The Crow: A Dark Rebirth That Captivates Despite Its Flaws

This week, our cinematic marathon continued! After watching Blink Twice and Emilia Perez, we decided to take a detour and check out The Crow, starring Bill Skarsgård and FKA twigs. This film, which we’ve been eagerly anticipating, has generated a lot of buzz among fans of the original classic. Here’s our take on this latest adaptation.

The Crow, directed by Rupert Sanders, reimagines the dark and poignant tale of Eric, a man devastated by the tragic loss of his beloved. Unable to accept this brutal separation, his overwhelming grief brings him back from the dead, driven by an insatiable thirst for revenge. Eric embarks on a relentless mission to hunt down those responsible for taking his love’s life, hoping to break the chains of death and give them a second chance to be together. However, on this grim journey, Eric must confront complex moral dilemmas that could shatter his desire for redemption and drastically alter the outcome of his story.

Lionsgate aimed to set this new version of The Crow apart from being labeled as merely a remake or reboot. Instead, the film focuses exclusively on the story of Eric and Shelly, emphasizing a love so powerful it defies even death. The narrative illustrates the idea that true love can transcend all barriers, to the point of bringing someone back from the dead. Finding a duo capable of capturing the intensity and authenticity of this relationship was crucial. By the end of the film, the audience needed to be convinced that the love between Eric and Shelly is genuine and deeply felt. For us, this was achieved; we left the theater with palpable emotion, given the strong chemistry between the characters and the touching bond they share. However, we understand that some may not have been moved by their chemistry. Indeed, the film features scenes where they party as if it were a teenage romance, which does not necessarily emphasize that love can transcend all barriers.

It is true that The Crow takes its time to set up its story, delaying the arrival of the “Crow” aspect and the quest for revenge. Unlike previous installments in the franchise, which relegated happy moments to flashbacks, this version focuses more on the relationship between Eric and Shelly before the tragedy. Once this shift occurs, Bill Skarsgård transforms into a man consumed by vengeance, delivering a convincing performance as Eric. However, we found his emotional journey lacking depth. His doubts about true love, triggered by discovering a video on Shelly’s phone, are resolved too quickly in the afterlife. The film barely explores the narrative possibilities that such a situation could offer. A confrontation between Eric and Shelly to clarify what really happened would have added an interesting dimension to the story. This lack of development also extends to other characters. We would have liked to learn more about the antagonist’s background and what makes him a formidable foe. The film leaves certain elements hanging that could have enriched the plot and given more substance to the characters’ motivations.

The trailer for The Crow promised action, and in this respect, the film does not disappoint. The gala scene is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the movie, a true masterclass. Eric demonstrates the full extent of his determination to save Shelly, whose soul is trapped in hell. This sequence highlights how far he is willing to go to free her. The special effects, particularly in this scene, are impeccably done, making the film even more immersive. The way Eric repeatedly flirts with actual death is not only well-executed but also succeeds in captivating the viewer. Visually, it’s a successful gamble, offering moments that are both intense and striking on screen.

The Crow may have disappointed us in some areas, but it’s by no means a film to avoid. The dark atmosphere and meticulously crafted scenes are genuinely engaging, and the Eric/Shelly duo is undeniably captivating. Bill Skarsgård delivers a convincing performance, full of intensity and depth, making his character both poignant and tormented. Despite some narrative flaws, we had a great time watching this film, which succeeds in maintaining attention and providing an immersive and emotional visual experience.

‘THE CROW‘ IS NOW IN THEATERS!