Spider-Man: Brand New Day Review — A Worthy Successor That Swings High But Not Always Consistently
Peter Parker is back — and this time, he’s truly alone. Spider-Man: Brand New Day, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and starring Tom Holland, swings into theatres carrying the enormous weight of following one of the MCU’s greatest films. The result is an enjoyable, emotionally textured superhero adventure that doesn’t quite reach the dizzying heights of No Way Home — but comes remarkably close.
Audiences have responded enthusiastically, giving the film a 98% Rotten Tomatoes audience score — tying the MCU record held by Shang-Chi — and an 8.2 out of 10 on IMDB, making it the highest-rated Tom Holland Spider-Man film on the platform. Critics have also been largely supportive, with the film holding a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
What Works
The film’s greatest strength lies in Tom Holland’s performance. Playing Peter Parker in his most vulnerable state — unknown to everyone he loves, living a quiet, lonely life — Holland delivers a depth that goes beyond the mask. Zendaya as MJ handles both the emotional and humorous beats with equal ease. The film’s biggest new addition is Sadie Sink, whose character’s trauma drives the plot in compelling fashion.
Visually, the film delivers. The sequences of Spider-Man in flight are spectacular, reminiscent of the Sam Raimi era in the best possible way. The colour palette is vibrant, the humour lands, and there are several scenes that feel like loving tributes to iconic MCU moments.
What Doesn’t
The screenplay feels slightly stretched, burdened with introducing too many characters — most notably the Hulk, who despite a visually staggering appearance, rarely feels essential to the story. The Hand, despite generating significant pre-release buzz, leaves little lasting impression.
The Verdict
With estimates ranging from $260 million to $280 million for its opening weekend alone, Brand New Day is on course to land one of the biggest box office debuts in history. And while it may not surpass No Way Home in emotional grandeur, it is never dull, always entertaining, and a worthy chapter in Peter Parker’s evolving story.
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