Morbius (2022)
104 min · Superhero, Horror, Action
Sony's attempt to spin off a Spider-Man villain became an internet meme for its inexplicable 'Morbin Time' cultural mockery and baffling mid-credits scenes.
The Bottom Reel's take
Ah, *Morbius*. The very title now conjures a specific kind of internet lore, a whispered legend of cinematic ambition meeting an outcome so baffling, so uniquely *itself*, that it ascended beyond mere movie and became a cultural touchstone. Here we have a film that swings for the dark, brooding fence of superhero horror, aiming to introduce a new, tormented anti-hero into the vast cinematic cosmos. What we got instead was something far more unforgettable, a glorious miscalculation that perfectly embodies the spirit of "famously bad, unforgettably fun."
Clocking in at a brisk 104 minutes, *Morbius* arrives as a slick, modern blockbuster, but beneath the glossy superhero-horror veneer, there's a charmingly askew quality to its construction. It embraces its premise with a straight face, daring us to question the science of bat DNA and human bloodlust, and presents a protagonist grappling with truly monstrous urges. Yet, it’s in the execution, the particular flavor of its world-building and character motivations, where *Morbius* truly earns its infamous stripes. It’s a film that plays by its own rules, rules that sometimes feel entirely improvised, leading to moments of genuine bewilderment and, dare we say, delight.
This is precisely why *Morbius* isn't just a movie you watch; it's an experience you *endure* in the best possible way. The gap between its critical reception (a paltry 15%) and its audience score (a generous 71%) speaks volumes. It’s not just that it’s bad; it’s that it’s so earnestly, delightfully *peculiar* in its badness, especially with those now-legendary mid-credits scenes that left an entire internet wondering if they'd hallucinated the whole thing. It’s a film that begs to be seen, not for its narrative brilliance, but for the sheer, unadulterated pleasure of witnessing a production so confidently off-kilter, it inadvertently birthed a thousand memes and a rallying cry for joyful cinematic chaos.
So, is *Morbius* for you? Absolutely. This isn't a film for the discerning cinephile seeking profundity or polished perfection. No, *Morbius* is a cinematic phenomenon best enjoyed with a group of equally bewildered friends, a copious amount of snacks, and an open mind ready to embrace the glorious absurdity. Prepare to be amused, confused, and ultimately, charmed by its unique brand of superhero camp. We promise, you’ll be talking about it for days.
Synopsis
A biochemist with a rare blood disease cures himself using bat DNA but transforms into a living vampire who craves human blood.