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Film review: It’s a ‘Brand New Day’ for Spider-Man with stunning performances, cinematography
Spider-Man (Tom Holland) swings across New York City. “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” hit theaters Friday. (Courtesy of IMDb)
“Spider-Man: Brand New Day”
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton
Sony Pictures Releasing
July 31
July 31, 2026 4:34 p.m.
Warning: Spoilers ahead.
“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” feels exactly as the title says – brand new.
Marvel Studios’ newest addition to the Spider-Man franchise swung into theaters Friday. Inspired by the comic book of the same name, director Destin Daniel Cretton, known for directing “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” brings the story to the silver screen. “Brand New Day” follows its titular superhero, Spider-Man (Tom Holland), also known as Peter Parker, four years after the ending of “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” in which Doctor Strange erased the world’s memory of Peter Parker to save the multiverse. The film opens with Peter reflecting on the past four years of his life and the villains he has defeated, including comic book favorites Scorpion and Tombstone. However, “Brand New Day” shifts its focus to a different challenge for the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, as Peter faces not only a new foe but also an internal conflict.
The film’s greatest strength lies in its ability to tell a fresh Spider-Man story without losing the emotional foundation established by its predecessors. “Brand New Day” features a more confident Peter Parker, both in his personal life and as Spider-Man, with Holland’s talented performance reflecting the character’s growth. His portrayal captures a version of Peter whose emotional maturity feels earned through the franchise’s prior films. This allows the character’s development to parallel the journey audiences have watched unfold over the last trilogy. Although “Brand New Day” marks the beginning of a new Spider-Man trilogy, it never loses sight of the emotional investment viewers have built in the franchise’s predecessors, allowing the film to feel both refreshingly new and comfortably familiar.
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The film’s supporting cast further reinforces its fresh direction through a standout performance from Jon Bernthal, who reprises his role as vigilante antihero Frank Castle, also known as the Punisher. Bernthal serves as an effective opposite to Spider-Man’s unwavering optimism, creating a compelling divide between the two characters. While Frank initially dismisses Peter as an inexperienced kid, their relationship gradually evolves into one of mutual respect, and Frank becomes an unlikely ally over the film’s course, offering emotional guidance throughout the film. Other memorable performances include Jacob Batalon as Ned Leeds, Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/the Hulk and Zendaya as MJ. “Brand New Day” gives MJ a fully realized role, portraying her not only as Peter’s love interest but also as an intelligent MIT student and a catalyst for the film’s central conflict and Peter’s emotional growth.
Aside from familiar characters, “Brand New Day” introduces Sadie Sink to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as mutant telepath Jean Grey, and her thematically complex performance establishes her character as one of the most compelling antagonists in the MCU. Upon her introduction, Jean appears to be the film’s primary villain, using her telepathic abilities to manipulate minds and repeatedly clashing with Spider-Man, leading both Peter and the audience to believe she is the central threat. However, as the film progresses both Peter and the audience learn that Jean’s motives stem not from villainy but from a desperate determination to find her sister, Sara, revealing that the true threat lies elsewhere. This transforms the film from a traditional superhero story to an exploration of grief, loss and misunderstanding involving both Jean and Spider-Man. By the film’s end, Jean views Peter not as her opponent but as a newfound friend who helps her realize she is not alone after her sister’s death. Their shared experience of loss becomes one of the film’s most emotionally resonant moments, reinforcing that both characters are not as alone as they once believed.
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The film’s narrative weight is amplified by its stunning cinematography, which transforms “Brand New Day” into one of the franchise’s most visually rewarding installments. The web-swinging is a particular highlight, with purposeful camera movements and dynamic perspectives that allow the audience to feel as if they are soaring through the skies of New York City alongside Spider-Man. As the film progresses, these scenes begin to feel more organic, mirroring Spider-Man’s transition from relying on lab-grown web fluid to producing his own naturally. The film uses its visuals to emphasize Peter’s comfort in his role as Spider-Man, making each shot feel deliberate and exciting. Even outside of its action sequences, “Brand New Day” remains aesthetically pleasing, with candid shots, vibrant landscapes and colorful lighting that bring New York City to life. Ultimately, the film’s cinematography does more than showcase Spider-Man’s abilities – it elevates every emotion and solidifies “Brand New Day” as a notable addition to the franchise.
In a time when superhero films often struggle to establish their directions, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” separates itself by confidently swinging into its own identity.
