Spider-Noir Review
Sony’s Spider-Verse films have given Marvel fans some of the best takes on these unique variants of Spider-Man. From Miles Morales to Spider-Gwen and even Spider-Man 2099, these animated moves opened up new opportunities to explore these characters. That said, Sony took a different approach when it came to such possibilities: make them original. Sony tried this with two characters, Silk and Spider-Noir, with the former not moving forward. However, given how Spider-Noir was popular thanks to the Spider-Verse, a show seemed very likely. Prime Video’s Spider-Noir answers that call with a spine-tingling story and an eccentric world.
Spider-Noir follows Ben Reilly (Nicolas Cage), who stepped down from being a hero after failing to save his wife. Due to this tragedy, Silvermane (Brendan Gleeson) has reasserted himself, taking control of New York from its underbelly. When one case ends up in flames when Reilly discovers there are other superpowered individuals, Reilly must come to terms with his past and become the Spider again.
It’s made extremely clear that Spider-Noir is not connected to the Spider-Verse movies and that works to its benefit. From the get-go, the origin story that Ben Reilly is given lends itself to establishing this much bleaker, yet emotional, tone unlike his other counterpart. Reilly is essentially gripping with an incredible amount of psychological trauma, both from losing his soon-to-be wife and his time during World War I. The former element constantly lingers over Reilly’s head, mostly through flashbacks when other characters remind him of why they need the Spider. However, the latter is unique not just because of the depth it adds depth to Reilly’s character, but also why and how everything, and everyone, circles around him.
Every action that Reilly takes within this series ultimately revolves back to his good-natured personality, which Cage balances with tough love and dark whimsy. Cage gives a great performance in showing Reilly’s idealism through this drunkenly insouciant facade, highlighting the flawed nature quite well. Whenever Reilly’s on-screen, Cage is able to show this unusually erratic jadedness to Reilly that truly emphasizes the pain that he’s going through. Cage really shows that Reilly, as a whole, is a puzzle of tragedy that needs unravelling, which really shows in Episodes 4 and 7. However, there’s a groundedness to him that’s brought out by Cat Hardy (Li Jun Li), who’s a whole different enigma to Cage.
Much like who Black Cat is to Peter Parker in the mainline Spider-Man universe, Cat Hardy’s transformation is intricately woven into Reilly’s journey. Initially, it may feel like Cat’s just there to fill the void left by Reilly’s wife, driven with her siren-like abilities as Silvermane’s stage singer. However, as Reilly starts to unravel this mystery, the way that Cat’s role is essentially a tug between being a supportive cornerstone to an actual love interest adds complexity. Although Cat does have a relationship with the rough Flint Marko (Jack Huston), her belief in Reilly’s skills, and eventually his philosophy, makes you want to sympathize with her. Albeit, some of her actions in helping Reilly are a bit questionable, specifically in Episodes 5 and 6. Yet, the way that she relates to Reilly and their dynamic together is a bright spot to watch.
As for the superpowered “villains” of Spider-Noir, you can’t really say they’re villains at all. Those, like Marko and Tombstone (Abraham Popoola), have optimistic intentions that gradually make you feel sympathetic for their causes. Marko simply wants to make his relationship with Cat work and Tombstone wants to escape the decrepit slums, driven by Silvermane’s corruption. Although both of them are influenced by greed, both characters still have enough urgency and determination to recognize the danger of Silvermane. As much as they want to escape their old lives, they know they have to take drastic action, which highlights their flaws effectively. The only “villain” who’s actually a villain is Megawatt (Andrew Lewis Caldwell), this universe’s Electro who acts much more sinisterly and savagely than Silvermane.
Aside from the superpowered individuals, Reilly’s team also gets some nice involvement in the web of it all. Simply put, Reilly’s ever-so handy assistant Janet (Karen Rodriguez) is the heart of this series while Robbie Robertson (Lamorne Morris) is its soul. Watching these three interact further reinforces the eccentric experimental tone that showrunners Oren Uziel and Steve Lightfoot establish as they lend a bit of humor and empathy to the situation. Janet’s optimistically realist jokes always land and lift the weight off Reilly, and the viewer, but she still has that concern for Reilly’s well-being that sticks. As for Robbie, his story about making a name for himself as a journalist by finding connection with others is a little inspiring, but also may feel a bit more humorous than normal. That said, both Rodriguez and Morris’ performances make you feel for Reilly’s crew as much as you do for the others.
On a visual level, Spider-Noir is stunning to watch in color, but was genuinely made for being black-and-white. The way that each set piece is lit, specifically those Alcove Club scenes, really emphasize that traditional 1930s look with the lights shining down and all. There are some specific shots in the first half of Spider-Noir that really engross you into this grim world, like the Reilly and Cat scenes. However, if you decide to watch it in “True Hue”, it has this different effect where it feels like that “Nighthawks” painting; a bit of life wrapped in an illuminated moment. The showrunners, as well as cinematographer Darran Tiernan and the editing team, have to be given their dues in making these experimental visual choices work.
Spider-Noir proves itself in being a compelling mystery and character study of Ben Reilly. Nicolas Cage gives a superb performance, making Reilly stand out from his Spider-Verse counterpart, alongside an incredible ensemble cast. Oren Uziel and Steve Lightfoot’s unconventional visual and story decisions allow this superhero to shine in this bitter reality. Although it seems like a one-and-done series, Spider-Noir’s success really opens the door for other inspired Spider-Verse series to take shape.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Spider-Noir will premiere with all eight episodes on May 27 on Prime Video.
_
Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.