Is Fox’s ‘Elektra’ Movie Actually That Bad? 

Before ‘Deadpool and Wolverine’ hit theatres, excitement was high about Jennifer Garner reprising her role as the Marvel assassin Elektra after nearly 20 years. Garner seamlessly slipped back into her role alongside Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine and Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool, both now part of the MCU. 

Reflecting on Marvel’s pre-MCU days, one notable film from the early 2000s era is ‘Elektra’, a spin-off from the 2003 ‘Daredevil’ film starring Ben Affleck. This film took a deeper dive into Elektra’s character following her resurrection, showcasing her as the fierce warrior she is.

However, ‘Elektra’ often faces heavy criticism. Critics like Roger Ebert described it as a disjointed “collision of leftover Marvel elements,” while Scott Mendelson from Forbes claimed it harmed Garner’s career. Despite these views, the film isn’t as terrible as it’s often portrayed. 

Image Courtesy: Digital Trends

The action scenes are engaging, and there’s a compelling narrative about redemption and protecting others rather than seeking vengeance. Although the plot feels rushed and lacks depth, partly due to a tight production schedule, director Rob Bowman’s limited timeframe contributed to its shortcomings. He noted that the constraints of the project meant it couldn’t match the quality of ‘Spider-Man’ or even ‘Daredevil’.

Despite its flaws, Jennifer Garner stands out as the film’s strongest aspect. Her portrayal of Elektra, transitioning from a ruthless assassin to a protective hero, is compelling. Garner’s performance adds a relatable layer to Elektra’s character, even if the film itself struggles with pacing and character development. 

Image Courtesy:  Collider

Although ‘Elektra’ didn’t achieve commercial success, Garner’s return to the MCU offers a satisfying conclusion to her character’s arc. As the MCU evolves, it’s exciting to see her character integrated with other Marvel heroes, reinforcing that Garner’s portrayal was never the issue.

–Farheen Ali