‘The Crow’ Movie Review: A Gripping Revenge Thriller That Falls Short on Emotional Depth

Sanders takes a different approach from the original narrative but keeps the core theme of revenge intact.

Alex Proyas’ 1994 film The Crow is a dark and atmospheric thriller that delves into themes of eternal love within a gothic revenge narrative. The film subtly emphasizes the love story, creating a powerful emotional backdrop for Eric Draven’s quest for vengeance. With Brandon Lee’s captivating and nuanced performance, it’s clear why this film has become a cult classic. In stark contrast, Rupert Sanders’ remake lacks the original’s intensity and visual flair. While Sanders maintains the revenge theme, he diverges from the original storyline. In his adaptation, Eric Draven is portrayed as a former drug addict who escapes from a correctional facility and falls for another addict, Shelly, played by FKA Twigs. The film dedicates significant time to developing their love story, but just as it begins to flourish, a ruthless crime lord, Vincent Roeg (Danny Huston), intervenes and kills them. This moment is intended to be impactful, yet it comes across as more shocking than truly heartbreaking, highlighting a critical flaw in the film: the emotional moments often feel unearned. The pacing suffers due to a slow-burn approach that delays the film’s momentum. Even when the couple’s brutal murder occurs, it fails to resonate. Bill Skarsgard’s portrayal of Eric Draven lacks the necessary intensity and depth. The dialogue also contributes to this issue; for instance, during an early confrontation, Draven blandly states, “I want the numbers of those whom you work for,” which feels more like the words of an addict than the complex character he is meant to embody.

Another aspect that doesn’t quite come together is Danny Huston’s portrayal of the villain, Vincent Roeg, a sinister crime lord with supernatural abilities. When Roeg whispers to his victims, they fall into a trance, often leading to self-harm or violence against others. However, the film leaves many questions unanswered: What drives Roeg to such evil? What is the source of his dark powers? Has he made a pact with the devil? Without delving into his motivations, Roeg comes off as a rather one-dimensional antagonist. Rupert Sanders attempts to add depth to Draven’s resurrection by crafting a setting that feels suspended between Earth, heaven, and hell. He introduces Sami Bouajila’s character, Kronos, who serves as a bridge between these realms and aids Draven in his quest. In one memorable scene, Kronos calls forth a swarm of crows that encircle Draven, culminating in one crow breaking away to deliver a symbolic kick. This moment marks a turning point for Skarsgard, who begins to showcase a more compelling performance, but unfortunately, it feels like too little too late for the film overall. Director: Rupert Sanders Cast: Bill Skarsgard, FKA Twigs, Danny Huston, Laura Birn, Sami Bouajila