Review of Tomb Raider (2018)

1The 2018 reboot of Tomb Raider, directed by Roar Uthaug, is an action-adventure film based on the popular video game series. Starring Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft, the film reimagines the iconic character for a new generation, focusing on her origin story as a young, inexperienced adventurer who embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth about her father’s disappearance. While it departs from the glamorous, superhuman portrayal of Lara in earlier films and games, this adaptation offers a more grounded and humanized version of the character.

Although Tomb Raider features thrilling action sequences and a committed performance from Vikander, it struggles with a formulaic plot and uneven pacing, which prevent it from reaching the heights of its source material.

Plot Overview:

Lara Croft (Alicia Vikander) is a fiercely independent young woman working as a bike courier in London, refusing to claim her inheritance after the mysterious disappearance of her father, Lord Richard Croft (Dominic West). When Lara discovers clues that her father was searching for the tomb of Himiko, an ancient Japanese queen with supposed supernatural powers, she decides to follow his trail to a remote island in the Devil’s Sea.

On the island, Lara encounters a mercenary group led by Mathias Vogel (Walton Goggins), who is also searching for Himiko’s tomb on behalf of a shadowy organization called Trinity. As Lara fights to survive in the treacherous environment and unravel the mystery of her father’s fate, she must embrace her inner strength and resourcefulness to stop Vogel from unleashing a potentially world-ending force.

Performances:

• Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft: Alicia Vikander delivers a compelling and physically demanding performance as Lara Croft. Her portrayal emphasizes Lara’s vulnerability and determination, presenting her as a relatable and multidimensional character. Vikander’s commitment to the role is evident in both her emotional scenes and the intense action sequences, making her a worthy successor to the iconic character.
• Walton Goggins as Mathias Vogel: Walton Goggins brings menace and complexity to the role of Mathias Vogel, the film’s main antagonist. While his motivations remain somewhat underdeveloped, Goggins’ performance is unsettling and effective, adding a layer of unpredictability to the character.
• Dominic West as Lord Richard Croft: Dominic West provides a heartfelt performance as Lara’s father, Richard Croft. His relationship with Lara serves as the emotional core of the film, though his character is largely limited to flashbacks and exposition.
• Daniel Wu as Lu Ren: Daniel Wu plays Lu Ren, a ship captain who assists Lara in her quest. While his character is likable and serves as a valuable ally, he is underutilized and primarily serves as a supporting figure for Lara’s journey.

Themes:

• Identity and Self-Discovery: The film explores Lara’s journey of self-discovery as she transitions from a headstrong, inexperienced young woman into the confident adventurer fans know and love. Her determination to uncover the truth about her father’s disappearance drives her transformation and showcases her resilience.
• Family and Legacy: Lara’s relationship with her father is central to the story. Her quest to honor his memory and continue his work adds emotional depth to her character while highlighting the burdens of family legacy.
• Survival and Resourcefulness: The film emphasizes Lara’s survival instincts and resourcefulness, particularly in her ability to adapt and overcome physical and emotional challenges. This focus on her human limitations and ingenuity makes her journey more relatable and engaging.

Cinematic Style:

• Direction and Pacing: Roar Uthaug’s direction brings a grounded, gritty tone to Tomb Raider, echoing the rebooted video game series. The pacing is uneven, with some slower moments in the first half detracting from the film’s overall momentum. However, the action sequences are well-executed and provide bursts of excitement.
• Action Sequences: The film’s action scenes are among its highlights, particularly a thrilling waterfall escape and a tense sequence involving a crumbling plane. These set pieces capture the adventurous spirit of the games and showcase Vikander’s physicality.
• Cinematography: The cinematography by George Richmond effectively captures the stark beauty and danger of the island setting. The use of natural light and practical effects adds a sense of realism to the film’s visual aesthetic, complementing its grounded tone.
• Sound Design and Music: The score by Junkie XL enhances the film’s action and emotional beats, though it lacks a memorable theme to elevate the iconic character. The sound design immerses viewers in the action, with impactful effects for explosions, crashes, and combat sequences.

Reception and Legacy:

Tomb Raider received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. While Alicia Vikander’s performance and the film’s gritty tone were praised, the predictable plot and lack of character development were seen as weaknesses. The film struggled to fully capture the essence of what made the games so beloved, with some critics noting that it lacked the sense of wonder and discovery central to Lara Croft’s adventures.

Despite its flaws, Tomb Raider was appreciated for attempting to ground the character and move away from the exaggerated portrayal of Lara in earlier adaptations. Fans of the rebooted video game series were particularly drawn to the film’s more realistic depiction of Lara Croft, even if the story didn’t break new ground.

Although the film performed modestly at the box office, discussions of a sequel circulated for several years. However, as of 2023, plans for a follow-up remain uncertain.

Final Thoughts:

Tomb Raider (2018) offers a solid introduction to a more grounded, relatable version of Lara Croft, anchored by Alicia Vikander’s dedicated performance. While the film delivers exciting action and some emotional moments, its formulaic plot and underdeveloped supporting characters hold it back from reaching its full potential. Fans of the Tomb Raider franchise will likely appreciate the effort to bring the character to life in a way that honors her evolution in the games, but the film falls short of being the definitive adaptation of Lara Croft’s iconic adventures. It’s an enjoyable, if uneven, action-adventure film that lays the groundwork for a stronger sequel—if given the chance.