The much-anticipated “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” was released at the end of July and recently became the fastest-grossing movie to reach $800M. Destin Daniel Cretton, who has directed one Marvel movie prior, showcased the talent of the VFX artists and special effects supervisors who made the frequent scenes of the esteemed hero swinging throughout the city and intense action shots not only possible, but strikingly realistic.

Tom Holland as Peter Parker delivered a particularly impressive career performance. The continuation of Spider-Man’s story follows the struggle of becoming the idealized superhero he saw in the Avengers, whom he looked up to in previous movies.

The film explores darker themes as he experiences the stark emotional and physical consequences of his ambition, causing the audience to ask: when will the pressure cause the man behind the mask to break? Can Peter truly balance his humanity and his evolving superpowers? And will the isolation he experiences affect his ability to constant stream of responsibilities that he endures?

Aside from the tension between Peter’s strenuous duties and their emotional cost, the film presents a new, growing danger in New York City that Spider-Man has to put a stop to. He’s forced to control his new and dangerous powers that emerge due to the mounting pressure he is under, while maintaining a helpful status with the police captain.

Not only does Spider-Man have to fight recurring villain Scorpion, played by Michael Mando, but he has to attempt to control a powerful new villain, who has psychic abilities that allow them to possess other people. This sets up the central plot — Peter is challenged to find help and lean on different characters throughout the fight.

After all, no matter how much he might try to be everywhere at once, he is only one person.

What makes the movie so moving is that it isn’t only an action-filled plot, but instead has very real thematic elements that the audience can relate to. With less comedic relief than other Marvel movies, it feels deeper and more complex. The film humanizes the villain, adding discourse to the complexity of trusting and understanding someone on an empathetic level while maintaining one’s own values. Peter learns that not every situation is necessarily good or bad as he’s faced with coming to terms with where his own morality stands.

The movie could be considered Peter Parker’s most defining adventure yet, with a particular focus on his growth as a character. It did a wonderful job of engaging the audience with a compelling soundtrack, intense chases through crowded New York City streets and a heartfelt reunion between Peter and the people closest to him. After losing so many loved ones, the movie starts in the depths of his loneliness — a world that has forgotten who he is — and takes the audience on an emotional journey where Peter learns just how important human connection is.

Holland’s dedication to the role made the movie the success that it was. The movie focuses on deliberate stunt work, and the creative team avoided overuse of CGI. Sadie Sink, who played the conflicted villain, Jean Grey, praised Holland for his leadership on set. The cast and crew’s efforts to make the movie realistic, rather than manufactured, are abundantly apparent in the film’s impressive visuals.

The movie’s popularity illustrates that this won’t be the last time we see Spider-Man on screen. “Brand New Day” is a mesmerizing and encapsulating ride that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats and engaged in who Spider-Man is and what he represents.

Rating 4.5/5