Spider: Man: Brand New Day Review: Tom Holland, Zendaya’s Latest Run In The Franchise Has Heart And High-Octane Action!
Spider: Man: Brand New Day is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, and it's a film you shouldn't miss. Read our review if you still have second thoughts!
4.5 / 5
I am in my la la la mood today because Spider-Man: Brand New Day has been watched. The new instalment in the Tom Holland franchise is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, and it also stars Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, and John Bernthal in pivotal roles. I watched the film in 3D, and after The Odyssey, Spider-Man’s new adventure in New York City is my highlight of this month. The film has its heart in the right place, with no compromises on the enthralling action sequences to keep you on the edge of your seat. Read our review here.
Plot
I won’t get into the spoilers of the film, but know that Tom Holland’s Spider-Man goes through several changes in this film, so much so that he also meets a demonic side of himself. The story focuses on Peter Parker’s constant juggling of two identities, and whether he unlocks his full potential to become the Spider-Man he was always destined to be.
The Hulk and Punisher, along with some other MCU character cameos, also make it into the story. The villain, which has been kept under wraps till now, is a strong contender in the MCU universe, and the adrenaline-fueled showdown with the friendly neighbourhood Spidey is not to be missed.
MJ and Ned don’t remember Peter Parker’s existence; however, the chemistry of the three friends is intact. It’s more nuanced and deep in this one.
Action
Spider-Man: Brand New Day has some amazing action sequences. While it’s quite difficult to pick a favourite, Spidey’s fighting sequence with The Hand, an ancient ninja assassin order, has to be the coolest of them all. Even Peter Parker would agree to that. There is enough action in Spider-Man: Brand New Day where our MCU superhero fights the bad guys for the greater cause, and some of them become more fun because he also fights a demon inside him!
The Action Choreographer and Stunt Coordinator Peng Zhang has made sure to give us some memorable moments in the film where we unanimously went “wow.”
Emotions Are The Strength
Along with the villains, Spider-Man: Brand New Day gives us a more internal battle that Peter Parker AKA Spidey, undergoes. The film is introspective, and that is its biggest strength. We get a deeper understanding of the superhero whose never-ending dilemma is to find his true self from two identities that he has been carrying all along. Peter’s love for MJ (Zendaya) and his friend Ned add a wholesome touch to this journey, and while his friends have no memory of him, the trio’s chemistry is still felt deeply. Only if we got a little more of that, especially Peter’s bromance with Ned! The emotional payoff in the climax has the potential to make you shed a few tears!
Performances
Tom Holland has outdone himself as our favourite friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man. He brings emotions, conviction and an authenticity to the character. When you stop seeing the actor, but only the characters he plays, you know something magical has been created on screen. He is that good, and a few moments stand out because of his dialogue delivery.
Zendaya as MJ adds a sense of calm and mystery to this instalment. The character’s struggle to find the missing familiarity with Peter Parker evidently comes across in her performance. Their chemistry gives a sense of pain and longing, while also telling us that the love between them still exists; it’s just temporarily missing!
All the other actors are extremely brilliant in their performances. John Bernthal as The Punisher shares an organic and fun on-screen chemistry with Tom Holland’s Spidey, occasionally giving us comic relief. Sadie Sink has absolutely killed it with her character.
Verdict
Destin Daniel Cretton’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day is a flawless addition to the franchise. It’s engaging, immersive, and emotionally very rich. The film is a reminder of the strengths that make Spider-Man the most loved superhero, and the performances add to the brilliance of this story.
First Published: July 30, 2026 2:04 PM
