The Crow. Where do I even begin? The original comics, the iconic 1994 film, and Brandon Lee have held a special place in people’s hearts for decades. Now, with this reimagining, it’s time to set aside nostalgia and embrace this fresh and exciting interpretation.

I’m sure there will be those out there trying to compare and contrast every little detail. I’m not that person, but I’ll say this. The Crow from 1994 and the one from 2024 are fundamentally different movies. Trying to compare them seems unnecessary. The original film was released in the wake of Brandon Lee’s tragic passing. So the film was thrown together and released unfinished. As a result, it comes across as a classic dude power fantasy with an invincible guy who wins every fight.

However, The Crow (2024) gives viewers an entire story. We get to see Eric and Shelly fall in love. We learn so much lore, as well as fully believe why this man would be willing to get his shit rocked over and over again for the chance to see the love of his life one more time.

The Crow Finally Gets a Full and Compelling Story

Writers Jame O’Barr, Zach Baylin, and William Josef Schneider truly understood the assignment when fleshing out the story of The Crow. The film delves deeper into the character’s spiritual lore, providing a more profound context for Eric’s journey. They reveal the mortal wound of the story right from the start. This moment showcases Eric’s initial encounter with the pain of loss. We see him grapple with the helplessness of wanting to alleviate the suffering of someone or something he loves, even if it means hurting himself in the process.

I also love that The Crow gives Eric a supernatural villain adding a compelling layer to the story. Rather than focusing on mundane grievances, the conflict is elevated to a cosmic scale. This decision not only raises the stakes but also strengthens the film’s exploration of revenge and justice through a spiritual lens.

Bill Skarsgård (Barbarian) delivers a lights-out performance as Eric that is captivating and nuanced for a character that could easily be one-dimensional. The chemistry he shares with FKA Twigs is truly electric, creating a relationship that feels both authentic and compelling. Their interactions are equally intense as they are vulnerable, making it impossible not to be drawn into their relationship.

Iconic Redesign and Epic Fight Sequences

It also doesn’t hurt that the overall design for 2024 Eric’s Crow seems to have been plucked straight from my imagination. This fresh aesthetic rips the character out of the 90s giving him a modern flair and energy that I just love.

The fight sequences are truly spectacular and effectively convey Eric’s journey to becoming the Crow. Another one of my favorite things is Eric isn’t portrayed as a natural fighter from the jump. He doesn’t emerge from the in-between with professional fighting skills. Instead, he’s a scrappy street fighter who often finds himself on the receiving end of beatings. It is only in the final act when he fully embraces the crow’s gift that everything snaps together at The Opera giving us an epic fight sequence. 

The Crow hits theaters on Friday, August 23, 2024. Please do yourself a favor and see it.

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