Netflix's Tomb Raider: A Disappointing Patchwork
As a lifelong fan of Tomb Raider, having played all the games, the Netflix adaptation left much to be desired. The show forced inclusivity by turning one or more characters gay, which felt unnecessary and out of place. More importantly, Lara Croft’s character was a major downgrade—overly emotional, dependent on Jonah, and lacking the independence and toughness that defined her.
The plot was a chaotic mashup of past games, from Tomb Raider: Legend to Shadow of the Tomb Raider, with elements like Arthur’s church, Mayan myths, floating gardens, and even the city of Vilcabamba. Instead of crafting something original, it felt like the writers stitched together pieces from the franchise with little creativity.
In the end, Netflix’s Tomb Raider series did not do justice to the iconic character or the games that fans love.