Remember Peter Parker? Well, you shouldn’t after the end of the previous film, where Spider-Man makes everyone forget who Peter Parker is — even his loved ones. This time, Spider-Man is all alone as he faces new threats in Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
Spider-Man returns to the big screen after almost five years in a back-to-basics film that makes even the smallest moments feel significant. Four years after the mind-wiping spell in Spider-Man: No Way Home, Spider-Man has committed himself fully to crime-fighting, as he has no life outside the costume. His situation is worse than ever before, and he must deal with multiple threats while trying to rebuild his life beyond Spider-Man.
From writers Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers, who brought us the previous three Spider-Man films, and director Destin Daniel Cretton, the man behind Shang-Chi and Wonder Man, this film follows Spider-Man, played by Tom Holland, as he protects New York from a mysterious threat whose mind-bending abilities prove unlike anything he has faced before.
The opening montage shows how Spider-Man has spent the past four years swiftly dealing with crime across the city. However, this has come at a cost to Peter’s personal life. Tom Holland gives one of his best performances as Spider-Man, balancing the lively personality of Spider-Man with the reserved nature of Peter Parker.
Bringing the character back to his street-level roots, we see Peter as the Friendly Neighbourhood Spider-Man, interacting with the people of New York. One scene that brought a smile to my face was when he went out of his way to save a child while stopping a rogue tank.
Jon Bernthal’s Punisher has some particularly fun scenes with Spider-Man as they team up to control a wild Hulk (Mark Ruffalo). The Punisher also serves as a contrast to Peter, showing what can happen when someone isolates themselves from everyone around them.
Peter’s friends MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon) also return, reminding Peter that the lonely life he is living is not what his friends would have wanted for him. One of the film’s highlights is a moving interaction between MJ and Peter, reminding him of everything he has lost and becoming the emotional heart of the story. Sadie Sink also shines in her mystery role, with her character playing a major part in the MCU’s next chapter.
The action is dynamic and full of energy, with the use of practical effects making every punch feel impactful. A fight sequence with The Hand is one of the film’s highlights, with exemplary choreography. At the same time, the quieter moments are given room to breathe, allowing the emotional scenes to have just as much impact.
The darker, less vibrant visuals reflect Peter’s current state, showing how the once-youthful hero has endured so much grief. New York is brought to life through bustling streets and towering skylines, creating a believable world where Spider-Man naturally belongs. This also contrasts with Spider-Man’s bright new suit, suggesting that Spider-Man has become a persona Peter puts on to give the city hope, even as his own life continues to fall apart.
Michael Giacchino’s score, which has accompanied the past three Spider-Man films, has matured alongside the character. It has settled into a more sombre tone, making it feel more personal to Spider-Man than ever.
Overall, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is one of the best live-action Spider-Man films, bringing the character back to his roots and reminding us that being a hero is just as much about helping one person as it is about saving the world.
Published in Dawn, Young World, August 8th, 2026