‘Kraven the Hunter’ Movie Review: A Unique Cinematic Experience

If you’ve been hearing mixed reviews about *Kraven the Hunter*, you’re not alone. As a devoted fan of Kraven as a Spider-Man antagonist, my expectations were high, yet I found the film lacking. Despite my love for the character, this portrayal left much to be desired. So, what exactly went wrong with this crucial addition to the Spider-Man universe? Let’s delve into the details.

Kraven, or Sergei Kravinoff (played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson), initially embodies the essence of a passionate hunter with a deep disdain for spiders, which naturally leads him to target Spider-Man. Unfortunately, the film twists his core identity, painting a drastically altered backstory.

Reimagined Origins: A Departure from the Comics

In this cinematic take, Kraven finds himself attacked by a lion, and in a bizarre twist, the lion’s blood combines with a potion provided by a young girl, granting him superhuman abilities. This divergence from the original comics is glaring, particularly since the film neglects to acknowledge Kraven’s traditional role as a game hunter. Instead, we are introduced to Nikolai Kravinoff (Russell Crowe), who is portrayed as a brutal father with no redeeming qualities, swerving the focus away from Kraven himself.

Nikolai’s character overshadows Kraven, raising the question: why reinvent the wheel? While Kraven’s father-son dynamics could provide rich storytelling, the film opts for an approach that strays too far from the essence of who Kraven is.

The Problematic Backstory: Too Much Unnecessary Complexity

A significant portion of the film’s shortcomings stems from convoluted plot points added to Kraven’s character arc. In the comics, Kraven does utilize a potion to enhance his abilities, but this experience is temporary, making his character’s reliance on strength more nuanced. Yet, this film disregards the complexity of Kraven, opting for an over-simplified narrative that makes him seem more like a superhero than a traditional game hunter.

Take Calypso (Ariana DeBose) for instance; her role as a legal assistant adds little to the narrative. The charm of Kraven as a villain lies in his pursuit of the most dangerous game—in this case, Spider-Man. However, Sony’s trend of crafting Spider-Man-vacant stories dilutes the character’s allure.

Missed Opportunities: A Family Drama that Never Takes Flight

While the foundation for a compelling tale surrounding the Kravinoff family exists, the script squanders this potential. I can’t help but fantasize about a narrative where Sergei embraces his father’s persona and hunts—not just for bad guys, but for the thrill of the chase that defines Kraven’s character.

The Highlights: Strong Performances Amidst a Weak Script

Christopher Abbott wearing sunglasses and looking cool — (Sony Pictures)

There are glimpses of brilliance buried within this otherwise lackluster film, particularly in the performances of Christopher Abbott and Fred Hechinger. Abbott’s portrayal of Foreigner, although also equipped with powers, shines through as he effectively embodies the role of a skilled assassin. In stark contrast to the other characters, Abbott seems to have found his footing, making me yearn for a standalone movie featuring him against Kraven, free from the distractions of the broader plot.

Hechinger’s interpretation of Chameleon similarly feels disjointed from the original comics, where Dimitri is known for his abilities derived from a serum. Nevertheless, Hechinger’s energy and the dynamic between Sergei and Dimitri provide much-needed levity to the film’s extended runtime. But still, I left feeling disappointed at the missed potential for a gritty narrative with real stakes.

Final Thoughts: A Lackluster Interpretation of a Beloved Character

Regrettably, *Kraven the Hunter* falls short of my expectations. While it presents an origin story, it does not do justice to the character himself. Instead of showcasing Kraven’s primal instincts as a game hunter, it veers into uncharted territory featuring mutant abilities and a desire for vigilante justice resembling *Dexter*. In the end, this portrayal seems far removed from the Kraven I admire from the comics.

Source & Images