Reincarnations done right: Marvel’s “Daredevil” pushes the boundaries of how to tell a classic story
A freak accident involving strange chemicals? Check. A young child growing up without parents due to mysterious deaths and disappearances? Check. A brutal city boiling with criminal power and chaos? Check again. Marvel’s “Daredevil”, a 13-episode Netflix original series, has once more reimagined the stereotypical superhero story to feel fresh and innovative.
Based on the famed comic book hero, “Daredevil” is the story of lawyer by day, vigilante by night Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox), a blind citizen of Hell’s Kitchen (a community in New York City), who is gifted with extraordinarily enhanced senses that not only make up for his lack of sight but also allow him to uniquely experience the world around him. Joining the ensemble of characters are Murdock’s best friend and business partner, Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson), and client turned receptionist Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll), who fight for justice in the office during the day before Murdock takes to the street at night as Daredevil. Murdock’s battle is as mental as it is physical, and the story follows his struggles to understand religion and his inner moral standards while facing crime lord turned public figure Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio).
Although using a seemingly common set-up, “Daredevil” proves to be one of the most interesting and unique crime/action shows of today. Taking place in the aftermath of Marvel’s “Avengers”, “Daredevil” manages to build its own story on the consequences of the last superhero plot while still being completely original and unique. The writers managed to do this excellently: new audiences will understand the story completely but long-time fans of the cinematic universe will understand the easter egg references. The story is also written so that throughout the thirteen episodes, it feels more like a well-timed movie rather than episodes with an overarching plot. The time the writers took to grow the characters and fully explore the storylines pays off in the end and makes the series feel natural and steadily progressive.
Leading the rather unknown cast is British actor Charlie Cox starring as Matt Murdock. His acting as the blind lawyer/vigilante of New York is oddly relatable and believable as he questions his own judgement of people and justice. Sinister crime lord Wilson Fisk is played by Vincent D’Onofrio, who conveys the troubled character with the perfect blend of sympathy and complete viciousness.
The actors are not the only stars of the drama, however, as the cinematography itself steals the show. Choreographed fight scenes are stunning and leave the viewers in complete shock. Unlike anything seen in common media, two to three minute continuous, uncut shots make the show an example of directorial innovation.
In short, Marvel’s “Daredevil” on Netflix is pure genius. Taking a classic set-up and making it seem completely original is a challenge, yet somehow “Daredevil” masters this with ease. The time and effort invested into the show are apparent and the show shines in every aspect.
1 Comment