Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft review – "A weak story doesn't hold Hayley Atwell's hero back from stealing our hearts"

GamesRadar+ VerdictNetflix’s new animated series is a warm welcome back for the legendary action hero, whose legend is only just beginningPros+Hayley Atwell shines as the voice of Lara+Lara’s companions provide the show with plenty of heart+Gorgeous animation that is particularly dynamic during the action scenesCons-Generic story that has been done countless times before-Forgettable villain-Overall lacks flair GamesRadar+ Verdict GamesRadar+ Verdict Netflix’s new animated series is a warm welcome back for the legendary action hero, whose legend is only just beginning Netflix’s new animated series is a warm welcome back for the legendary action hero, whose legend is only just beginning Pros+Hayley Atwell shines as the voice of Lara+Lara’s companions provide the show with plenty of heart+Gorgeous animation that is particularly dynamic during the action scenes Hayley Atwell shines as the voice of Lara Lara’s companions provide the show with plenty of heart Gorgeous animation that is particularly dynamic during the action scenes Cons-Generic story that has been done countless times before-Forgettable villain-Overall lacks flair Generic story that has been done countless times before Forgettable villain Overall lacks flair Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy. Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy. Video game icon Lara Croft hasn’t had the best luck when it comes to screen adaptations. The Angelina Jolie movies were critically panned, while the 2018 reboot starring Alicia Vikander failed to ignite at the box office. Although a sequel for that movie was still put into development, it ultimately failed to see the light of day after the studio’s rights to the franchise expired. The question fans of the kick-ass archaeologist were therefore left with was ‘what next?’ Enter Netflix’s new animated series Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, which welcomes back our heroine somewhat successfully. Set in the same continuity as the most recent Tomb Raider game trilogy, the story picks up following the events of2018’s Shadow of the Tomb Raider, aiming to fill in the timeline between that and the original series of games. However, if you are not a gamer, do not fear: you can still enjoy this new Lara Croft adventure even with zero prior knowledge of her legend. A beating heart (Image credit: Netflix) Fast factsRelease date:October 10, 2024Available on:NetflixShowrunner:Tasha HuoEpisodes:8 Fast facts Release date:October 10, 2024Available on:NetflixShowrunner:Tasha HuoEpisodes:8 Release date:October 10, 2024Available on:NetflixShowrunner:Tasha HuoEpisodes:8 For this escapade, we join Lara as a mysterious yet powerful artifact is stolen from her home, Croft Manor, without any initial clear reason as to why. Pursuing the thief with the intention to find out, Lara is drawn into something much more dangerous, leaving it down to her to save the entire world from an almighty threat that could totally destroy it. It’s a pretty basic and generic plot that will be easily forgotten once the final credits have rolled. Our hero has to do battle with a villain who is collecting mysterious relics that will give him ultimate power, which in turn will bring about the end of the world – it’s something we have seen countless times before, told here with little flair. However, despite being the weakest part of The Legend of Lara Croft it also serves its purpose, setting the scene for the highlights. These companions are the beating heart of The Legend of Lara Croft, as our hero learns that she doesn’t have to struggle alone, whether that is dealing with her grief or fighting a power hungry madman. Despite initially pushing away anyone who wants to come close to her, Lara eventually learns to open up, to share, to love. It’s an affecting arc and one that crucially isn’t told with sugary sentimentality, instead always remaining grounded. In fact, these quieter and more intimate moments of reunion such as Lara rediscovering her bond with former pal Camilla are some of the best scenes in the entire series. It turns out, teamwork really does make the dream work, as Lara realizes she is nothing without the support of loved ones. Only human (Image credit: Netflix) Although these friends all shine, there’s no taking the spotlight away from our hero. Showrunner Tasha Huo clearly has great affection for Lara Croft, with this love coming through in how she writes the character. We already know that Huo is a huge fan of the character already,telling SFX magazineshe got this gig after “relentlessly” tweeting about Shadow of the Tomb Raider – but this show is further proof of that. Lara still has some bullish tendencies, she also shows great compassion and empathy, even towards our villain when she’s in grave danger. Underneath her strength are vulnerabilities, which voice actor Hayley Atwell beautifully uncovers. The Mission: Impossible star also expertly brings to life Lara’s cockier side too, injecting in some humor with numerous witty remarks. Atwell’s charming performance will be sure to make her take on Lara an instant fan-favorite but what is truly special about this iteration is just how relatable Croft is here. We might not be super athletic archaeologists facing mythological monsters, but we can connect with Lara’s humanity as at the end of the day that’s exactly what she is – only human. Only human$35at Amazon Only human $35at Amazon $35at Amazon Dynamic animation (Image credit: Netflix) This latest adventure is brought to our screen with impressive animation, which comes courtesy of Powerhouse Animation Studios, who have previously dazzled audiences with Castlevania and Kevin Smith’s Masters of the Universe series. They do so once again drawing stunning landscapes, which are widely varied as Lara treks across the globe. Every desert, every ocean, ever temple is a vivid treat for the eyes, being full of color. And right from the off the action is incredibly dynamic too, with a scene where Lara fights Charles while wearing a ballgown being particularly spectacular as the camera sweeps across the manor in line with the smooth movement of her dress. Although of course this is Lara Croft we are talking about – she’s wearing sneakers under that gown, not heels. Never heels. “Atwell’s charming performance will be sure to make her take on Lara an instant fan-favorite but what is truly special about this iteration is just how relatable Croft is here.” “Atwell’s charming performance will be sure to make her take on Lara an instant fan-favorite but what is truly special about this iteration is just how relatable Croft is here.” You’ll be left wanting more, with the eight 20-or-so minute episodes simply not being enough. Despite a predictable story there’s still a lot to love here, mainly thanks to the characterisation of Lara and her companions. This is a group you will want to reunite with again soon, especially as we get an intriguing cliffhanger setting up a second season. The good news is that Netflix reportedly commissioned two seasons right at the start, meaning we already know that another adventure is already being planned. Strap in, then. This legend is only just beginning. All episodes of Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft are available to stream now on Netflix. For more television coming your way, check out our guide to theupcoming TV showsyou need to watch out for. CATEGORIESNetflixStreaming Services CATEGORIES More about tomb raider the legend of lara croftFrom Fallout to Arcane, the best gaming adaptations of 2024 have been on the small screenNetflix confirms more Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft is on the way, as it unveils first look at season 2 More about tomb raider the legend of lara croft From Fallout to Arcane, the best gaming adaptations of 2024 have been on the small screenNetflix confirms more Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft is on the way, as it unveils first look at season 2 From Fallout to Arcane, the best gaming adaptations of 2024 have been on the small screen From Fallout to Arcane, the best gaming adaptations of 2024 have been on the small screen Netflix confirms more Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft is on the way, as it unveils first look at season 2 Netflix confirms more Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft is on the way, as it unveils first look at season 2 Latest See more latest► Most PopularAnbernic RG28XX review: “a tiny budget handheld that fits in my weird tiny jeans pocket”Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"Razer Kraken V4 review: “an iconic headset, all grown up"Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"Meta Quest 3S review: “Maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created”Glorious Series 2 Pro review: “comfortable and nimble, but not quite punching with the flagships”Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"Bouiles Elite Series review: “The longer I sat in it, the more comfortable I became"Azeron Cyborg II review: “One of the best gaming peripherals I’ve ever used”Atari 7800+ review: “a retro console remake for the ‘80s kids”Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” Most PopularAnbernic RG28XX review: “a tiny budget handheld that fits in my weird tiny jeans pocket”Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"Razer Kraken V4 review: “an iconic headset, all grown up"Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"Meta Quest 3S review: “Maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created”Glorious Series 2 Pro review: “comfortable and nimble, but not quite punching with the flagships”Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"Bouiles Elite Series review: “The longer I sat in it, the more comfortable I became"Azeron Cyborg II review: “One of the best gaming peripherals I’ve ever used”Atari 7800+ review: “a retro console remake for the ‘80s kids”Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” Most PopularAnbernic RG28XX review: “a tiny budget handheld that fits in my weird tiny jeans pocket”Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"Razer Kraken V4 review: “an iconic headset, all grown up"Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"Meta Quest 3S review: “Maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created”Glorious Series 2 Pro review: “comfortable and nimble, but not quite punching with the flagships”Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"Bouiles Elite Series review: “The longer I sat in it, the more comfortable I became"Azeron Cyborg II review: “One of the best gaming peripherals I’ve ever used”Atari 7800+ review: “a retro console remake for the ‘80s kids”Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” Most Popular Anbernic RG28XX review: “a tiny budget handheld that fits in my weird tiny jeans pocket” Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” Razer Kraken V4 review: “an iconic headset, all grown up” Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” Meta Quest 3S review: “Maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created” Glorious Series 2 Pro review: “comfortable and nimble, but not quite punching with the flagships” Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” Bouiles Elite Series review: “The longer I sat in it, the more comfortable I became” Azeron Cyborg II review: “One of the best gaming peripherals I’ve ever used” Atari 7800+ review: “a retro console remake for the ‘80s kids” Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands"5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” 5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” 5 Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”