[Sample - Movie Review] Tomb Raider (2018)

1. Opening (The Hook)

Imagine this: you’re thrown into the middle of a raging storm, your ship is being torn apart, and the only thing standing between you and certain death is sheer willpower. That’s exactly how Tomb Raider (2018) feels—gritty, intense, and absolutely relentless.

Directed by Roar Uthaug, this movie gives us a fresh, no-nonsense take on Lara Croft, transforming her from a legendary action hero into a real, vulnerable, and badass survivor. Unlike the over-the-top, gun-slinging Lara from the early 2000s, this version is raw, grounded, and fighting for survival.

But does this reboot do justice to one of gaming’s most iconic characters? Or does it crumble under the weight of its own legacy? Let’s jump in and find out!

🎶 [Background Music: A suspenseful blend of tribal drums and rising orchestral beats.] 🎶

2. Synopsis (The Story in Brief)

Lara Croft (Alicia Vikander) isn’t a treasure hunter—yet. She’s a broke, stubborn, independent woman struggling to find her own way in life. She refuses to believe that her father, Lord Richard Croft (Dominic West), is dead, even though he disappeared years ago.

But when she stumbles upon a clue about his last expedition, Lara does what any sane person wouldn’t: she packs her bag, gets on a rusty boat, and sails straight into a death trap.

That "death trap" is a mysterious island near Japan, where an ancient tomb of Queen Himiko holds a terrifying secret. But before she can even think about exploring, she’s captured by Mathias Vogel (Walton Goggins)—a ruthless mercenary working for Trinity, a shadowy organization looking to weaponize ancient power.

Now, with time running out, Lara must escape, fight for her life, and uncover the truth before Trinity unleashes something far worse than death.

🎶 [Background Music: A dramatic blend of adventure motifs with eerie undertones.] 🎶

3. Character Analysis (Getting to Know the Cast)

Lara Croft (Alicia Vikander) – This isn’t the dual-pistol-wielding, acrobatic Lara we’ve seen before. This is a young, inexperienced, but incredibly tough version of her. She’s reckless, makes mistakes, but refuses to back down—a true survivor.

Mathias Vogel (Walton Goggins) – He’s creepy, unhinged, and utterly ruthless. He’s not some world-dominating supervillain, just a guy stuck on this cursed island for seven years, slowly losing his mind while carrying out Trinity’s dirty work.

Richard Croft (Dominic West) – He’s more than just Lara’s missing father; his research into the legend of Himiko kick-starts the entire adventure. His past actions haunt Lara, forcing her to confront her destiny.

Lu Ren (Daniel Wu) – He’s not your typical sidekick. He’s a reluctant ally who gets dragged into Lara’s quest but quickly proves he can handle himself. Plus, he’s got a boat, and that’s pretty useful.

Trinity (The Shadowy Organization) – A sinister and mysterious global power that’s always lurking in the background, looking for ways to weaponize the supernatural. You don’t see much of them here, but trust me—they’re a big deal.

🎶 [Background Music: A blend of haunting vocals and escalating orchestral tension.] 🎶

4. Plot and Theme (Unraveling the Narrative and Its Message)

At its heart, Tomb Raider (2018) is about self-discovery, resilience, and survival. This isn’t just about raiding tombs and finding treasure—this is about Lara learning who she really is.

The film dives deep into themes of legacy and identity. Lara doesn’t just want to find her father—she wants to prove she’s more than just his daughter. She wants to forge her own path, no matter the cost.

Then there’s the classic "curiosity vs. consequence" theme. People in this movie have a really bad habit of opening tombs that should probably stay shut. Just like in the 2013 video game reboot, it’s a brutal reminder that history is full of secrets that are better left buried.

🎶 [Background Music: An intense crescendo of tribal drums and heroic brass.] 🎶

5. Visuals, Cinematography, Audio, and Music (The Sensory Experience)

Visually, this film nails the survival-action aesthetic. It’s gritty, raw, and beautifully shot, with breathtaking landscapes, treacherous jungles, and ancient ruins that feel real and dangerous.

The action sequences? Brutal and intense. The shipwreck scene, the waterfall escape, and the tomb traps are pulse-pounding, making you feel every struggle Lara goes through.

The special effects and stunt work are solid, keeping everything believable and immersive rather than over-the-top.

And let’s talk about the music. Junkie XL delivers a powerful, atmospheric score, mixing tribal beats, eerie echoes, and adrenaline-pumping orchestration that amps up the tension at just the right moments.

🎶 [Background Music: A pulse-pounding mix of orchestral tension and tribal percussion.] 🎶

6. Critique and Conclusion (The Final Word)

So, does Tomb Raider (2018) live up to the hype? Absolutely.

It’s a gritty, action-packed reboot that treats Lara Croft with the respect she deserves. Alicia Vikander owns this role, bringing a fresh, realistic, and emotionally driven take on the character.

That said, the film plays it a little too safe at times. It lacks the high-stakes, grand treasure-hunting spectacle that made the older Tomb Raider movies feel larger than life. And while Mathias Vogel is a solid villain, he doesn’t quite reach the level of iconic bad guy status.

Still, for an origin story? It’s a solid win.

Rating: 8/10

🎶 [Background Music: The triumphant adventure theme fading into a soft, mysterious echo.] 🎶

Final Thoughts

What do you think of Tomb Raider (2018)? Did it do justice to the legendary franchise, or were you hoping for something more? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

And hey—if you liked this breakdown, hit that like button, share this with your fellow adventurers, and subscribe for more deep-dive film analysis!

🎶 [Background Music: The sound of distant waves crashing and the rustling of ancient maps.] 🎶

"I'm not that kind of Croft."