing the 1994 classic, The Crow charts an unexplored path. It leans heavier on the mixed musical assortment of today’s listeners, with a more realistic—at times—Eric Draven, the man with a plan.
Directed by Rupert Sanders (Ghost in the Shell, Snow White and the Huntsman)—yes, that one—The Crow, like the previous film, is a path of vengeance. Bill Skarsgård steps into the vengeful role of Eric Draven. Eric, alongside his girlfriend, Shelly, played by FKA Twigs, gets brutally murdered. But it winds up more than vengeance as there is a hint of redemption with crows and deals with the devil at play. Here, there is an apparent afterlife and judgment. So enters one Vincent Roeg (Danny Huston), a man—but more—looking to avoid the sufferings of hell.
The Crow (2024) Is Less Seedy and More Glitterati
Rather than leaning into the dark, dreary underbelly of the first film, this one lives more in the bright, upscale, and, at times, shiny atmosphere of high society. That’s not to say it does not have a darkened tint, as fights and bloodshed typically occur at night under dim lighting. The film is sleek. Yet, it still feels like it’s dipping into both worlds. The realm Eric arrives in after death has that signature damp, dirty appearance.
Plus, much of the direction from Sanders stands out alongside editing. In particular, the transitions between rampant violence and an opera are spellbinding. It’s reminiscent of The Fifth Element without the PG-13 rampage. The costume choices of light and shadow work effectively and amplify the viewing experience for audiences.
The Relationship Between Eric and Shelley Gets a Solid Foundation
The Crow spends time showing how Eric and Shelly meet and builds up the fact that they connect through their shared pain. It’s told through a montage of moments. But it does work to show their love within a short time. It also makes their deaths more unsettling. Director Rupert Sanders stays on their deaths for a prolonged period, amplifying the audience’s dismay as Sanders maintains a closeup of Shelly’s death and Eric’s horror. It forces viewers to imagine that sense of helplessness when witnessing someone they love die violently.
Some of The Crow‘s Conflict Feels Forced
While the general premise of The Crow is relatable, there is one piece of discord that feels unbelievable because of how the movie presents it. After learning that Vincent is not altogether human and can make people do terrible things against their will, Eric learns about Shelly’s past. Unfortunately, this causes Eric to doubt Shelly, affecting his supernatural ability.
But the whole scenario feels forced. Eric knows Vincent needs to collect pure souls to send to hell. Yet, despite all this, his pure love for Shelly falters. It’s implausible and lessens his love for Shelly. Although it’s necessary—in a movie sense—to progress the plot and Eric’s choice, it doesn’t resonate with his character or their relationship.
The Crow Boasts Good Performances From Its Cast, Especially Bill Skarsgård as Eric Draven
While Bill Skarsgård is not someone I’d envision in the role, he actually delivers the emotional weight of loss, anger, confusion, and, later, the unleashed fury. Both he and FKA Twigs occasionally struggle with poorly written dialogue. However, both convey the pulsing essence of the story: love and the lengths one will go to save the one they love.
Danny Huston serves that classy villain with something coarse simmering underneath his veneer of civility. Sami Bouajia (A Son, Days of Glory), who plays Kronos, faces the challenge of reciting the exact dialogue that young Sarah states in the 1994 movie’s opening. Unfortunately, nothing tops the latter’s execution.
The Graphic Special Effects Hinder Shocks But The Crow‘s Sad Ending Helps Its Rise About Its Pitfalls
The Crow has some elaborate deaths and horrifying displays of blood and viscera that elicit shockingly jaw-dropping moments. In particular, Eric feels all the pain that comes with each shot and stab. So audiences gasp and shrink with him. However, the impact of each moment of bloodshed would strengthen with practical effects. Each time audiences realize it’s not real because of the special effects used, it decreases the time moviegoers sit in horror.
The Crow finds a way to build a world different from the one in the previous film, and it feels like the best decision. It has faults but manages to carve out a moving story with shocking action that feels genuine. It has a common feel. Eric is not skilled in combat and doesn’t know martial arts, but he displays the grit to see his decision through. The ending is sad and has a dreamlike quality. So, The Crow, thanks to its cast, action, and story, rises above its mistakes to make a worthwhile viewing experience and a welcome addition to this world where love grants metaphorical wings.
The Crow hits theaters on August 23.
