Daredevil Born Again review: Just a few minutes into the inaugural episode of Daredevil: Born Again, a powerful wave of nostalgia strikes with remarkable intensity. This nostalgia is anything but gentle. A meticulously choreographed single-shot fight sequence on a staircase, accompanied by the relentless ticking of the clock, serves as a poignant reminder of why the original Daredevil was regarded as the premier long-form series within the expansive Marvel universe. Born Again faces a significant challenge in meeting high expectations, and it approaches this task with vigor, nearly achieving its goal. While it may not deliver a definitive knockout, it nonetheless stands as a commendable successor to its predecessor. For devoted fans, it offers a sense of catharsis; for casual viewers, it remains one of the standout offerings in the post-Endgame Marvel landscape.

Where does Daredevil: Born Again fit in the MCU?

Daredevil: Born Again opens with an unexpected and shocking character death that serves as a powerful introduction to the series. This pivotal moment establishes the overall tone of the show. The narrative takes place several years after the conclusion of Daredevil season 3 and The Defenders, featuring Wilson Fisk, also known as Kingpin, who has ascended to the position of Mayor of New York. Meanwhile, Matt Murdock, portrayed by Charlie Cox, has abandoned his superhero persona. The inevitable clash between Daredevil and Kingpin, despite their attempts to suppress their true identities, lies at the heart of the intricately and philosophically developed storyline of Born Again.

What works

The unique selling proposition of Daredevil has consistently been its exploration of themes such as absolution, forgiveness, ambition, and religion. It delves into a confrontation of philosophies and ideals rather than simply showcasing costumed heroes in combat. This depth distinguishes it from other less substantial offerings. Born Again successfully maintains this focus. The initial encounter between Fisk and Murdock in a diner evokes the iconic scene from Heat featuring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, both in treatment and in the caliber of performances.

The narrative remains steadfast, adhering to a cohesive storyline that has characterized the Netflix-Marvel series, with the exception of Iron Fist, which I shall not discuss. Within just two episodes, Born Again addresses significant issues such as racial profiling, police brutality, political corruption, and the contentious debate surrounding capital punishment. Remarkably, it does so without appearing to overload the narrative; these themes resonate deeply with contemporary reality. Born Again seeks to reflect that reality.

The background score is effective, presenting a fresh yet nostalgic sound that aligns with the original series while complementing the new tone. The cinematography and colour grading also exhibit a distinct style, diverging from the vibrant palette typical of the MCU, yet differing from the original series. This evolution grants Born Again a unique identity while preserving its connection to its predecessor.

Fisk's ascent to the mayorship as a polarizing figure, adored by some and reviled by others, draws parallels to the current U.S. President, Donald Trump. The show's ability to root itself in such contemporary realities without overemphasizing them is commendable.

The performances remain exceptional. Vincent D'Onofrio excels as Wilson Fisk, managing to convey a sense of change and reformation despite his character's history of brutality. This ability to evoke empathy is the hallmark of his performance, showcasing both vulnerability and intimidation. D'Onofrio is truly suited for this role. Charlie Cox delivers a seamless portrayal of Murdock, reminding us of how much we have missed a well-crafted Marvel character.

What doesn't work

Born Again fails on a few occasions, mainly when it tries to 'emulate' what has been done in the past. In the scenes where it wants to give a tribute to the original series, the shortcomings spring at you. It all feels more sanitised and shallower. But as soon as the makers rid themselves of that compulsion, the show and the audience can both breathe. Yes, there are cracks in the facade, mainly in how some incidents have been plastered over and some loose ends never tied. The writing is no longer as intricate. But Born Again 'fails' only by the lofty standards of the original series. In isolation, it is a wonderful watch that should serve as a teaching tool for the writing rooms of MCU (do they really exist anymore)?

Daredevil: Born Again is streaming on JioHotstar in India with a new episode dropping every Wednesday.

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