Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft Review: Thrilling Adventure That Balances Action and Emotion

For decades, the name Lara Croft has echoed through the gaming world, alongside iconic characters like Mario, Sonic, and Master Chief. Her daring adventures, global explorations, and fierce determination have made her a legend, not just in video games but in pop culture as a whole. Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft continues this legacy, offering a fresh new take on the fearless archaeologist while staying true to her roots. With Hayley Atwell stepping into the role of the iconic adventurer, this animated series provides an exhilarating ride filled with emotion, action, and character development.

Whether you’re a seasoned fan of the Tomb Raider franchise or someone new to the series, The Legend of Lara Croft offers something for everyone. With breath taking action sequences, a compelling storyline, and an emotionally charged arc, this series is sure to satisfy the craving for adventure.

A Brief History of Lara Croft

Before we dive into the specifics of The Legend of Lara Croft, it’s important to understand where this iconic character came from. Lara Croft first appeared on the gaming scene in 1996 with Tomb Raider, quickly becoming a household name. Over the years, the franchise has seen numerous iterations, spanning across video games, comic books, and live-action films, with Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander portraying Lara in two separate movie adaptations.

The Tomb Raider games, especially the 2013 reboot known as the “Survivor Trilogy,” gave Lara a new depth. It redefined her origins, turning her from an adventurer to a survivor who endures emotional and physical trials. This shift added layers to her character, making her more than just a video game icon.

With the conclusion of the “Survivor Trilogy” in Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018), fans were left wondering what was next for Lara Croft. Although the video game franchise has been quiet since, The Legend of Lara Croft animated series serves as a bridge between the games, bringing Lara’s story forward.

What is Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft About?

Set immediately after the events of Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the animated series kicks off with Lara grappling with the haunting memories of her past. Still haunted by the loss of her loved ones, especially Conrad Roth, her mentor, she finds herself restless and yearning for adventure once again. This time, her adventure is sparked by a mysterious artifact known as the Peril Stone, which is stolen from her home.

Accompanied by her loyal friend Jonah, Lara embarks on a quest to retrieve the stolen artifact. The journey leads them to China, where they uncover a centuries-old mystery tied to Chinese legend. The Peril Stone holds dangerous supernatural powers, and its theft threatens to unleash catastrophic consequences.

As Lara ventures across the globe, she is forced to confront her past, uncover hidden secrets, and become the legendary adventurer we all know her to be. Throughout the series, we see Lara’s evolution, not just as a treasure hunter but as a person who grapples with personal loss, responsibility, and inner turmoil.

Character Evolution and Emotional Depth

One of the standout features of The Legend of Lara Croft is its focus on character development. While the series doesn’t shy away from the intense action scenes that Tomb Raider fans love, it also delves into the emotional side of Lara’s journey. The show paints a vivid picture of a woman struggling with her past while trying to protect the future.

Lara’s nightmares about the deaths of her loved ones add a layer of psychological complexity to her character. She isn’t just an action hero who shoots arrows and swings across chasms; she’s a deeply flawed and human character who struggles with guilt, loss, and trauma. This emotional journey makes her more relatable, allowing audiences to see a side of Lara Croft that is often overshadowed by her legendary status as an adventurer.

The series also introduces new relationships and revisits old ones, including Lara’s friendship with Jonah and the enigmatic villain, Charles Devereaux. These interactions are pivotal in shaping Lara’s decisions, highlighting her vulnerability and her strength in equal measure.

Animation and Visual Splendor

In terms of animation, The Legend of Lara Croft is stunning. Produced by a Texas-based studio, the animation style is heavily influenced by Japanese anime, giving the series a smooth, dynamic aesthetic. The action sequences are fluid, with each punch, kick, and leap feeling weighty and impactful. From exotic locales like ancient tombs to perilous jungles, the world of Tomb Raider is beautifully brought to life, and the attention to detail in the landscapes enhances the sense of adventure.

The visual artistry of the series goes beyond just action scenes. The animation adds an emotional weight to key moments, such as when Lara contemplates her past or faces tough moral choices. The vivid colours, atmospheric lighting, and fluid character movements make each episode feel like a cinematic experience.

A Compelling New Villain: Charles Devereaux

No adventure story is complete without a great villain, and The Legend of Lara Croft delivers one in the form of Charles Devereaux, voiced by Richard Armitage. Devereaux is a rival archaeologist who, on the surface, seems to share Lara’s goals. However, his motives are far more sinister, and his quest for power and control sets the stage for a gripping battle of wits and survival.

Devereaux’s complexity lies in his charisma. He is not your typical mustache-twirling villain. While his actions are undeniably evil, his reasoning is rooted in a belief that he is doing what is necessary to save humanity. This moral ambiguity makes him a more interesting adversary, one that viewers can understand, even if they don’t agree with his choices.

The tension between Lara and Devereaux is electric, and their interactions throughout the series provide some of the most intense and emotional moments. Armitage’s performance brings a mix of menace and allure to the character, making him one of the most memorable villains in the Tomb Raider franchise.

Hayley Atwell as Lara Croft

When it was announced that Hayley Atwell would voice Lara Croft, some fans were skeptical, especially since Camilla Luddington had been the voice of Lara in the Survivor Trilogy. However, Atwell’s portrayal of Lara is nothing short of stellar. She captures the spirit of the character fierce, determined, and complex while also bringing a fresh take to the role.

Atwell’s vocal performance shines in the quieter moments, where Lara grapples with her internal struggles, as well as in the high-octane action scenes. She makes the character feel alive, giving Lara Croft a voice that is both strong and vulnerable, reflecting the duality of her character.

The Adventure That Never Slows Down

After a slightly slow start in the first episode, the series quickly ramps up the pace. Once Lara embarks on her journey, the stakes grow higher with each episode, and the action never lets up. Whether she’s scaling treacherous cliffs, battling ancient forces, or deciphering cryptic puzzles, Lara’s journey keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

The series excels at blending action with moments of emotional reflection, striking a balance that keeps the narrative engaging. The episodic structure allows for a variety of settings and challenges, from navigating ancient tombs to confronting personal demons. Each episode feels fresh, with new twists and turns that add layers to the overall story.

FAQs

1. Is Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft suitable for newcomers to the franchise?
Absolutely! While long time fans will appreciate the references to previous games, the series stands on its own. It’s designed to be accessible to both newcomers and veterans of the Tomb Raider franchise.

2. How does the animated series compare to the video games?
While the series stays true to the spirit of the Tomb Raider games, it takes advantage of the animated format to deliver even more expansive, globe-trotting adventures. The animation allows for a seamless blend of action and emotional depth that would be hard to achieve in a live-action adaptation.

3. Will there be a second season?
As of now, a second season is already in development, promising even more adventures for Lara Croft.

4. How does the show handle Lara’s character development?
The show delves deep into Lara’s personal struggles, particularly her grief and guilt. This emotional journey is a central part of the series, adding depth to her character beyond just her physical prowess.

5. Where can I watch Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft?
The series is currently streaming on Netflix.

In conclusion, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft is a thrilling, action-packed adventure with heart. It masterfully balances intense action with a strong emotional core, making it a must-watch for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike. With stunning animation, a compelling new villain, and a stellar performance from Hayley Atwell, this series sets the stage for Lara Croft’s next chapter.