For Sony, 2024 is the year that they can finally step up their superhero game.
With three projects in theatres over the next 12 months and Marvel’s only other offering in the form of Deadpool vs. Wolverine, the SPUMC (Sony Pictures’ Universe of Marvel Characters) is finally front and center at the box office. After mostly taking a backseat to the MCU, this is an opportunity to distinguish themselves as a solid alternative to Disney’s mega-franchise by establishing their own legacy.
Unfortunately, they are off to a bit of a rough start with Madame Web.
In Madame Web, Cassandra Webb (Dakota Johnson) is a paramedic who is committed to saving lives. However, when a call goes horribly wrong, Cassandra’s brush with death leaves her with the ability to see the future. When she realizes that a killer is on the loose, she saves three young women from certain death. As the group begins to forge a bond, they must walk the line between present and the future in order to escape a deadly predator who believes that their survival is his greatest threat.
Directed by S.J. Clarkson, Madame Web continues Sony‘s struggles to create compelling stories that are set within the Spider-Man universe without Spider-Man in them. Built upon a wonky script, this entry into the SPUMC may look great but still feels tepid in its storytelling. For a film that wants to get audiences excited about the universe that they’re building, this Web doesn’t always seem to know what type of story they want to spin. Part slasher film and part Marvel-ish action sound like a great combination. But, despite having the pieces to create something special, Web still can’t seem to coalesce.
Unfortunately, the weakest strand in this web lies its hero. Johnson Well suited for her roles in films like Peanut Butter Falcon and Cha Cha Real Smooth, Johnson simply feels miscast as Cassandra Webb. Here, she simply doesn’t bring the necessary sense of play that’s required to bring her character to life. Even in some of the best examples of the genre, some superhero films require a certain ability to wink at the audience. And, sadly, Johnson doesn’t seem in on fun. (To be fair, this has remained an issue within the SPUMC. From Jared Leto in Morbius to Tom Hardy in Venom, Sony seems determined to find serious, dramatic actors for characters in films that require a more lighthearted sense of humor.)
But it’s not all doom and gloom for this Web. Young stars like Sydney Sweeney and Isabela Merced carry the swagger and attitude that’s necessary to bring their characters to life, even in moments where the script lets them down. Even supporting performances by Adam Scott and Emma Roberts seem in on the fun (and actually tie Web more securely into the Spider-Man web.). There are even some action sequences that pop with fun. Whether they’re reversing time on the subway or destroying a local diner, Clarkson does find ways to keep the film visually striking in moments.
What’s more, Madame Web does have something to say. Wrestling with themes of motherhood, the film feels very much like an encouragement to the next generation. With an emphasis on empowerment, this is a story where we see Johnson passing the torch to the next generation. For example, after the death of her mother, Cassandra was left her feeling alone. To her, her mother’s actions while pregnant seem reckless and Cassandra bears the scars of her decisions.
However, as she connects with her (unintentional) teen girl squad, Cassandra begins to tap into her own quasi-maternal instincts. Suddenly, she’s looking at the importance of these youth and building them up for a stronger future. In this way, the film becomes an encouragement to young women by mentoring those who will be able to take on the mantle of hero in the future. For Madame Web, the next generation truly of women need the opportunity to shine—and they begin to give them the chance to do so.
It’s ideas like this that show Madame Web’s true potential. There’s a lot of good material here to spin something unique and special. Sadly, it just runs out of webbing in the process.
Madame Web is available in theatres on Wednesday, February 14th, 2024.
