While Street Fighter may have landed a knockout at the box office, another video game adaptation is quietly stealing the spotlight on Netflix. The 2018 Tomb Raider reboot, featuring Alicia Vikander as the iconic Lara Croft, has surged into the streaming platform's Top 10 movies, according to FlixPatrol. It's a welcome resurgence for a film that many consider one of the most underrated video game movies of the past decade.
Directed by Roar Uthaug, this Tomb Raider takes inspiration from the 2013 video game reboot, offering a grounded origin story for Lara. The plot follows her as she embarks on a perilous journey to find her missing father, played by Dominic West, and clashes with the ruthless Mathias Vogel, portrayed by Walton Goggins. Unlike the earlier Angelina Jolie-led films, this version focuses on Lara's transformation from a reckless young woman into the seasoned adventurer fans adore.
Why This Lara Croft Stands Out
The film excels in its action sequences, which are both thrilling and meticulously staged. From a harrowing escape from a sinking ship to a tense showdown with heavily armed mercenaries, Uthaug keeps the adrenaline pumping. But what truly elevates Tomb Raider is Vikander's performance. She brings a raw physicality and emotional depth to Lara, making her feel relatable and human. Her chemistry with Daniel Wu, who plays the ship captain Lu Ren, adds warmth, while her scenes with Goggins crackle with tension.
Vikander's portrayal is a far cry from the invincible hero we often see in action films. She shows vulnerability, especially in a moment where Lara is visibly shaken after taking a life. This nuance, honed in films like Ex Machina, makes her Lara Croft one of the most compelling characters in recent video game adaptations.
A Sequel That Never Came to Be
Despite its success, a sequel to the 2018 Tomb Raider never materialized. Plans were in motion with directors Ben Wheatley and later Misha Green, but the COVID-19 pandemic and MGM's loss of the franchise rights in 2022 derailed the project. Vikander eventually moved on, and the franchise is now being rebooted again, this time as a Prime Video series with Sophie Turner set to wield Lara's pistols.
Interestingly, Netflix has also ventured into Lara's world with the animated series Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, featuring Hayley Atwell as the voice of Lara. The show picks up after the events of Shadow of the Tomb Raider and explores Lara's grief over her mentor's death. Showrunner Tasha Huo explained that the series uses adventure as a form of therapy for Lara, a theme that resonates with the 2018 film's emotional core.
For those who were disappointed by Street Fighter or simply want a more satisfying video game movie, Tomb Raider is the perfect pick. It's a reminder that when done right, these adaptations can be both entertaining and meaningful. As Prime Video prepares its own take, fans can only hope it captures the same magic that made this version so beloved.
