Going into Spider-Man: Brand New Day, I was expecting another exciting MCU Spider-Man adventure. What I wasn’t expecting was to leave the theater having cried twice. Seriously, this movie got to me.

I’ve watched every live-action Spider-Man movie, from Tobey Maguire to Andrew Garfield and now Tom Holland, and for some reason I never realized just how little time Holland’s version has spent being Spider-Man in New York. Between European vacations, multiverse chaos, and world-ending threats, he’d almost become an international superhero. It was entertaining, sure, a real breath of fresh air for the character, but I didn’t realize how much I’ve missed the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. I think of him swinging between skyscrapers, stopping purse snatchers, and interacting with everyday people.

I’m not saying that Holland’s other movies didn’t have glimpses of that, but Brand New Day fixes that in the best possible way.

New York isn’t just the backdrop in this movie; it’s part of the cast. The film almost feels like it’s making up for lost time, embracing the street-level storytelling that makes Spider-Man resonate with many fans.

Visually, the movie is fantastic. The cinematography is crisp, the colors pop without feeling overdone, and every action sequence is easy to follow. There’s never that frustrating feeling of trying to figure out what’s happening in the middle of a fight. Instead, every punch, swing, and chase is deliberate and exciting.

What surprised me the most, though, was the story.

It feels like a genuine transition into an adult chapter of Peter Parker’s life. The emotional weight caught me completely off guard. I expected thrills and laughs, and they are present, but I wasn’t prepared for just how much heart this film has. It explores some surprisingly deep themes, and more than once it hit me harder than I expected.

On a much lighter note… they gave us some beefcake. Tom Holland clearly spent some extra time in the gym, and he isn’t shy about showing it off. While it never feels distracting, I’d be lying if I said the occasional bit of eye candy wasn’t appreciated.

The performances are excellent across the board. Holland continues to prove he’s a great Peter Parker, bringing both vulnerability and determination to the role. Bernthal is every bit as compelling as you’d hope, and the chemistry between the cast elevates nearly every scene.

But honestly? The women absolutely stole the show for me. Zendaya delivers another wonderful performance, and Sadie Sink is simply chef’s kiss. And let’s not forget Marisa Tomei, who’s fantastic; once again she reminds us why she’s been such an important part of this version of Spider-Man’s world. Every one of them brings so much emotion and authenticity to their roles. I loved it.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day shows off what makes Spider-Man special. Yes, there are spectacular action scenes and big superhero moments, but at its core, it’s about Peter Parker trying to navigate adulthood while carrying the weight of being Spider-Man. By bringing him back to the streets of New York and telling a more grounded, emotionally rich story, the film feels like what the title is suggesting: the beginning of an exciting new era for Holland’s Spider-Man.

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