Lara rises on the big screen

Tomb Raider film pic is a revelation

AS LARA CROFT, ALICIA VIKANDER IS BRILLIANT.

Currently filming in South Africa, this rebooted Tomb Raider actioner starring everyone’s favourite psycho-android, Alicia Vikander, looks like it could break the curse of game-to-film horrors. By sticking closely to Square’s own mature reboot, it ensures we’re going to get a grown-up take on the source material.

The brilliantly named director Roar Uthaug tells us why, this time, it’ll be okay. “What’s different about this Tomb Raider movie is that it’s an origin story for the big screen, focusing not only on Lara’s strength and physical accomplishments but her humanity. We see Lara as a young woman, smart and capable but largely unfocused, and follow her on a dangerous journey that will push her to her limits in every sense, and allow her to hone the skills she needs to ultimately become who she was meant to be.”

Getting the casting right was key to making the Tomb Raider reboot work. Producer Graham King, who has worked on awardwinning films including The Departed, tells us, “Alicia Vikander is a gifted actress who brings so much to this role.”

Uthaug agrees: “As Lara Croft, Alicia Vikander is brilliant. She brings great depth to a complex role that is both physically and emotionally demanding.”

King says filming in South Africa and using real locations rather than CG will “give a grounded sense of reality” that past game-to-films have lacked. “It’s our goal to make a film that will not only delight fans but enthrall a worldwide audience.”

It’s going to be gritty, mature and emotional, and judging by this first film still of a dusty Alicia, climbing hook in hand, Vikander’s perfect in the role. What more could we ask for? Read the latest news on the new Tomb Raider movie at gamesradar.com.