By Zan Haider

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We’ve all been in places in our respective lives, where we began our journeys, on whichever paths we choose, as bright optimists. We believe that we can make a change, that we can accomplish our goals, and that the world will easily accept us. We believe that the optimistic joys of our childhood will be inherent truths that follow us for the rest of our lives. We’re hopeful– and unfortunately, painfully naive. 

 

That is the genius of Jon Watts's Spider-Man: No Way Home. Instead of a nostalgic-fueled superhero-fest filled with cameos, iconic memes, and fan theories, it chooses to tell a character drama of sacrifice, trauma, and resilience. All of the characters, cameos, easter eggs, and yes, the other two Spider-Men– they are utilized as literary devices to convey the film’s message: Life is merciless. People make it positive or perilous. 

 

And while the Green Goblin believes that superpowered beings are “gods” who dictate the world around them… Peter believes in the greatest strength of them all: compassion. 

 

Because caring for people– it’s rare. To have the willpower to withstand the cruelties of the world, and remain committed to the care of the community around you, is a power in itself. And as Marisa Tomei’s Aunt May so eloquently states:

 

“You have a gift. You have a power. And with great power, there must also come great responsibility.” 

 

Spider-Man: No Way Home is not a story about the three Spider-Men coming together. It is a coming-of-age tale about supporting and helping others, though this will certainly not be easy or without cost. What better character to illustrate this to the audience, than Peter Parker himself? 

 

Throughout the events of the Homecoming trilogy and the greater MCU, Tom Holland’s Peter Parker has been characterized as an ideological superhero “fanboy”. Bitten by fate in the shape of the spider, Peter answered destiny’s call by using his abilities and “look out for the little guy.” As Peter states, 

 

“Yeah… I would love to play football. But I couldn’t then, so I shouldn’t now…When you can do the things I can, but you don’t, and then [the] bad things happen? They happen because of you.” 

 

The mission of No Way Home was not teaching Peter what responsibility means– outside the trolls who have “Iron Boy Jr” tattooed in their minds, MCU’s Spider-Man has always understood the responsibilities of the job. Rather, it was showing Peter that the cost of compassion and responsibility may require the highest of prices. And pay, he does; Aunt May is murdered by the Goblin, the world forgets the existence of Peter Parker, Ned and MJ remain oblivious to Peter’s existence after he refuses to tell them (in order to protect them from the dangers of being connected to Spider-Man), and Peter is truly alone. 

 

And yet, he chooses to swing on as Spider-Man, an optimistic future awaiting. He knows there is light at the end of the tunnel, because he is not alone. He knows that there are others who have felt his pain, and bear the brunt of responsibility.

 

Which brings me to Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield. 

 

Jon Watts made an intelligent choice; rather than having the film focus heavily on the two Spider-Men, they were instead utilized to help Tom’s Peter walk through his uncertainties and traumas. After all, who else is a better fit to mentor/assist a younger, grieving, conflicted Spider-Man, than his older and more experienced counterparts? Tobey’s Peter (aka, Peter 2) understands Peter 1’s bitter pain and rage better than anyone (Uncle Ben and Denis Caradine/Flint Marko; Harry’s misguided rage against Peter 2; Peter 2’s experience with the symbiote) and helps Peter 1 understand that healing, not hurting, is the biggest power that Spider-Man has. Andrew’s Peter (aka, Peter 3) recognizes the dark path that Peter 1 is at risk of following, and helps Peter 1 understand that pain and rage will only destroy himself. Both Peter 2 and 3’s passion to prevent Peter 1 from going down a dark path also serves as a mirror for Peter 1’s dilemma: 

 

The villains are going to die due to their ailments/abilities. But just like the other Peters who want to help Peter 1… Peter 1 realizes that he can’t look away from the villains. 

 

Because “superheroes” and “supervillains” are just labels. Villains are people, just like heroes. 

 

Why shouldn’t they be helped? 

 

Instead of having the two other Spiders be action set-pieces; they are the embrace that Peter (and by extension) and everyone in trauma, needs. They cure, not kick ass. Utilizing the two legends for character building, instead of action sequences, results in a deeper, emotionally poignant, and quality character odyssey. 

 

The dark events of the film, as well as the personal experiences of Peter 2 and 3, makes Peter 1 realize that Spider-Man is for helping people, not hurting them. As a result, when he sees the multiverse break open, threatening to flood the MCU with every single Spider-Man villain throughout the cosmos, Peter makes the ultimate sacrifice. 

 

He asks Dr. Strange to cast a spell that causes everyone to forget the existence of Peter Parker. Villains can’t break into the MCU if there is no Peter Parker. Unfortunately, this results in everyone who has ever loved Peter forgetting any recollection of him. 

 

Resulting in the darkest, highest stakes, and most emotional end to any superhero film to date.

 

And this is why No Way Home is the perfect superhero film, and by extension, the best MCU film. Not because of the phenomenal acting of the cast, or its characters, or the fact that it is the quintessential Spider-Man story; but rather, its inspiring message. 

 

We are all Spider-Man. 

 

We are all capable of doing what is right. 

 

We make mistakes. But people deserve a second chance, because odds are, fate bit them differently than it bit you. 

 

Much like Goblin, Ock, Sandman, Electro, and Lizard. 

 

Because if you love Peter Parker/Spider-Man, chances are that you, also, have the gift of compassion. So please, as this movie has beautifully illustrated, don’t waste it. Because you have the power of the heart, and positivity is so much stronger than dark emotions.

 

Because with great power, there must also come great responsibility. 

 

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