Cast: Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney, Celeste O’Connor, Isabela Merced
Director: S.J.Clarkson
Rating: ⭐️⭐️
Review: Navigating the complexities of ambition and insecurity, Madame Web is a film that wades through its production journey like a tangled net to present a convoluted movie experience. The eponymous character falls into Johnson’s hands which differs from her comic representation hence fans may wonder where she belongs in this version.
In the comics, Madame Web is portrayed as an old woman who cannot see or walk but remains seated on a remarkable chair, while working on her fates. Nevertheless, Johnson’s portrayal of the role brings something different, as she has a certain star power that still emanates despite the dullness of the film. S J Clarkson takes her first step beyond television directing in this project; however, it looks difficult for her to secure solid ground with unstable sands of time flowing beneath it.
Cassie Webb is a fictional character in Johnson’s book who is a paramedic for the New York Fire Department. She makes a very strong fashion statement with her costumes, reminiscent of Spiderman’s spandex.This is an instance where Cassie wears very modern clothes beside another unnamed time that adds to the mystery of these movies.
However, allusions to characters like Uncle Ben and Peter Parker give hints about a story yet to be told. As she reaches the edge of death during one rescue operation, she begins to dream about what seems like her own future life on earth and those of others – but her dreams are broken into pieces leaving audience as confused as she was.
The visions are confusing for both Cassie and the audience since there are some which come back over and over again while others you don’t get at all. The film has difficulty piecing together its various components into a comprehensible whole, despite Johnson’s sincere rendering thus leaving it unclear where it is heading.
Madame Web is a bold attempt to bring new life into a beloved character, but in the end, it fails to create a compelling story. Johnson’s performance stands out against the backdrop of chaos; however, the film’s labyrinth of aspirations and uncertainty might leave viewers wishing for a more manifest vision about its possibilities.