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In 2014, the idea of introducing an animated comedy centered around Spider-Man faced skepticism. Writers Phil Lord and Chris Miller, renowned for The Lego Movie, defied doubts with Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. The film’s spotlight on Miles Morales, a character who gained traction from the Ultimate Universe, was even more of a surprise for fans. By blending these elements, Lord and Miller achieved high success, earning praise from fans and critics for this iconic film. This ever-unraveling tale continues with an exciting and spectacular addition in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse continues the story of Miles Morales (Shameik Moore), who is struggling to balance his normal life with being Spider-Man. However, when a new villain, the Spot (Jason Schwartzman), threatens the multiverse, Miles is approached by a returning Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld), seeking his help alongside the Spider-Society. Though the Society, led by Miguel O’Hara (Oscar Isaac), shares the same goal, Miles and Miguel get in conflict regarding how to deal with the threat at hand.
Visually, Across the Spider-Verse elevates its ambitions and pushes boundaries, aiming to achieve new heights. Specific set pieces, particularly those involving the Spot, progressively escalate his terrifying threat. The fight scenes between Miles and his allies against the Spot and Miguel O’Hara visually stun and amplify the excitement that Into the Spider-Verse has mastered. Additionally, each universe centers around the tone of their respective scenes, employing lighting and environments that creatively evoke these emotions. From vibrant Mumbattan streets to Gwen’s introspective universe, this movie likes to evoke specific emotions during these moments.
Furthermore, Across the Spider-Verse‘s soundtrack and sound design beautifully supplements the powerful story the movie sets out to tell. Daniel Pemberton’s score and memorable motifs capture the suspense and fervor you’d get from such a big comic run, only magnified by the threat of the Spot and Miguel’s resilience. In addition, Metro Boomin’s songs help characterize Miles’ personal journey in a way that feels affectively empowering. I have to give my personal props here to Pemberton and Metro Boomin for honing in on what made Into the Spider-Verse special.
Meanwhile, this film’s grand-scale story conjures up this emotional storm that continues to dig deeper into nuance. Miles, at this point of his story, has mastered the basics of what it means to be Spider-Man. Unfortunately, his dedication puts his family life into troubled waters as Miles is still trying to essentially “find himself.” His parents, Rio (Luna Lauren Vélez) and Jefferson (Brian Tyree Henry), show that they deeply care for Miles despite his desire for secrecy. These interpersonal scenes, smoothly meshed in with classic Spider-Verse humor, creates an empathetic resonation with these characters. As Miles grapples with parental expectations, Miguel’s methods and objectives, and his own teenage spirit, the stakes become increasingly bigger, yet more personal.
However, though this film divulges in Miles’ emotional arc, there is also a focus on Gwen’s character. Gwen’s personal journey in this film deals with heavier ideas that can only be explored after the fact. Although, Gwen does share a similar experience to Miles in terms of their own familial relationships. Hailee Steinfeld gives her all into embodying an emotionally changing Gwen Stacy. I was pleasantly surprised by her arc’s development and eagerly anticipate where it goes next.
Outside of Miles and Gwen, the supporting cast of Spider-People adequately helps to drive the story forward. Jessica Drew (Issa Rae) is somewhat of an open-yet-cold personality who tries to see good, but sticks to the book. Peter Parker’s (Jake Johnson) mentorship takes a backseat to his fatherly attitude with Mayday, who perfectly creates the film’s adorable charm. Luckily, Peter is still able to provide a sense of comfort even if he isn’t necessarily present. However, Pavitr Prabhakar/Spider-Man India (Karan Soni) and Hobie Brown/Spider-Punk (Daniel Kaluuya) aren’t thoroughly explored outside of the usual Spider-Verse intro-drop. Although, Hobie does help influence Miles’ evolving attitude throughout the film, but other details about him, like his personal relationship with Gwen, are sidelined.
As for the film’s antagonists, Oscar Isaac brings this reserved, yet chilling performance as Miguel O’Hara. From his motives alone, Miguel is a formidable roadblock for Miles. These two characters essentially share the same path, though their conflicting means drive them towards this intense war. However, the Spot initially appears comical, yet Jason Schwartzman gradually transforms the character into a formidable monstrosity. The Spot creates this intense dread from transforming his personality over time, which only adds to the film’s layers. While leaving him in a peculiar spot, the Spot serves as a complex and formidable antagonist in this complex story.
However, Across the Spider-Verse is not exempt from having imperfections of its own. The movie makes several attempts to keep viewers pulled in with heavy fan-service. Laid around the film are many references, cameos, and other surprises that positively shocked me. Although, some may have to take the time to absorb all these things as the story plays out. In addition, it can be somewhat exposition-heavy, especially by the second act, so get ready to take it all in.
To sum this review up, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is not just visually groundbreaking, but empathetically resonant in all the right ways. With all these well-put elements, this film rightfully deserves the hype and praise. Though the fan service may put off some people, I can confidently say that this film’s emotional bridging story outweighs those elements.
With the help of Dos Santos, Powers, and Thompson, Chris Miller and Phil Lord continue to prove why these films are very special. The Spider-Verse films are able to master action with nuance and relatability in a natural way. In the end, this film has solidified its place alongside Into the Spider-Verse as well as the new age of the superhero genre. And now, I can’t wait to see what truly lies beyond.
★★★★½
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse releases in theaters June 2.
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