“Unmasking Marvel’s Secret Invasion: An In-Depth Review”

Marvel‘s Secret Invasion Review: Underwhelming Spy Thriller

By Colin Leggett | Published 6 hours ago

Muted Marketing and Disappointing Storytelling

Disney Plus subscribers may have missed the memo that Marvel‘s latest series, Secret Invasion, is set to premiere on June 21st. Unlike previous Marvel shows, Disney’s marketing efforts for this show have been notably subdued. After watching the first two episodes, it becomes clear that there may be a reason behind this low-key approach. Secret Invasion, which touts itself as a spy thriller, fails to capture the high stakes and palpable tension typically associated with the genre. The result is a passable yet underwhelming adaptation of one of Marvel‘s most famous comic book storylines.

The comic book version of Secret Invasion benefitted from an expansive timeline, which allowed for a gradual buildup of the story across multiple titles. However, in the TV adaptation, this longer storyline feels condensed and rushed. The opening minutes are bogged down with clunky exposition that lacks flair and urgency. The subsequent chase through the streets of Moscow, which should be thrilling, ends up falling flat. It’s an unsurprising start that leaves much to be desired.

Mixed Performances from Familiar Faces

Longtime Marvel fans may initially be thrilled to see Samuel L. Jackson reprising his role as Nick Fury, alongside Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill. However, their enthusiasm may dwindle as the characters become embroiled in the plot. While Jackson has always played Fury with commanding presence, this time around, he seems to lack the usual spark and intensity. There is an underlying trauma haunting Fury, which remains a secret shared only with Talos, portrayed by the brilliant Ben Mendelsohn. Yet, despite the promises of more revelations, Jackson fails to consistently convey the weight of this trauma in his scenes.

The central conflict of Secret Invasion revolves around Fury, Hill, and Talos combating a growing faction of Skrulls, shapeshifting aliens plotting to take over Earth. Joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe are Kingsley Ben-Adir and Emilia Clarke, playing Skrulls Gravik and G’iah, respectively. Ben-Adir delivers a standout performance as the villainous Gravik, showcasing clear motivations for his mission. However, Gravik’s portrayal falls into the trap of being overly two-dimensional, lacking nuance. Clarke’s character, G’iah, offers a bit more complexity but is yet to be fully explored in the initial episodes.

While some characters are given limited screen time, Olivia Colman’s Sonya and Don Cheadle’s James Rhodes shine in their respective roles. Colman brings a delightful energy to her scenes, deftly navigating between friendly conversations and intense interrogations. Cheadle’s Rhodey remains consistent with his weary and reluctant approach to confronting challenging situations. These performances inject moments of life into the otherwise lackluster show.

A Lack of Substance and Style

Despite the capable performances and the beloved source material, Secret Invasion struggles to find its footing in its first two hours. Though there are glimpses of sharp writing and intriguing conversations, for the most part, the show feels like Marvel dabbling in the spy genre rather than creating a substantial narrative. Fans hoping for a Marvel equivalent of Andor, a show that oozed style and substance, will likely be disappointed. Secret Invasion falls closer to Falcon and the Winter Soldier in terms of execution, with its action primarily taking place in nondescript locations masquerading as international cities.

Director Ali Selim, known for his work on television spy thrillers like The Looming Tower and Condor, fails to generate much tension in the scenes. Easter eggs hinting at bigger revelations in future episodes are present, but the show’s introduction is largely underwhelming. Apart from a seemingly smaller budget, there is little to distinguish Secret Invasion from the rest of Marvel‘s output. Viewers may find themselves yearning for the show to evolve into something more substantial, much like the Skrulls at the core of its story.

A Fairly Good, Yet Flat Entry into the MCU

Ultimately, Secret Invasion is a competent but flat addition to the expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe. While there is potential for surprises and unexpected developments in later episodes, the show’s current state leaves much to be desired. It lacks the distinctive style that sets it apart from other Marvel shows and fails to fully capitalize on its spy thriller premise. Viewers may find themselves hoping for a dramatic transformation as the series progresses. Secret Invasion premieres on June 21st on Disney Plus.