Under the lens takes a deep look at films by focusing in on one or two particular areas of the picture that helped to define it for better or for worse.
Madame Web is a 2024 superhero film directed by S.J. Clarkson, starring Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, and Celeste O’Connor. The story follows Cassandra Webb, a paramedic who develops psychic abilities and must protect three young women from a mysterious threat.
UNDER THE LENS: SCRIPT AND VISUAL EFFECTS
Script: The film’s most glaring weakness lies in its confused and meandering screenplay. Plot threads are picked up and abandoned with little consequence, while character motivations shift seemingly at random. The dialogue often falls into superhero cliché territory, with exposition-heavy scenes that feel forced and unnatural. The attempts at building mystery around Cassandra’s powers come across as muddled rather than intriguing.
Visual Effects: The psychic visions that should be the film’s visual centerpiece lack imagination and impact. The effects work ranges from serviceable to surprisingly dated, with several sequences appearing unfinished or rushed. The spider-themed villain’s powers, in particular, suffer from weightless CGI that removes any sense of genuine threat. When compared to other recent superhero films, the visual effects feel distinctly budget-conscious.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Dakota Johnson makes valiant attempts to elevate mediocre material
- The retro 2003 setting provides some nostalgic production design
- Some isolated moments of genuine tension in the second act
QUOTABLE QUOTE
Cassandra Webb: “I see the future. The question is… can I change it?”
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
How many superhero origin stories can the market sustain before fatigue sets in? What makes some comic book adaptations soar while others falter?
CONCLUSION
Madame Web represents a misfire in Sony’s attempt to expand their Spider-Man universe. Despite a talented cast and promising premise, the film never finds its footing. The story suffers from identity crisis, unsure whether it’s a supernatural thriller, superhero origin story, or young adult adventure. Johnson does her best with the material, but her character lacks clear direction. The supporting cast is underserved by a script that gives them little to work with beyond running from danger. While some may find entertainment in its camp value, Madame Web ultimately feels like a missed opportunity that neither pushes the superhero genre forward nor provides satisfying popcorn entertainment. The film’s troubled production history shows in the final product, leaving audiences with a confused mess that fails to justify its existence in an already crowded genre.
