“Because the real truth is too difficult for most to bear.” –Lara Croft
A beloved character and heroine, Lara Croft has been a staple in video games, comics and movies since her first appearance over 25 years ago. Now, she is about to embark on a thrilling new adventure with the new animated series Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, a journey that promises to be as exciting as her previous exploits.
Developed by Tasha Huo, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft picks up after the events of the Tomb Raider video game Survivor trilogy (which includes Tomb Raider, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider). The animated series follows Lara (Hayley Atwell) taking on a treacherous new task without the friends she’s abandoned. These friends, who have been crucial in her previous adventures, are not just side characters but integral to Lara’s character development and the plot. However, when Lara returns home and witnesses a mysterious artifact stolen from Croft Manor, Lara must turn to her friends for assistance as she tracks down the dangerous thief. It’s a familiar yet fresh journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The series fits well with its video game counterparts. It blends crazy action and storylines with ease, reminiscent of the wildness Lara encounters in the games. There’s a moment in the series where Lara goes toe to toe with an angry alligator (see video below). If that’s not quintessentially Survivor Lara, then I don’t know what it is. As Lara is known for her often perilous expeditions, the series leans into this fully—I mean, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?
Perhaps even better than the action and adventure are the stories and lessons the characters learn along the way. Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft leans into countless emotional scenes that hinge on character development and growth. Whether dealing with grief and loss, learning to be vulnerable, or forgiving, the series does a fantastic job of interweaving these important emotional beats with the adventure you’d expect from a Tomb Raider series. It’s a journey that will touch your heart and keep you invested in the characters.
If the animation style of Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft seems familiar, it’s because it is by Powerhouse Animation Studios, which have worked on other Netflix animated shows like Blood of Zeus, Castlevania, and Masters of the Universe. With Powerhouse’s latest, the animation house solidifies its signature style for Netflix. With the superb action in the series, the animation by Powerhouse works well throughout the show. Whether focused on a chase sequence or high-flying hand-to-hand combat, the animation in the series excels. Of course, it is not limited to the action scenes; it expands to the character designs and the various locales that Lara and her comrades explore. It is also found in the details of the multiple artifacts that Lara encounters throughout the series.
The voice acting in the series is well done, and Hayley Atwell’s performance as the titular character is excellent. No stranger to voice acting, having voiced Peggy Carter/Captain Carter in both seasons of What If…?, Atwell’s voice exceptionally shines in any of Lara’s more vulnerable and emotional moments, particularly some of the moments she shares with Jonah. Voiced by Earl Baylon (who also voiced Jonah in the Tomb Raider video game Survivor trilogy), Jonah is a great partner to Lara. Always wanting to ensure Lara is safe and trying to let her know it is okay to be vulnerable, Baylon’s Jonah is a standout in the series. Allen Maldonado is hilarious as Zip and a definite scene-stealer in some episodes. Together, Atwell, Baylon and Maldonado make an incredible trio that adds emotional depth and humour to their respective characters with their pitch-perfect performances.
Kudos to everyone involved in Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft. The series is fun, exciting, and an all-around good time. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Lara’s many adventures over the years, a casual fan of the character or anything animated, or a newbie to Lara’s adventures, the series has a little something for everyone. Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft is an exciting addition to the iconic and vast world of Lara Croft.
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