Just a quick warning before we begin – this review contains spoilers throughout.
After watching Spider-Man: Brand New Day, I can honestly say this is the strongest entry in Tom Holland’s Spider-Man saga so far. The film delivers everything I want from a Spider-Man story the emotion, the humour, the action, and most importantly, it remembers that Peter Parker is just as important as the hero behind the mask.
What surprised me most was how much heart the film had. It feels more mature, more character-driven, and more connected to the comics than the previous films. The script is brilliant, and I really appreciated how much the filmmakers tried to honour what makes Spider-Man such a beloved character while still creating something new.
The film follows Peter Parker as he dedicates his life to protecting New York City as Spider-Man full-time. However, as the responsibility of being a hero becomes heavier, Peter begins to experience a surprising physical evolution that threatens his existence. At the same time, a mysterious new pattern of crimes leads him towards one of the most powerful threats he has ever faced.
What stood out to me most was how personal the story felt. Yes, this is still a superhero film filled with huge action sequences and incredible moments, but underneath all of that is a story about Peter Parker trying to understand himself and the responsibility that comes with being Spider-Man. You really feel the pressure he carries, and that makes the emotional moments hit much harder.
Tom Holland feels like he has fully grown into the role. This version of Peter Parker feels much more mature compared to when we first met him in the MCU. He has been through so much, and you can see that in the way he approaches situations. There is still the humour and charm that makes Tom’s Spider-Man so enjoyable, but there is also a sadness underneath his performance that makes this version of Peter feel more human.
I actually agree with The Telegraph when they said this is the best Spider-Man film since the Tobey Maguire era. For me, this film captures something special about those earlier movies the idea that behind the mask is just a normal person trying to do the right thing, even when it comes at a personal cost.
Sadie Sink was superb as Jean Grey. She brings so much emotion and mystery to the role, making Jean feel incredibly powerful while also vulnerable. There are moments where she barely has to say anything, yet you can completely understand what her character is feeling.
As someone who loved her as Max in Stranger Things, I couldn’t help but see flashes of that same emotional depth here. Sadie has a brilliant ability to show what a character is going through without needing a huge speech or dramatic moment. Her chemistry with Tom Holland was another strong part of the film. The two play off each other so naturally that every scene they share feels believable, and their relationship never feels forced.
Instead, it gives the story another emotional connection. Sadie brings something different to the Spider-Man universe, and if this is only the beginning of her journey as Jean Grey, I genuinely can’t wait to see where they take her next.
One of my favourite surprises in the film was the dynamic between Jon Bernthal’s Punisher and Tom Holland’s Spider-Man. They are complete opposites, which is exactly why their scenes work so well. Peter still represents hope, humour and the belief that everyone can be saved, while Frank Castle has a much darker and more brutal view of justice.
Their chemistry was fantastic because you could really feel those different personalities clashing. Spider-Man wants to believe there is always another way, while Punisher sees the world in a much harsher way. Watching those two approaches collide created some genuinely memorable moments, and it was a pairing I didn’t know I needed until I saw it.
Ned is still one of my favourite characters in this franchise. Every time the film starts becoming too serious, he somehow manages to bring the humour back with a perfectly timed joke. What I love about Ned is that he doesn’t just feel like comic relief he feels like Peter’s best friend. He brings that same energy from the previous films and remains one of the characters that makes this version of Spider-Man feel more grounded.
The darker side of the story was another area where the film really connected with me. The threat didn’t just feel like another enemy for Spider-Man to defeat it felt personal. Peter is forced to question his own abilities, his choices, and the kind of hero he wants to become.
What I enjoyed most was that the conflict wasn’t just about the physical fight between hero and villain. It challenged Peter emotionally as well, forcing him to confront parts of himself that he would normally try to hide. Those are the moments that make Spider-Man stories so interesting when the biggest battles are not just happening around Peter, but within him too.
If I had one criticism, it would probably be that some of the special effects looked a little patchy in places. For a film of this size, there were a few moments where the CGI didn’t look quite as polished as I expected. It didn’t ruin the experience because the story and performances were strong enough to carry those moments, but it was noticeable.
Something else I enjoyed was how many scenes throughout the film reminded me of other films and TV shows. When Jean Grey and Spider-Man are mind-melding on the bunk bed, it strangely reminded me of Harry and Hermione dancing together in the tent in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. I don’t even know exactly why, but it gave me that same feeling of two characters sharing a quiet moment while everything around them feels uncertain.
I also liked that the mind connection between Peter and Jean wasn’t just used as a cool visual moment. It gave us a chance to see both characters in a much more vulnerable way, almost like they were letting each other see the parts of themselves they usually keep hidden.
There were also moments where Jean controlling people’s minds reminded me of Vecna in Stranger Things, especially with the psychological side of her powers. It also reminded me of when Voldemort enters Harry’s mind in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Whether those similarities were intentional or not, they definitely stood out and made those scenes even more interesting.
Overall, I absolutely loved this film. It is emotional, heartfelt, funny, and packed with the kind of comic book moments that longtime Spider-Man fans will appreciate. Tom Holland gives what I think is his best performance as Peter Parker, Sadie Sink is a fantastic addition, and the story feels like it understands what makes Spider-Man such a special character.
That is what makes Spider-Man such a timeless character, and it is exactly why this film connected with me so much. Behind all the powers, villains and spectacle, it is still the story of Peter Parker trying to do the right thing. For me, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is easily Tom Holland’s best chapter as the character.