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Review: Spider-Man: Brand New Day reminds us that superhero movies can be good
Ars Technica's review of "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" praises the film as one of the rare recent superhero movies that genuinely succeeds, crediting director Destin Daniel Cretton with grounding the spectacle in well-developed characters and emotional depth. The reviewer places it alongside "Deadpool & Wolverine" and "Thunderbolts*" as standout exceptions in an otherwise mixed run of recent comic-book films, arguing it works because of its human core rather than despite it.
The film picks up after "Spider-Man: No Way Home," in which Peter Parker (Tom Holland) had the world forget him to protect those he loves, including MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon). Now isolated and living rough in New York while secretly tracking his old friends online, Peter undergoes a troubling physical mutation—heightened senses, increased aggression and organic web-spinners—while facing a new invisible, mind-hijacking villain targeting the Department of Damage Control, whose chief (Tramell Tillman) enlists Peter's help since he alone seems immune.
In short
- Reviewer calls "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" a standout among recent superhero films
- Peter Parker, forgotten by loved ones, undergoes a disturbing physical mutation
- He battles a new mind-controlling villain threatening the Department of Damage Control
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The film succeeds where many recent superhero movies fail by prioritising emotional authenticity and character depth over spectacle. By focusing on Peter's isolation after being forgotten, the narrative explores how his mutation and new threats challenge his humanity in ways that serve the story rather than merely providing action set pieces.
The case against
Whilst competently made with strong character work, the film may not represent the breakthrough the review suggests. Several recent superhero films have successfully balanced spectacle with emotional stakes, and this film operates within familiar superhero conventions rather than meaningfully advancing the genre.
Explained simply
Spider-Man is a Marvel character whose secret identity is Peter Parker, a young New Yorker with superhuman abilities. In the films starring Tom Holland, his friends MJ and Ned have been central to his life, while his work as a hero often puts them at risk.
At the end of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Peter made the world forget who he was so that MJ and Ned would be safe. Brand New Day follows the consequences of that choice and introduces the Department of Damage Control, a government agency that deals with the aftermath of superhero battles.
The film is part of a long-running series of superhero films based on comic books. Reviews often weigh their action and special effects alongside their characters and personal stories.
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