Madame Web is a 2024 American superhero film directed by S.J. Clarkson, featuring the Marvel Comics character of the same name. It is part of Sony's Spider-Man Universe and stars Dakota Johnson as Cassandra Webb, alongside Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, Celeste O'Connor, Tahar Rahim, Mike Epps, Emma Roberts, and Adam Scott. The film explores the origin story of Cassandra Webb, a Manhattan paramedic who discovers her clairvoyant abilities while trying to save three young women from a villain named Ezekiel Sims.
The plot revolves around Cassandra Webb, who gains the power to see into the future after a near-death experience. As she grapples with her newfound abilities, she forms connections with three young women destined to become Spider-Women. The narrative follows their struggle against Ezekiel Sims, who aims to eliminate them before they can fulfill their potential and threaten him. The film attempts to blend elements of superhero action with themes of friendship and self-discovery.
Upon its release on February 14, 2024, Madame Web received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics and audiences alike. Many reviews highlighted issues with the film's plot coherence and character development. Critics described it as cluttered and clichéd, with some calling it a "box-office bomb" that failed to resonate with viewers. The film grossed approximately $100.5 million worldwide against an estimated production budget of $80 million, which was considered disappointing for a superhero film.
Despite its shortcomings, some viewers found moments of enjoyment in the cast's performances and chemistry. Dakota Johnson's portrayal of Cassandra Webb received mixed feedback, with some praising her efforts while others criticized the dialogue and delivery. The interactions among the lead characters were noted as one of the film's more redeeming aspects.
Overall, Madame Web has been characterized as an attempt to expand Sony's Spider-Man Universe but ultimately fell short in delivering a compelling story or engaging characters. Its release has sparked discussions about the future direction of Sony's superhero projects, especially in light of its performance compared to other entries in the genre.