“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” was released into theaters on July 31, achieving a $932 M global debut on opening weekend. The film received a 98% audience score and has broken records across multiple categories, including the biggest box office opening domestically, previously held by “Avengers: Endgame.”
WARNING: Spoilers ahead.
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the action-adventure film is a sequel to “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” “Brand New Day” follows a forgotten Peter Parker (Tom Holland) as he continues to protect the citizens of New York City as Spider-Man, while attempting to reconnect with his former girlfriend MJ (Zendaya) and best friend Ned (Jacob Batalon).
The ending of “No Way Home” left fans on a shocking cliffhanger; when Spider-Man’s identity was revealed to the world, Doctor Strange cast a spell to make Peter Parker’s existence forgotten by everyone, including his loved ones.
In the beginning, Peter tries to accept his solitary life and hopes for a fresh start. His peaceful living is soon disrupted by a dangerous new threat targeting New York City, a mysterious villain with the power to alter minds. Peter must protect MJ, knowing she is at high risk of becoming the villain’s next victim.
Typically known for physically fighting off villains, Spider-Man is now challenged with psychological attacks, making him question the difference between reality and deception. The villain, later revealed to be Jean Grey (Sadie Sink) causes chaos in New York City by using her ability to hop in and out of people’s minds, taking complete control over another body.
While MJ’s memories of Peter are lost, the two still demonstrate an emotional connection reminiscent of their past relationship in “No Way Home.” Peter debates whether he should tell MJ the truth about their history or keep his identity hidden to protect the people he cares about.
“Brand New Day” also brings together unlikely allies when Bruce Banner/the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and Frank Castle/The Punisher (Jon Bernthal) make a return. When the danger of Jean Grey becomes far more threatening than he pictured, Spider-Man teams up with the two in a fight to put an end to the madness within the city.
The film results in Peter rising stronger once he accepts the beginning of his new life, unable to reclaim his past. Continuing to serve the city as Spider-Man, the film’s ending suggests that Peter’s story is not over just yet. The door is now left open for future adventures waiting in the next film of the Spider-Man franchise.
Narrowing in on Peter Parker’s personal journey, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” offers a more down-to-earth storyline. Unlike other MCU films, “Brand New Day” shies away from narratives revolving around the multiverse and instead focuses on Spider-Man’s relatable problems in everyday life.
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“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is a successful superhero film that involves the perfect balance of action, adventure, comedy, and emotion. It is the kind of film that can be enjoyed by audiences in any demographic, though its themes of loneliness and mental instability are particularly significant to Gen Z.
The story parallels the struggles with socialization that are often faced by the current age of teenagers and young adults. The younger audience that faced growing up during the COVID-19 pandemic can relate to the feeling of isolation endured by Peter Parker.
“Brand New Day” expanded farther than just being a direct sequel to “No Way Home;” it is portrayed as its own event, as it is set four years later. The film shows how time has passed and the characters of Peter and MJ have grown individually before reuniting.
However, MJ’s role did not serve much purpose other than acting as Spider-Man’s weakness in the eyes of Jean Grey. In previous “Spider-Man” films, Zendaya’s MJ is known for her witty humor, which “Brand New Day” lacks. The plot of Peter being forgotten has forced that aspect to remain unfulfilled.
Despite this, Destin Daniel Cretton’s direction brought compassion and vulnerability back for the beloved superhero; a feeling that audiences believe to have been missing from superhero films within recent years.
In addition to a nuanced story, “Brand New Day” features excellent cinematography and color grading to make for stunning visuals on screen. Cinematographer Brett Pawlak mentioned that a major inspiration came from the classic comics, “They use black ink, and there’s heavy contrast. Shadows are not grey; they’re black, and I leaned into that.”
“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is a story about hope, allowing viewers to connect with its layered narrative on multiple levels. Although Spider-Man is idolized by his community, he is faced with real-life obstacles behind the mask. Not afraid to show weakness, Peter Parker’s humanity makes “Brand New Day” a film to be appreciated.
