Sony’s Spider-Man Universe (SSU) takes a spin into the mystical with “Madame Web,” the fourth installment succeeding the Venom series and “Morbius.” This latest narrative unfolds a modestly entertaining tale, neither causing spectators to recoil in their seats nor to gasp in bewilderment. The film clocks in at a relatively brisk length under two hours, introducing audiences to the origin tale of Cassandra Webb, portrayed by Dakota Johnson.
Taking a detour from the classical comics narrative, “Madame Web” unfolds the life of Cassie Webb not as an aged, life-supported woman but as a vibrant individual in her early 30s on the brink of grasping her newfound psychic abilities. The story launches into its web in the ’70s within the depths of the Peruvian Amazon where a pregnant Constance, played by Kerry Bishé, is in pursuit of a mystic spider possessing remarkable regenerative prowess. Her discovery comes at a price: betrayal by adventurer Ezekiel Sims (Tahar Rahim).
Fast forward 33 years and we encounter Cassie amidst the bustling urbanity of New York City, where she serves as a paramedic alongside Ben Parker (Adam Scott). Social miscues beset Cassie, including an awkward encounter at a baby shower for Ben’s sister-in-law, Mary (Emma Roberts). What follows is a life-altering accident, propelling Cassie into the realm of precognition and psychic mysteries, leaving her to question the integrity of her sanity.
Parallel to Cassie’s personal upheaval, Ezekiel Sims festers in his technologically-fenced solitude, consumed by the prediction of his demise which he attributes to three young women: Julia (Sydney Sweeney), Anya (Isabela Merced), and Mattie (Celeste O’Connor). As Ezekiel leverages his stolen supernatural gifts, he compels his solo tech support worker, Amaria (Zosia Mamet), to seek out the young trio.
Cassie, plagued by visions of déjà vu, presque vu, and jamais vu, understands that these girls are imperiled, and though with reluctance, opts to shield them. Their collective saga consists of evasion from Ezekiel, while Cassie makes a hasty sojourn back to Peru. Here, superheroes appear exempt from the weariness of travel. She connects with Santiago (José María Yazpik), a member of the shrouded spider clan, Las Arañas, to unravel the threads of her lineage and the mysteries of her past.
The film dishes up serviceable action sequences where the female cast stands out competently. It is refreshing to witness Adam Scott portray a younger Uncle Ben, a departure from his role in “Severance.” Rahim delves into his villainy role with relish. The incorporation of Peter Parker’s birth may solicit mixed sentiments, either seen as an adorable nod or an eye-roll inducing legend fabrication, contingent on one’s perspective. “Madame Web” is not a high-octane, three-hour marathon crammed with brooding, growling meta-humans, nor does it leave the audience hanging with a mid or end-credit scene twist.
Such are the remarks fitting for a movie like “Madame Web,” which will likely fade from memory as patrons depart the theater or wait at the bus stop—an applause to public transport. “Madame Web” is showing now, inviting viewers into the SSU’s expanding web of tales where destiny, powers, and legacy intertwine in the bustling city corners and the deep jungles of the Amazon.
