Kraven the Hunter finally saw its release in Indian theaters but despite the delays and built-up anticipation this film has turned out to be another disappointment like Madam Web. The film explores the story of Spiderman Universe villain Kraven the Hunter. The titular role of the film is played by Aaron Taylor Johnson, who is known for his looks physique and charm but none of it transfers to his on-screen character Kraven the Hunter.
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The film begins with Kraven's latest task at a Russian prison. The man of honour and code walks into the jail to kill his target but on his way out does not hesitate to take a few guards down. Kraven isn't a hero, he isn't good but the film works on proving that he is with his every decision until it serves right for the plot. After a quick introduction, much of the film takes place in the past as Sergei and Dimitri's toxic childhood is explored -- more like explained. We also get a montage of how he trains in the jungle as a child while honing his powers, super strength and other abilities. He also takes down many animal poachers but it doesn't really add any dept to his role in the film. It could serve as his connection to the animal world, but it isn't as effective due to a lack of authentic interaction.
Unfortunately, the origin of the Hunter feels very narrative with scenes just cut together for a bullet introduction. After a flashback, the film reveals how the two brothers barely keep in touch with each other while the father still attempts to keep both his sons under his wing. Kraven aka Sergei refuses to join the drug trafficking business while Dimitri is too weak to make much of a difference. On the other hand, the villains are also introduced as crime lords setting out to make their mark but are often taken down by Kraven.
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While also being about introducing the character, the film is also supposed to be about his mental state, emotional belonging to the good or the bad side. But the only thing the screenplay allows is his brother calling him out in the end and Aaron Taylor Johnson accepting his father's words. The film also attempts to develop Kraven's relationship with his father and his brother but despite really good actors in the frame the direction fails to balance the emotional and action elements of the film.
None of the supporting characters or the villains have been explored in the film with any intention or reasoning making the film very one-dimensional. Calypso Ezili, one of the leading characters of the film often comes and goes with one-liner dialogues that just narrate the situation, meanwhile, other interactions between the gangsters, killers or even the brothers aren't as impactful as expected. One of the villains Christopher Abbott as the Foreigner has an ability which shows him some what hypnotizing his targets while counting down, but instead of making his character alluring, the repeated count down is almost annoying.
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Aaron Taylor Johnson does his best with the action-heavy role, Fred Hechinger gives a better and ranged perpetual as the opening act for his supervillain Chameleon. Ariana DeBose's character is hardly developed in the film, nor is her relationship and connection with Kraven deepened. The villains are forgettable and don't add a sense of urgency to the experience of the film.
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Overall, the film fails to do justice to these villains and its heroes. After a look back at Madame Web, both seem to have similar directional and editing issues with the former beginning a better watch than Kraven.
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Cover artwork by Patrick Gawande/Mashable India