Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse took the world by storm and became one of the best -- if not the best -- superhero films to date, so Sony's Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse had some incredible shoes to fill. Luckily, Across the Spider-Verse does more than just meet expectations. The sequel promises that this series will be the best superhero trilogy to grace the big screen and beautifully expands the multiverse.
Picking up a little over a year after the events of Into the Spider-Verse, Across the Spider-Verse sees Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) reunite with Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld). The two traverse the multiverse together and meet new Spider-People along the way, but not all of them are their allies. Miles grapples with a new villain, The Spot (Jason Schwartzman), and the secrets he keeps from his family. Across the Spider-Verse, directed by Kemp Powers, Joaquim Dos Santos, and Justin K. Thompson and written by Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Dave Callaham, is also part one of a larger story, and that is one of its few flaws. This feels like half of the story; therefore, it feels incomplete on its own. However, it is so captivatingly told that audiences will be left eagerly anticipating the next chapter.
Since it is part of a larger narrative, Across the Spider-Verse can take its time with its characters. The opening of the movie acts as a Spider-Gwen short film. In this opening, audiences are immediately struck by the next-level animation, even by Spider-Verse standards. Where Miles' world felt pulled from a comic, Gwen's world feels ripped from a pastel painting, perfectly matching her mood and aesthetic. This opening also sets up what ends up being a satisfying character arc for Gwen. The directors and writers take time to flesh out Gwen's story and establish the new stakes and animation techniques in this 10-15 minute opening. Their patience is Across the Spider-Verse's strength and gives this movie substance beyond the spectacle, though it is a visual masterpiece with action sequences that capture the fun spirit of animation and comics.
Anything is possible in comics, and the writers know this. They push the boundaries, giving the animators -- the true stars of Across the Spider-Verse -- so much to play with. They dare them to go big, and the animators go bigger. Whether it's the distinct style of each universe, the radical combo moves between Spider-People or the unique designs for each hero, the animators deliver again and again.
One of the most compelling character designs is Spider-Punk's (Daniel Kaluuya), as he is an homage to British punk-rock. He would fit right in on a Sex Pistols album cover. He is one of the best additions to the Spider-Verse, with Kaluuya capturing Hobie Brown's punk-rock attitude while also satirizing it. Spider-Punk dares to question the status quo, something he shares with Miles.
Moore, to no surprise, nails his character once again. His Miles is charming, vulnerable, and determined. The young hero is carving out his own story in Across the Spider-Verse, and this comes with the risk of making enemies, but that's why audiences love Miles. Spider-Man dares to be different and dares to take risks, especially if it means saving the ones he loves. Across the Spider-Verse delivers a perfect Spider-Man with Miles Morales, and that's in large part due to Moore perfectly grasping who this character is.
As for Miles' enemies, Miguel O'Hara (Oscar Isaac) proves to be the one to look out for. Where so many Spider-People are comedic characters, he is not. That serious quality makes him stand out in stark contrast to the others, and when his stoicism breaks, he reveals a terrifying side. Between Isaac's intimidating performance, a threatening character design, and a willingness to achieve his goals no matter the cost, Miguel is the perfect Spider-Man to challenge Miles' version of the hero.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is the best superhero film of 2023. Along with being a love letter to comic books, it is a reminder that animation can make the impossible a reality. Across the Spider-Verse does not hold back, building off of Into the Spider-Verse in a way that satisfies fans while promising more to come. This is a must-see film that reminds audiences why we love heroes like Miles Morales.
Sony's Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse comes to theaters on Friday, June 2.