Tomb Raider (2018)
The 2018 Tomb Raider, directed by Roar Uthaug and starring Alicia Vikander, is a reboot of the film series based on the popular video game franchise. This version draws inspiration from the 2013 Tomb Raider game, which rebooted the game franchise with a more grounded and grittier version of Lara Croft. The film follows a similar path, focusing on a younger, less experienced Lara as she embarks on her first adventure to uncover the truth about her father’s disappearance.
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Plot Overview:
The story follows Lara Croft (Alicia Vikander), a young woman working as a bike courier in London and refusing to accept her inheritance after the mysterious disappearance of her father, Lord Richard Croft (Dominic West). When she stumbles upon clues about her father’s last expedition, she embarks on a journey to a dangerous island off the coast of Japan. There, she encounters a shadowy organization called Trinity, led by the ruthless Mathias Vogel (Walton Goggins), who is also seeking the tomb of Himiko, a mythical queen said to possess deadly powers.
Alicia Vikander’s Performance:
Alicia Vikander brings a fresh and grounded portrayal of Lara Croft, departing from the hyper-stylized action hero played by Angelina Jolie in the previous films. Vikander’s Lara is more vulnerable and relatable, which works in favor of the film. She’s physically capable, determined, and tough, but also inexperienced and emotionally conflicted, making her feel more human. Vikander did extensive physical training for the role, and it shows in her athleticism during the action scenes, which feel intense and believable.
Action and Pacing:
The film’s action sequences are one of its strong points. The set pieces are exciting and well-choreographed, especially the escape from a crashed plane and the scenes in the tomb. The action is grounded in realism, with Lara often struggling and getting injured, which adds to the tension and stakes of the film. However, the pacing of the movie can feel uneven at times. The first act spends a lot of time establishing Lara’s life in London, which drags on longer than necessary before the real adventure begins. Once the action shifts to the island, the film picks up, but it still occasionally suffers from lulls in momentum.
Villain and Supporting Characters:
Walton Goggins as the antagonist Mathias Vogel is serviceable but doesn’t bring much depth to the role. Vogel is a standard villain with little motivation beyond fulfilling his mission for Trinity, which feels underdeveloped. His presence on the island adds a sense of danger, but the character lacks the complexity or backstory that would make him memorable. Dominic West as Lara’s father adds some emotional weight to the story, but much of his arc feels predictable.
Tone and Style:
The tone of Tomb Raider is more serious and less fantastical compared to earlier adaptations, which gives the film a more grounded feel. The gritty approach is a refreshing change for the character and is in line with the rebooted video game. However, the film sometimes takes itself too seriously, losing some of the fun and adventurous spirit that made the original games so enjoyable. The tomb exploration, which should be the most exciting part of the film, is somewhat underwhelming, lacking the sense of mystery and wonder that a film about ancient secrets and hidden tombs should evoke.
Themes and Character Development:
The movie attempts to explore themes of legacy, grief, and self-discovery through Lara’s journey, but these themes aren’t fully developed. While Lara’s relationship with her father provides some emotional depth, her character arc feels rushed toward the end, and the final revelations don’t pack the emotional punch they should. The film also sets up future installments rather than fully developing its own story, leaving certain elements feeling incomplete.
Conclusion:
2018’s Tomb Raider is an enjoyable action-adventure film that offers a more grounded and relatable version of Lara Croft. Alicia Vikander’s strong performance and the well-executed action sequences are the film’s biggest assets. However, the film suffers from a formulaic plot, a lackluster villain, and uneven pacing. While it successfully reboots the character for a modern audience, it doesn’t fully capitalize on the potential of its source material, especially in terms of adventure and exploration. Fans of the video game franchise and action films will likely find it entertaining, but it doesn’t quite rise to the level of becoming a standout in the genre.
