I watched The New Mutants and I liked it. 3/5
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The New Mutants had a rocky road to release, and sadly, the end result reflects the troubled production. Directed by Josh Boone, this film was touted as a fresh take on the X-Men franchise, blending superhero action with horror. It’s an intriguing idea on paper, but the execution feels like a missed opportunity. While the movie has some redeeming qualities—such as a strong cast and a few eerie moments—it ultimately suffers from a lack of focus, underwhelming storytelling, and a surprisingly small-scale approach for a movie about mutants. It’s not terrible, but it’s also far from memorable, earning it a 3/5 in my book.
The Pros: A Good Premise and Some Solid Performances
The film’s greatest strength lies in its concept. The idea of taking a group of young mutants and putting them in a confined, haunted asylum is different from anything we’ve seen in the X-Men universe. It gives the story a contained, almost claustrophobic feel, which is a refreshing departure from the sprawling, world-ending stakes of other entries in the franchise. There’s also something inherently appealing about seeing these characters grapple with their powers and trauma while trying to uncover the mystery of their surroundings.
The cast does a commendable job with the material they’re given. Anya Taylor-Joy shines as Illyana Rasputin (a.k.a. Magik), a snarky and sharp-tongued mutant with teleportation powers and a seriously cool sword. Taylor-Joy brings a lot of charisma to the role, making Illyana the film’s standout character. Maisie Williams also delivers a heartfelt performance as Rahne Sinclair (a.k.a. Wolfsbane), a kind-hearted mutant who struggles with her werewolf-like abilities and her strict religious upbringing. Her chemistry with Blu Hunt, who plays Dani Moonstar, adds a layer of emotional depth to the story.
Charlie Heaton, Henry Zaga, and Hunt round out the ensemble as Cannonball, Sunspot, and Dani, respectively, and while none of them are given particularly groundbreaking material, they manage to make their characters relatable. Dani, in particular, is central to the story, and Hunt’s portrayal of her inner conflict adds some much-needed emotional grounding.
The Cons: Lackluster Storytelling and a Small Scale
For a movie that claims to blend superheroes with horror, The New Mutants doesn’t commit fully to either genre. The horror elements are there—creepy visions, shadowy figures, and a sinister tone—but they never feel fully realized. The scares are predictable, and the tension doesn’t build in a meaningful way. Meanwhile, the superhero aspects are surprisingly muted, with only a few action sequences that fail to live up to the franchise’s best moments.
The movie’s small scale is another drawback. While a contained, character-driven story could have been a strength, The New Mutants feels more like a low-budget TV pilot than a big-screen event. The setting—a single, abandoned asylum—gets repetitive quickly, and the lack of external stakes makes the story feel insular. You keep waiting for the plot to break out into something bigger, but it never does.
Adding to the problem is the film’s pacing. At just over 90 minutes, the movie feels rushed, leaving little time for proper character development or exploration of the larger mutant world. Key plot points are glossed over, and the big reveals lack impact because the groundwork isn’t laid effectively. By the time the final battle rolls around, it feels more obligatory than earned.
The Villain Problem and Generic Visual Effects
One of the film’s weakest elements is its antagonist, Dr. Reyes (Alice Braga). As the doctor running the facility, Reyes is supposed to be an ominous presence, but she comes across as one-dimensional and underwhelming. Her motivations are unclear, and when the true nature of her agenda is revealed, it feels like a rehash of ideas we’ve seen in better X-Men movies.
The visual effects also leave a lot to be desired. While Illyana’s powers and Limbo sequences offer some eye-catching moments, other effects—like the Demon Bear—fall flat. Instead of being terrifying or awe-inspiring, the CGI often looks cheap, undermining the film’s big climactic showdown.
What Could Have Been
It’s hard to talk about The New Mutants without acknowledging the behind-the-scenes drama. From extensive delays to reshoots that were rumored but never happened, the movie feels like a product of indecision. It’s as though the filmmakers couldn’t agree on whether to make a horror film, a superhero movie, or a coming-of-age story, and the result is a movie that doesn’t fully commit to any of them.
There are glimpses of what could have been. The cast is talented, and the premise has potential, but the execution feels half-baked. It’s frustrating because you can see the outline of a better movie buried beneath the surface. With more time, a clearer vision, and a stronger script, The New Mutants could have been a bold and unique entry in the franchise.
Final Thoughts: A Mixed Bag
The New Mutants isn’t a bad movie, but it’s an unremarkable one. It has moments of promise and a cast that deserves better material, but it never quite comes together. Fans of the X-Men universe might find some enjoyment in the characters and the occasional flashes of creativity, but for most viewers, this will feel like a missed opportunity.
In the end, The New Mutants is a decent watch for a quiet night, but it’s unlikely to leave a lasting impression.