watchnrant
8
|
Dec 26, 2024
_Moon Knight_ is like nothing Marvel’s done before—and I’m all in for the ride! The series throws out the traditional superhero playbook and gives us something gritty, weird, and seriously fun. If you thought _WandaVision_ was trippy, get ready, because _Moon Knight_ cranks up the surrealism even more. With a mashup of Egyptian mythology, action, and psychological horror, this show keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Oscar Isaac? Absolutely killing it. Watching him flip between the nervous, quirky Steven Grant and the hard-edged Marc Spector is a masterclass. One moment he’s fumbling through life with that British accent (which, yeah, feels a bit bonkers but endearing), and the next, he’s this tough mercenary wielding ancient powers. Isaac’s performance is the glue that holds everything together, especially when the pacing gets rocky. And let’s not forget that Isaac is technically juggling three characters. Yes, the third alter, Jake Lockley, makes a chilling appearance—teasing a darker layer to this already complex character.
The plot itself is simple on the surface—Steven and Marc’s tangled lives collide as they investigate Egyptian gods and a looming apocalyptic threat—but that’s where the simplicity ends. _Moon Knight_ thrives on chaos. Its unpolished, unpredictable narrative makes every episode feel like an adventure through Steven and Marc’s fractured minds. There are some wild tonal shifts, and sure, not all of them land perfectly, but that’s part of the charm. It’s gritty, it’s suspenseful, and there’s a raw energy here that you don’t see in every Marvel series.
Ethan Hawke as Arthur Harrow is a whole vibe. He brings this sinister, almost cult-leader energy that keeps you guessing. And May Calamawy? She holds her own as Layla, stepping into the spotlight as the Scarlet Scarab by the end of the season. Her action scenes and the dynamic between her and Marc/Steven elevate the show even further.
The pacing? Yeah, it can be a slow burn, especially early on. The show takes its time setting up Steven’s confusion before really diving into the action, and that might turn some people off. But trust me—stick with it. Once you’re through those first few episodes, _Moon Knight_ finds its groove. And while the show doesn’t fully escape the Orientalist undertones of the original comics, the direction from Mohamed Diab keeps the focus on character and chaos, giving us a visually stunning experience.
Speaking of visuals, the _Moon Knight_ suit is incredible, and the action sequences—especially those where Marc or Steven summons the suit—are sleek and satisfying. However, the creatures and gods sometimes feel underused, lurking more in the shadows than in full focus. But that eerie, horror-inspired edge works in the show’s favor, keeping things unpredictable.
At its core, _Moon Knight_ is a character study wrapped in mythological madness. It’s not trying to tie itself too tightly to the MCU, and that’s what makes it so refreshing. There’s a freedom here that lets the show explore mental health, trauma, and ancient power in ways Marvel hasn’t touched on before. Plus, the internal tug-of-war between Marc and Steven adds depth that keeps you emotionally invested.
Ultimately, _Moon Knight_ isn’t perfect, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s a chaotic, daring, and entertaining leap into new territory for the MCU. With Isaac’s powerhouse performance, strong supporting cast, and a story that’s just wild enough to work, this is one Marvel series you don’t want to miss.
