Daredevil: Born Again review: Consistent vigilantism, heartbreak and prodigious filmmaking!

Picking up beautifully from where it left off in Netflix’s series, Daredevil: Born Again is a fitting comeback that fans of this beloved vigilante and lawyer from Hell’s Kitchen could have asked for.

The episode opens with us getting a glimpse of the trio - chatting, joking, and basking in the chaos of their city. They soon end up in their den at Josie’s where they're seen enjoying each other's company. And just as we're smiling ear to ear while watching them in their element, tragedy strikes as it always does in the MCU, which sets the stage for season four and reminds us what makes this Daredevil so iconic. As part of the superhero world that definitely needs some seasoning, Daredevil: Born Again is like a meal that's both fulfilling and soul-satisfying.

After facing his arch nemesis, Wilson Fisk aka Kingpin (Vincent D'Onofrio) and stopping him from hurting the people he cares about, Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) aka Daredevil has moved on in his career as a lawyer. But his quiet life fighting for justice through his bustling law firm is hindered when Fisk returns to pursue his own political endeavors in New York.

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Right off the bat, we are served a scrumptious appetizer that feels like a culmination of the best parts of the Daredevil series. Taking its time to develop something new while seemingly continuing from where it left us, we get a masterpiece that is packed with moments that keep you glued to the screen. There’s only so much that can happen in a world where masked vigilantes fight crime and injustice, especially when Marvel is striving to meet its own past standards. Without losing the essence of grit and violence at its core, Marvel has managed to create a well-balanced courtroom drama within the superhero realm, avoiding the pitfalls of being pretentious.

Matt, who is recovering from a tragedy that led him to leave his alter ego behind and focus on his daytime job as a lawyer, embodies a perfect blend of vulnerability and ferocity. Although fans campaigned for seven years for his return, this is not the first time we’ve seen Cox portray this beloved character. He has laid the groundwork for his comeback with appearances in Spider-Man: No Way Home, She-Hulk, and Echo. Stuck between the need to fight injustice with the law while the shadows of the devil's horns lurk over him, we witness a man struggling to keep his sanity intact as he tries not to cross his own morals. Charlie Cox has become synonymous with the character to the point that it's impossible to imagine anyone else playing Daredevil and Matt Murdock. Even after all these years, he manages to bring the vulnerability and anger-filled doubt that this character demands. We can never get tired of watching him play a blind man who pretends to be oblivious to his surroundings so he doesn't give away his secret identity.

While Cox expertly portrays the self-hating hero of justice, Vincent embodies the evil mob boss, terrorizing us with his fancy suits and piercing gaze. Just like Charlie, it's nearly impossible to distinguish Vincent from Fisk. There is a sense of eerie calmness that is frustrating and it pisses you off because he always ends up getting what he wants. His 'sit down with Matt in the diner' shows how he is a force of nature who manages to successfully manipulate not just this fictional city of New York, but also the audience to forget his previous crimes. 

As the two continue to be the major forces of the show, we are also introduced to other surprising elements that contribute to Matt and Fisk's ongoing game of chess. Vanessa (Ayelet Zurer) is no longer just the art curator who married a mob boss; she has managed to find her footing in his criminal world. With a dedicated system of her own, she has become Fisk's way of securing his position as the mayor. Although we see little to no substantial interactions between the two, there is a palpable tension and longing in Fisk's eyes whenever he is around her. Since his love for her has always been a significant aspect of his character, it will be intriguing to see how she influences the story in future episodes. Another character who made a strong impression with her brief appearance is BB Urich (Genneya Walton). As a Gen Z journalist and Ben Urich's niece, she is there to ask questions and keep Fisk on his toes. It will be interesting to see how her presence affects the dynamics of the narrative.

The gritty tone, dark themes, and realistic sequences contributed to the success of the Netflix version. We could truly feel each punch and the anguish of our hero who remains vulnerable despite his enhanced abilities. As opposed to what most people feared, this version has retained a lot of it, although we can still see Disney's influence on the editing. While the Netflix version showed him moving more organically, Disney's version makes his swinging around buildings feel somewhat animated. In addition to the beloved characters, another element that makes this show exceptional is its editing which adds depth to every moment, enhancing the storyline and captivating the audience throughout. BB's vox pop kinda documentary in between is another interesting addition that elevates our experience. John Paesano’s classic theme with The Newton Brothers as the composers along with engaging and thoughtful action-choreography by Philip Silvera packs the whole season together.

It's safe to say that we don’t remember the last time Marvel created something this compelling that truly evoked our emotions. One thing is certain: the two episodes of Daredevil accomplished what none of the post-Endgame series could - making us fall in love with Marvel again.

Daredevil: Born Again is now streaming on JioHostar