“Spider-Noir” review: originality and stylish visuals for a strong and enjoyable start

There’s something about Spider-Man that has made him one of the most universally beloved superheroes in comics, movies, and television. Marvel and Sony’s collaborations have given fans some of the best on-screen incarnations of the character, and Nicolas Cage’s turn as Spider-Man Noir is one of them. This holds true for the Oscar winner’s role in the Spider-Verse films and now, in the new live-action TV series, Spider-Noir. Except this time, it’s a different variation of Spidey.

That’s part of the reason this story works so well: newcomers don’t need to do any homework, and comic fans get to know Ben Reilly and his secret identity as The Spider. First on Main video on May 27, Spider-Noir’s eight-episode first season isn’t a classic origin story or action-packed superhero adventure. Inside this story lies a witty, entertaining, steadily paced and brooding mystery that pays homage to the noir genre in the best way. It’s so rare for Cage to play the lead role in a TV show – this is only his second time – that it almost feels like you should automatically tune in out of curiosity, and you should.

As the show opens, The Spider is retired. Cage’s Ben is a cynical and wacky private detective who is naturally suspicious, sarcastic and a problem-solver. He meets the scheming Cat Hardy (Li Jun Li) and soon finds himself embroiled in the criminal underworld of 1930s Depression-era New York, a place where gangsters, politicians and the general public are accustomed to making every word, job and dollar count. Ben has people on his side who help him know when to stay in the shadows and when to fight: his assistant Janet (Karen Rodriguez) and his journalist friend Robbie Robertson (Lamorne Morris).

At the top of the mafia food chain is Silvermane (played by Brendan Gleeson), who likes to employ loyal henchmen to carry out his orders. I can’t give away who appears as a villain, but they all play a role in the larger story here. It’s not just Silvermane’s activities that have Ben wondering whether he should be the Spider or stick to the investigative work he’s used to. But while he figures that out, Spider-Noir fulfills his duty to the genre in style with murder, kidnapping, duplicity, and a whole lot of thinking.

Aesthetically, this series does not disappoint. The team behind this decided to offer viewers two ways to watch, either in “True-Hue Full Color” or “Authentic Black & White”, and you might find yourself doing what I did and switching between styles each episode. Streaming in black and white feels like a deluxe version that immerses you in the era while honoring Marvel comics. Diagonal camera shots, lighting falling at just the right angle, and sharp close-ups create striking visuals that mimic what you might see illustrated on a page. There is a nightclub scene where the stage spotlights cast a halo effect on the singer, which could serve to emphasize (or not) the character’s morality.

This doesn’t mean you should ignore the True Hue experience. If you do, you’ll miss the colors, craftsmanship, and details of the day’s fashion, architecture, and sights. From Cat and Robbie’s outfits to the art deco backgrounds, Sandman’s textured skin and The Spider’s costume, everything you see has been taken care of with care. Pay attention and you’ll notice things like a billboard for an actual 1933 film.

Cage seems to relish his role, embodying the era with a vocal cadence similar to that of Humphrey Bogart (who is considered an inspiration for the series) and playing Spidey and Ben with the physicality for which he is known. His hero has his special senses intact, but he’s also somewhat clumsy, vulnerable, and measured, and it’s fun to see Cage’s take on this iteration of Spider-Noir. Li (known for her roles in Babylon and Sinners) gives Cat the nuance needed to show that she is a character who plays chess, not checkers, while Rodriguez is a delight as Janet, who is easily a favorite as Ben’s secretary and, at times, his protector.

Although it looks like a crime drama, it’s not all serious; the audience will appreciate the lively humor and the crazier passages. Spider-Noir will also delight movie fans who recognize how films like The Lady from Shanghai and LA Confidential influenced the series’ storytelling and style. Yet there’s web throwing, acrobatics and even a falling scene that have become part of Spidey’s cinematic signature. It’s a step in the right direction with elements of romance, action, suspense, and an origin story in a Spider-Man multiverse all its own.

Kourtnee covers TV streaming services and home entertainment. She previously worked as an entertainment journalist at Showbiz Cheat Sheet, where she wrote about film, television, music, celebrities and streaming platforms. See full bio