The first season of Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft tunnels onto Netflix on October 10.
By Elazar Abrahams
The Tomb Raider video game franchise has a storied history, from its roots on the original PlayStation to the 2013 reboot that redefined Lara Croft for a new generation on modern consoles. Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, Netflix’s animated adventure, manages to bridge these two eras and delivering a thrilling, faithful adaptation that is sure to please fans casual and diehard alike.
I’ve played all three of the recent “Survivor Trilogy” games (Tomb Raider, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider) but never touched the out-of-style originals. Functioning as a sequel to those modern prequels, it sets the stage for Lara Croft’s evolution into the fearless adventurer gamers remember from the late 90s and early aughts era. The eight-episode season manages to blend the action-driven elements of the newer games with the mystique of the older ones, leaning into the exploration and puzzles Tomb Raider is known for. The show also reintroduces Zip, a character from the classic era, alongside Jonah, a staple from the reboot trilogy, again blending old and new.
For a role depicted in live action by the likes of Angelina Jolie and Alicia Vikander, Haley Atwell shines as Lara Croft. While the voice acting across the board is serviceable rather than standout, Atwell’s portrayal is nuanced enough to make Lara feel human amidst the chaos, whether she’s grappling with a tough decision or surviving a near-death encounter. The series stays true to the spirit of the games, with ancient artifacts, temples, and supernatural elements making up the backbone of the plot. One early episode even feels a little too much like a “side quest” — after completing a rescue mission, Lara receives a grappling hook as a reward, sure to come in handy later. Perhaps that bit was too much like a video game! However, viewers in the know will find that, among plenty of other nods and easter eggs, to be a nostalgic treat.
The animation is anime-inspired but doesn’t go above and beyond to stand out visually. That being said, it’s a style that fits the world of Tomb Raider — dark, atmospheric, and capable of making the action sequences pop. Sequences that are, might I add, surprisingly violent. There are some fight scenes that feel truly intense, and the show is not afraid to spray a little cartoon blood here and there. Like the best of Tomb Raider, it’s a gritty affair, where you can feel each hit our heroine takes.
As for the pacing, Netflix nails it. The episodes, all under 30 minutes, are digestible and tight. The show spans the globe, much like the games, from jungles to snow-covered mountains, providing variety in both location and the obstacles Lara faces. It’s a nice mix of serialized storytelling and episodic adventure, with each location bringing new puzzles, enemies, and mysteries for Lara to uncover.
The Legend of Lara Croft surpassed my expectations. It manages to capture the essence of the games while standing as its own compelling story. The series hits the right balance of action, adventure, and mystery, all while delivering a version of Lara Croft that feels both familiar and fresh.
I give Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft an A-.
TV and City 