Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is, by many accounts, the best movie of 2023 so far. Critical acclaim, universal popularity, and even more engaging drama than the first entry made this second animated Spider-Man film a smashing success, and we can all finally stream it from home after five months of waiting.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Synopsis
The second installment of the Spider-Verse series follows the somewhat close-ended Into the Spider-Verse, in which Miles Morales takes up the reigns as Spider-Man following the death of the famous superhero. While he and the Spider-Men of other multiverses closed the tear in the dimensional fabric and returned to their rightful universes, this film introduces a collective of dimension-hopping Spider-Men who continue to correct problems in the canon of each Spider-Man story. When Miles’ Spider-Woman friend Gwen returns to his version of New York, the duo realizes they have set in motion dangerous events (and a powerful new villain) that can collapse the multiverse entirely.
Non-Believers Need Not Fear Across the Spider-Verse
If the plot descriptions for the Spider-Verse movies sound ridiculous and impenetrable, that could not be farther from the truth. The two Spider-Verse movies are rare examples of films where every genre aspect works to its fullest extent; the films balance sci-fi, action, animation, comedy, and drama in both, none drawing more attention than the other. Plenty of viewers will feel transported by the comic book-style artwork that carries the film, but the story of each retains distinct elements from the visual splendor.
Remarkably, Across the Spider-Verse improves on each aspect of the original, and sci-fi/action fans who loved the multi-dimensional insanity of Spider-Man: No Way Home and Everything Everywhere All at Once should get an even better kick out of this. With the focus moving back and forth between Miles’ continuing growth and discovery as a new superhero and Gwen’s losing grip on solid ground, the story weaves multiple threads with sharp cohesion. Those who see entirely new names on the credits need not worry about disconnections between the two Spider-Verse films; the set of producers returns from the first entry, including story creator Phil Lord (The Lego Movie, 21 Jump Street).
‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’
Oscar Possibilities for Spider-Verse
Outside of Best Animated Feature, we usually do not see recognition for animated movies in the top categories at the Academy Awards. Granted, Across the Spider-Verse has already received wins and nominations for a few awards, but we should not discount this exceptional film for other potentially groundbreaking accolades. The movie stands to win Best Animated Feature like its predecessor, but Best Visual Effects and Best Sound could also see Spider-Verse among the nominees if not the winner. This is less likely, but not impossible as the Sony franchise makes further waves in the film community.
Whether you seek superhero action, taut comedy/drama, creative animation perfection, or a constantly recognizable voice cast, Across the Spider-Verse should not be overlooked. Even the 10% of people who cannot stomach it as one of the best films of the year will find something to appreciate in the grand scale of the Spider-Verse. With only a few weeks left of new releases in 2023, this is, so far, the top recommendation for all.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is streaming now on Netflix.
