How Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Became The Best Superhero Film Since The Dark Knight

One of the biggest complaints about some superhero movies is that their characters have little to no flaws, and any flaws that they do have can often work in favour of the story. Given that Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy is perhaps the antithesis of this with many naturally deep characters, there was a lot of pressure on Into the Spider-Verse to deliver equally deep characters, which they certainly delivered on.

Miles' relationship with his uncle, which incited his more criminal nature was an important part of the film early on and his reveal as The Prowler made the consequences of his behaviour clear. Miles' refusal to turn into his uncle was an important moment of development as he overcame one of his bigger flaws. Meanwhile, Gwen obviously isolated herself from friends in the wake of her best friend Peter Parker's death. As she learned to trust this new team of Spider-People, it felt like she too had learned how to beat her flaw.

The biggest example of this, however, is Peter B. Parker, who provides a unique interpretation of when reality catches up to an ageing hero, similar to The Incredibles. His fractured relationship with Mary Jane is clear to see and painful to watch, especially when he meets her alternate version in Miles' universe. Because of this, watching him learn from the very boy he teaches to overcome his fears and repair his relationship is one of the most touching moments of the film.