Madame Web struggles to untangle its own story
Madame Web sets out to explore the more mystical corners of Sony’s Spider-Man universe, but its attempt to fuse superhero action with a supernatural storyline feels more like a half-hearted attempt than a full-fledged adventure. Dakota Johnson stars as the titular Madame Web, a character who, in the comics, is known for her psychic abilities and ties to the Spider-Verse. However, the film struggles to pin down exactly what it wants to be: a character study, an origin story, or a classic superhero showdown.
S.J. Clarkson, known for her TV work, takes the helm with direction that’s competent but lacks the dynamism required for such a high-concept narrative. The film often shifts in tone, making it hard for the audience to settle into the story. There are moments when you think it’s gearing up for something grand—a thrilling exploration of destiny and the spider-themed myths—but these moments quickly fizzle out due to a scattered plot and underdeveloped characters.
Dakota Johnson brings a subtle vulnerability to her role, which is refreshing to watch. Unfortunately, her nuanced performance is often overshadowed by a convoluted script that attempts to weave too many storylines at once. Supporting characters, including Sydney Sweeney and Isabela Merced, have little to work with, reduced to sidekick status rather than fleshed-out personalities. The film’s dialogue doesn’t help either, peppered with clunky exposition that hinders the actors’ abilities to bring authenticity to their roles.
Visually, Madame Web has its moments. The action sequences are adequately executed, with some stunning CGI depictions of web-based powers. However, these flashes of excitement can’t compensate for a movie that, for the most part, lacks a pulse. The pacing drags, especially in the second act, where the narrative spins in circles without much sense of purpose or direction. It feels as if the film is more interested in setting up future installments than telling a cohesive story in its own right.
Ultimately, Madame Web suffers from an identity crisis. It teases a fascinating premise and a deeper exploration of the Spider-Verse’s more mystical aspects but fails to capitalize on that potential. What could have been an intriguing foray into a new side of superhero lore ends up as a disjointed mix of genre clichés and missed opportunities. By the time the credits roll, it’s hard to shake the feeling that this story would have been more engaging in the pages of a comic book rather than on the big screen.
