Madame Web: Dakota Johnson Shines in a Promising New Superhero Universe
Madame Web is set in the 1970s, where Constance Webb (Kerry Bishe) and Ezekiel Sims (Tahar Rahim) went to the Amazon in search of a rare spider species that was supposed to have miraculous healing properties. Tragedy, however, strikes when Ezekiel cheats on her and abandons her, leaving her injured and marooned in the jungle. Members of Las Arañas make a miraculous entry into saving her, where the hapless and helpless, with their support, give birth to her daughter Cassandra, or Cassie (Dakota Johnson), in the wilderness.
Fast forward to 2003, and Cassie leads a solitary existence as a paramedic, haunted by her clairvoyant abilities. But Cassie, who knows that using her powers for the good is her destiny, embarks to rescue Julia Cornwall (Sydney Sweeney), Anya Corazon (Isabela Merced), and Mattie Franklin (Celeste O’Connor) from Ezekiel.
For the next two hours, viewers are taken along as the plot unfolds and the heroine, Cassie, becomes aware of her exceptional giftedness—a trip both of self-discovery and empowerment. "Madame Web" opens on quite a prepossessing premise, right at the height of the enigma regarding Cassie. Dakota Johnson shines in her portrayal of Cassie, effortlessly commanding the screen with her compelling performance.
The story is very interesting at the beginning, for the development of the psychic abilities of Cassie, but the entry of Ezekiel and the trio of girls brings fresh blood into the storyline. However, the screenplay somehow lacks depth for the antagonist, whose motivations and back story are quite weak.
However, a movie could be forgiven for its poor story when it presents good visuals and dynamic chase sequences. The cinematography by Mauro Fiore engulfs the viewers in the premonitions of Cassie and his chases in adrenaline. The visuals that are being presented for the action-packed chase sequence or surroundings of the beautiful locations are a treat to the eye.
Moreover, the ensemble cast really did give some credible performances, with each actor managing to bring to their respective characters the depth and authenticity that are deserved. The chemistry Dakota Johnson has with her co-stars is palpable, hence giving their every portrayal more emotional depth.
Flawed as it is, "Madame Web" at least helps lay the promising foundations of another superhero universe. If the film was only a bit more of a creative vision, it's really just a foundation, but at least it's an interesting one.
All told, Madame Web comes very much as a thrilling introduction to a very appealing new character and really does leave the audience eagerly waiting to see exactly where Cassie's journey will take her. It's a new chapter promised for that genre, thrilling in its action, visually stunning, and with great performances.
Verdict: "Madame Web" introduces a compelling new superhero, portrayed by Dakota Johnson, in a visually stunning yet flawed adventure.
