Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse: Overview

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a 2023 animated film directed by Joaquim dos Santos, Kemp Powers and Justin K. Thompson.

Since you will read about the merits of this film everywhere, let’s start with the shortcomings. By over-exploiting – as is often the case in pop movies lately – the idea of ​​a multiverse, which should instead be used with caution and moderation, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse at times it is complex, confused, and wobbly under the weight of the theoretical sector that it also tries to impose. The deepening of the characters is overlooked (one wonders how it is possible that Peter Parker, which is any version of Peter Parker from any universe, known for his sense of responsibility, decides to take his one-year-old daughter from him, even if she has superpowers). Even the “conclusion” is unsatisfactory, after such a demanding film, given that it is almost two and a half hours long, leaving so many threads (canvas) hanging is a real blow below the belt. However, the aesthetic aspect must be taken into account, and this is where this sequel from Spider-Man: Into a New Universe excels by presenting itself as an ambitious film that claims to be a work of art, as evidenced by the early action sequence after a long prologue about the life of Gwen Stacy/Spider-Woman, done in a gorgeous watercolor style that almost recalls the independent production set in a museum Guggenheim in New York, where a wrong-dimensional version of the Leonardo-style villain Vulture wonders what truly counts as art.

A film needs to come up with a term “artentaiment” that nevertheless fulfills its promise of maximum entertainment, and who knows if this will become a positive trend (to paraphrase Nanni Moretti). The story takes place one year after the events of the first film, where Gwen/Spider-Woman and Miles/Spider-Man, various “spiders” from different dimensions, find themselves under the leadership of a team consisting of various alternate versions of Spider-Man led by Miguel O’Hara , the controversial 2009 Spider-Man. This may sound crazy, but after all, aren’t all stories about the multiverse? Gwen and Miles have a small romantic relationship and then become embroiled in a mission to save the entire multiverse from the criminal plans of The Spot (“Blur”), which at first seems more comical than frightening (we’ll all think…speck!), but soon it turns out to be dangerous and disturbing. Both Miles and Gwen have problems with their parents, to whom they are unable to reveal their secret identity.

Both fathers work in the police. Unexpectedly, Miles finds himself at the center of clashes between the other Super Spiders due to their differing views on how to face danger and on their responsibilities. As long as you maintain emotion and avoid overthinking, the film runs smoothly. However, if you start to think carefully – even if this is best avoided – there is lightness in the script and elements that are difficult to understand. One thing above all: each universe is supposed to have a unique visual style – a fascinating idea – but Gwen visually adapts to Miles’ universe without explanation, while the rest of the characters retain their original look. However, for the fans, this detail is not of great importance and they compensate for the shortcomings with their confidence. For example, there is a common theory that Gwen might be transgender (a Pride flag is visible in her room), and this fuels the interesting hypothesis that she can “transform” between universes in a more “smooth” way than other characters. The answer to these questions, if they are ever given, is obviously deferred until the next film, which has already been announced. Beyond Spider Versesscheduled for 2024.