The Crow is a visually intriguing, but unfocused remake of the graphic novel, that is only saved by its lead performances.
Synopsis of The Crow
The Crow Synopsis: Upon meeting in rehab, two loners named Eric (Bill Skarsgård) and Shelly (FKA twigs) fall in love with each other. However, after the two are brutally murdered, Eric is mysterious resurrected from the dead. Now imbued with the power of invincibility. Eric sets out on a path of revenge. All the way, uncovering why him and Shelly were targeted in the first place.
Back From The Dead: The Crow Returns
With 2024’s The Crow, director Rupert Sanders and company re-envisions James O’Barr’s graphic novel into a simplistic love story. This results in screenwriters Zach Baylin and William Schneider to deviate from the original premise of the graphic novel. Instead, Baylin and Schneider choose to prioritize Shelly as the main protagonist. However, this leaves Eric to become a passenger to the plot. Despite the deviation in plot, the film visually echoes the 1994 film adaptation. Sanders and director of photography Steve Annis craft a dark, gritty-induced look. Moreover, the action is competently shot. Especially during a particular scene set in a opera house. But, this is mostly in the second half.
In the first half, there is a hue of brightness and open spaces. Adding a “us vs the world” element. This is most represented in the costumes. Costume designers Steve & Burt exhibit a modern goth look. We see this in the film’s soundtrack. Like the adaptation before, the reboot contains an electric mix of goth, classical, and industrial tracks. Moreover, editors Chris Dickens and Neil Smith edits the film to an hour and fifty-one minutes. However, the first half winds up dragging. Finally, production designer Robin Brown takes a mindful approach to the world. Brown mixes the darkness of the city, contrasting with the lightness of Eric and Shelly’s relationship.
Performances in The Crow
Regarding the performances, Bill Skarsgård leads the cast as Eric. Skarsgård delivers a sullen, but stoic performance. His chemistry with FKA twigs’ Shelly provides the backbone of the film. Additionally, Skarsgård manages to showcase some physicality with the action sequences. Likewise, FKA twigs provides a sweet, but relatable performance as Shelly. A woman with a lot of secrets who finds unexpected love, twigs plays the role with reserve. But, in her chemistry with Skarsgård, twigs brings out a natural softness. One that informs her character beyond the page. As for the rest of the cast, Danny Huston’s villainous Vincent is woefully underserved. The script barely gives Huston any substance. This makes Hutson’s antagonist weak and unmemorable.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to 2024’s The Crow, Sanders and company craft an intriguing re-imaging. One that picks and chooses which elements of O’Barr’s novel to adapt. This results in an adaptation doing its own thing. But yet, it largely feels beholden to the source material. Luckily, this is supported by two lead performances in Skarsgård and twigs. Both of which manage to deliver some natural chemistry. Ultimately, The Crow (2024) is a visually-stunning, but unfocused remake. Which brings the film down as a whole.
