Marvel Studios’ “Moon Knight” features supernatural fighting, adventures in Egypt and mental conflict between men and Egyptian gods. The violent competition between the protagonist’s split personalities unravels his origin story while the god of the moon involves him in a plot to save humanity from the judgment of another goddess.
The protagonist, Steven Grant, lives a leisurely introverted life as an Egyptian history buff who works in a museum. Grant shares his body with his other personality, Marc Spector, who, throughout the series, attempts to gain control of their shared body for an unknown agenda. Khonshu, the god of the moon and vengeance, appoints Marc Spector to be his avatar who will assist him on mercenary missions to save the population from the goddess Ammit and her followers.
The use of Steven Grant and Marc Spector’s split personalities brings a new dynamic to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. “Moon Knight” challenges the hero stereotype by adding internal conflict. Viewers are able to experience the raw internal conflicts within the mind and body of Steven Grant. Showing his personality switch shows a level of vulnerability that allures new fans.
“Steven Grant's circumstances are relatable because life is unpredictable. The realistic emotions are appealing because no other films have explored this level of vulnerability,” junior Tate Jennings said.
The challenging aspects of multiple personalities, the possession of the Egyptian god and the setting’s dark, ominous atmosphere remain true to the original “Moon Knight” comics.
“It is important that Marvel remains true to the legacy of their original brand,” Jennings said. “Moon Knight's skillful visuals help aid their quality storytelling.”
While Marvel’s intricate and well-produced mini-series such as “WandaVision,” “Loki” and “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” caused fans to fall more in love with the MCU, “Moon Knight” furthers the excitement with complex character arcs and intense battle scenes.
“Moon Knight's fighting style is very brutal. He would rather take a punch than waste energy blocking when he knows he can hit harder,” Jennings said.
While the maturity rating remains TV-14, the psychological horror pushes limits.
“Marvel’s use of Egyptian mythology and violence makes ‘Moon Knight’ seem brutal, but these aspects set the series apart,” junior Eddie Camden said. “Within the MCU, Marvel is definitely trying to reach the level of brutality that is shown in the shows like ‘Daredevil’ and ‘The Punisher.’”
Each time Marvel releases a movie or show they reveal a part of a much larger story. Marvel continues to involve the multiverse, thus allowing many to believe phase four will include a large-scale battle through the complex universes. “Moon Knight” develops a unique character who many anticipate will surface again in later Marvel films.
“I was really excited for ‘Moon Knight’ because the trailers looked intriguing,” sophomore Isaac Wolf said. “The mini-series lived up to all my expectations.”