Bill Skarsgård Shines as an Emo Angel of Death in This Thriller

Bill Skarsgård steps into the role of an inked-up, goth angel of death in Rupert Sanders’ new rendition of “The Crow.” This adaptation leans more on James O’Barr’s supernatural graphic novel series than revisiting Alex Proyas’ 1994 cult favorite, which remains notorious due to the tragic on-set death of Brandon Lee.

Written by Zach Baylin and William Schneider, this version of “The Crow” smartly avoids using real guns. Nevertheless, it’s packed with stylized shootouts and has Skarsgård portraying Eric Draven, an undead character avenging the brutal death of his girlfriend, played by FKA Twigs. The film features moody set designs and Skarsgård’s ominous figure but falls short on plot, leaving O’Barr’s rich mythology underexplored.

The movie begins with a glimpse into Eric’s traumatic childhood in Michigan, marked by the gruesome death of a horse and his struggle with a deadbeat mother. Fast forward to his adulthood, Eric lands in a rehab facility due to unidentified demons. There, he meets Shelly, portrayed by Twigs, who’s escaping from elite criminals led by Vincent Roeg, played by the suave Danny Huston.

When Vincent and his minions arrive at the facility, Eric and Shelly escape—too effortlessly perhaps—and hide out in a friend’s apartment. Amidst a drug-fueled romance, they read tortured poet Rimbaud, evoking a sense of gothic literary references. Meanwhile, Shelly’s friend Zadie meets a grisly end at Vincent’s hands, revealing his power to compel suicide by whispering dark secrets.

Shelly and Eric’s eventual deaths lead Eric to a steampunk limbo where he encounters a spirit guide. Resurrected with a mission to avenge Shelly and her friends, their doomed romance deepens. Skarsgård and Twigs share a palpable on-screen chemistry, though their characters remain largely underdeveloped. One standout moment is Twigs’ musical performance, hinting at her real-life talent.

The film, set in a dank, soggy Detroit and shot by Steve Annis, combines mystical elements with a somewhat antiquated emo aesthetic. A gory opera house sequence, where Eric’s bullet wounds ooze blood, is impressively staged but doesn’t quite bring the story into a modern context.

Eric’s invincibility introduces an element that diminishes suspense, despite Skarsgård’s intense portrayal of his pain. His ability to regenerate raises the question: could he regenerate his head if decapitated? It’s an intriguing thought, though the movie doesn’t explore it.

The film culminates in a philosophizing showdown between Eric and Vincent. Huston’s portrayal of evil adds depth, but the vague mythology surrounding the nefarious society targeting Eric and Shelly falls flat. The audience is left wondering about the true motives of these evildoers.

Skarsgård’s compelling performance teases his role as Count Orlok in Robert Eggers’ forthcoming “Nosferatu.” In “The Crow,” his shirtless, tattooed appearance is striking, but his character sometimes lacks depth, making it hard to invest in the journey. The film isn’t a total waste but lingers onscreen like its undead protagonist.

“The Crow” opens in theaters from Lionsgate on Friday, August 23.

Source: Particle News