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Spider-Man is back! Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the latest chapter in the MCU’s Spider-Man story.

Following the emotional events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Peter is facing a very different world. Nobody remembers who he is, including the people who were once closest to him. Now living a much more isolated life, Peter has fully embraced his role as Spider-Man — but being a hero comes with a new set of problems.

A fresh start for Peter Parker

One of the biggest strengths of Brand New Day is that it genuinely feels like a new chapter.

Rather than simply repeating the formula of the previous films, the story explores what happens when Peter has lost the life he once knew. He’s older, more experienced and increasingly isolated, giving Tom Holland the opportunity to show a different side of the character.

The film balances Peter’s personal struggles with the superhero action, and some of the quieter moments are just as important as the big set pieces.

Tom Holland is still fantastic as Spider-Man

Tom Holland once again proves why he has become so closely associated with the character.

His performance gives Peter plenty of humour and energy, but Brand New Day also allows him to explore the more emotional side of Peter Parker.

The character is no longer simply the teenager trying to figure out how to be a superhero. He’s dealing with the consequences of everything that has happened to him and trying to work out what his future should look like.

Plenty of familiar faces

The film has an impressive cast, with Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Sadie Sink and Mark Ruffalo among the stars joining Holland.

There are also plenty of connections to the wider Marvel universe, which should give longtime MCU fans plenty to talk about.

However, the film’s strongest moments are arguably the ones that focus on Peter himself rather than simply setting up what might come next.

The action

Of course, you can’t have a Spider-Man film without some spectacular action.

Brand New Day delivers plenty of web-slinging, superhero battles and large-scale sequences. The BBFC classified the UK release as a 139-minute action/adventure/fantasy film.

The action is particularly effective when it reminds us of what makes Spider-Man different from other superheroes — his speed, agility, humour and ability to use the environment around him.

Does it work as a Spider-Man movie?

For me, the most important thing about Brand New Day is that underneath all the Marvel connections and huge action sequences, there’s still a story about Peter Parker.

The film gives Peter an opportunity to grow up and face the consequences of his previous adventures.

That emotional side is something that several critics have highlighted. Ars Technica, for example, praised the film’s focus on its characters and emotional beats rather than relying entirely on spectacle.

There are some moments where the film feels like it is trying to set up the wider MCU, and that can occasionally distract from Peter’s story. But when the focus stays on Spider-Man himself, the movie is at its strongest.

Final thoughts

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is an exciting new chapter for Tom Holland’s Peter Parker.

It has plenty of action, humour and Marvel surprises, but what makes it stand out is the more personal story at its centre.

After everything Peter has been through, seeing him attempt to build a new life while continuing to protect New York makes for an interesting direction for the character.

If you’re a Spider-Man or Marvel fan, there’s plenty here to enjoy.

⭐ My verdict

A fun, emotional and action-packed Spider-Man adventure that gives Peter Parker a genuine fresh start.

★★★★☆ — 4/5