Netflix’sTomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Crofthas finally fixed a major problem that weighed down Alicia Vikander’sTomb Raidermovie. StarringHayley Atwell as Lara Croft, Netflix’s take on the popular gaming franchise accommodates itself in the overarchingTomb Raidertimelineby unfolding after the events ofShadow of the Tomb Raider. Although it primarily follows a standalone narrative, it drops a few references to the game trilogy it is set after.
The Netflix series does not achieve anything groundbreaking and seems reminiscent of previousTomb Raiderscreen adaptationsin more ways than one. However, the fact that it sets itself in an existing game trilogy’s timeline allows it to etch its own unique identity among otherTomb Raider adaptations. Its direct connection with the game also helps it overcome one pitfall that held the 2018Tomb Raiderreboot moviefrom resonating with audiences.
The Legend Of Lara Croft Uses Tomb Raider’s Supporting Characters From The Games
The Side Characters Are Treated As Important Players In Lara Croft’s Narrative
Similar to otherTomb Raiderlive-action adaptations, theAlicia Vikander moviealso struggles to accommodate side characters from the games. It primarily focuses on Lara Croft’s journey while dismissing all the rich supporting characters who are supposed to help her along the way. Fortunately, Netflix’sTomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croftdoes not repeat the same mistake. Benefitting from its episodic format and longer runtime, the show gives enough screen time to all the friends and family members Lara teams up with to ultimately complete her quests.
Who Is Sam In Tomb Raider? The Legend Of Lara Croft’s Character Tease Explained
Netflix’s Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft introduces a new character named Sam in its ending moments, making it hard not to wonder who she is.
Even characters like Zip, who acts as tech support for Lara and works from behind the scenes to help Lara, get enough exposure in the Netflix series. The show’s emphasis on their role in Lara’s missions allows viewers to appreciate her dynamic with her allies and understand how their involvement influences her growth as a character. While the 2018Tomb Raidermovie primarily establishes Lara Croft as a singular force to be reckoned with,Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croftportrays her more as a team player, which is more accurate to her portrayal from the original games.
2018’s Tomb Raider Made Big Changes To The Game Despite Getting A Lot Of Things Right
The Movie Flosses Over Some Important Details From The Games
After watching the 2018Tomb Raidermovie, it is hard not to appreciate how it accurately captures many moments from the games, and, to some extent, even improves them. For instance, the scene where Lara Croft dukes it out with a mercenary seems even more intense in the movie than in the game because of Alicia Vikander’s performance and the movie’s gripping fight choreography. Like her counterpart in the 2013 game, Lara from the 2018 movie also gets washed up on the shores of Yamatai before getting knocked unconscious.
Cara Delevingne reportedly auditioned for the role of Lara Croft in the 2018 Tomb Raider film but lost it to Alicia Vikander.
However, despite recreating some epic moments from the 2013 game, the movie introduces questionable changes to the original lore. While the 2013 game establishes Lara’s father was an accomplished archeologist before one incident ruined his reputation, the film suggests he practiced archeology in secret. Apart from that,the movie also changes why Lara visits Yamataiwhile not including some of her allies in its roster.Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, in contrast, seems to be loyal to most elements from the games' lore.
The Show Is Set In The Same Universe As A Game Trilogy
Unlike the 2018 movie, Netflix’sTomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croftbenefits from being set in the same universe as the reboot game trilogy. It unfolds directly after the events ofShadow of the Tomb Raider, allowing it to riff on the established lore in the games. The 2018Tomb Raidermovie, on the other hand, bears the burden of rebooting everything from Lara Croft’s origin story to her relationship with her father. Its lack of continuity with the games prevents it from having the same level of emotional depth and familiarity as Netflix’sTomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft.
Tomb Raider
Tomb Raider features Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft, a young woman who embarks on a perilous journey to her father’s last-known destination, a mysterious island. The film, directed by Roar Uthaug, presents Lara’s transformation from an independent, adventurous spirit into a resilient, skilled adventurer, determined to uncover the secrets of her father’s disappearance while tackling treacherous adversaries and ancient puzzles.
Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft
This animated series follows the iconic tomb-raider Lara Croft as she embarks on thrilling adventures, exploring ancient civilizations and uncovering hidden secrets. Balancing intellect and physical prowess, Lara navigates treacherous environments and encounters formidable adversaries, all while striving to protect the world’s archaeological treasures.
