‘The Crow’ Review: Bill Skarsgård Can’t Save This Nonsensical Resurrection

The creators of The Crow have been adamant about not labeling this new film as a remake or reboot. Despite their efforts, it clearly falls into the latter category, likely as an attempt to differentiate it from the 1994 cult classic. The original film is shadowed by a tragic legacy, due to the on-set accident that claimed the life of its lead actor, Brandon Lee, during filming a freak accident involving a prop gun claimed his life.

Lee’s character’s quest for vengeance from beyond the grave took on an even more profound meaning as his posthumous performance blurred the line between fiction and reality, giving the movie an aura upon its release—ultimately creating a legacy for the actor that the original cast, crew, and devoted fans were keen to protect. Considering that this reboot had been in production hell for over 10 years, the end result raises the question: Was it really worth it? The answer is no.

The Crow (2024) is marketed as a fresh reinterpretation of James O’Barr’s 1980s comic but it deviates from the original material more than its predecessor. Instead of focusing on Eric and Shelly’s murder by street thugs, this version takes even more creative liberties. While it tries to capture the gothic atmosphere and striking visuals of Alex Proyas’ 1994 film, the result is a confusing mix of poorly explained mythology.

In this version, we still follow the characters Eric and Shelly, played by Bill Skarsgård and FKA Twigs, but they’re entangled in a vague demonic scheme involving Vincent (Danny Huston), who seems to be collecting innocent souls for what we can only assume is a pact with Satan—or at least that’s what we’re left to assume. At its core, this new movie tries to anchor itself in the grand, melodramatic sweep of an all-consuming emo romance, but it forces this narrative upon the audience.

The film follows a brooding Eric (Skarsgård), whose backstory is hinted at through a pretentious opening sequence featuring a wounded horse in a bleak, rural setting. Painting Eric as a country boy scarred by vague, yet significant childhood trauma—though that’s about all the explanation we get for his troubled nature. As an adult, Eric meets Shelly (FKA Twigs), who is on the run from Vincent’s henchmen because she possesses a video that could ‘ruin him’ (sigh). The two cross paths in a rehab facility, eventually escaping together and trying to build a life. But their happiness is short-lived, as Shelly’s past catches up with them, leading to their brutal murders.

This version of ‘The Crow’ makes it clear that some things are better left undisturbed.

Skarsgård and Twigs share some chemistry, but it’s not enough to lift the cringe-worthy dialogue or sustain the love story, which drags on for the first 40 minutes and monotonously moves toward its inevitable tragedy. Twigs’ performance is flat and uninspiring and although Bill Skarsgård is a talented actor and arguably well-cast for a 2024 version of The Crow, his strong performance and the brutal, mildly entertaining final act can’t overcome the film’s shortcomings or escape the shadow of Brandon Lee.

After enduring years of delays, development struggles dating back to 2008, countless rewrites, and several changes in directors and actors, it’s surprising how disappointing the final product is. The original film’s success was driven by more than just the tragic allure of Brandon Lee’s presence, so it’s no shock that this grim update of the 1994 goth revenge classic fails to hit the mark. While it might not be the worst remake ever made, it certainly ranks among the most unnecessary.

If you haven’t seen the original and go into this with no expectations, you might find it mildly entertaining. However, for those familiar with and fond of the original, it’s best not to waste your time on this film. While some may criticize those who compare reimagined works to their predecessors, there’s nothing wrong with holding beloved art, whether it be books or movies, to the standards of its time. But the clunky, half-baked soul-snatching plot and the 70 minutes of tedious buildup in this version of The Crow make it clear that some things are better left undisturbed.

The Crow is now playing in cinemas worldwide.

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