Marvel’s Moon Knight: Isaac is Complex, Thoughtful, and Fun
As Marvel continues to step up its game, both in substance and in visual effects, its latest installment, Moon Knight, starring Oscar Isaac, seems to transform each episode into a dazzling spectacle.
Isaac, who effortlessly slides between British and American to play the roles of Steven Grant, mild-mannered Brit, and Marc Spector, a coldhearted mercenary, leaves viewers hanging helplessly on his every word.
After playing Poe Dameron in the past three installments of Star Wars, and various other complex beasts, Isaac takes on the role of Moon Knight with grace and aptitude that assures viewers he is exactly who he says he is at any given moment.
Moon Knight, in comic lore, is afflicted with dissociative identity disorder brought on by childhood trauma. Not much is explored, however, about his trauma thus far. The show seems to play pretty straight as two personalities fighting over the same body, Grant in an attempt to achieve normalcy in his life, and Spector to complete his forced servitude to Egyptian god Khonshu.
While all that may sound like a lot to take in, Isaac’s talent in interacting, essentially, with himself, helps fans both understand his story and develop an intimate appreciation for each of his presentations.
Isaac plays his character so well, in fact, that we want to protect Steven from all the dangers around him, including his alter ego.
Moon Knight has given itself the time and space to develop, while introducing viewers to Steven’s world, specifically the fact that his situation will remain uncontrollable until Spector has paid his earthly debt to Khonshu — unless, of course, he finds a way to fully escape.
The juxtaposition of Grant’s gentle nature and Spector’s savage persona is fascinating to watch. In the process, we root for a successful separation and a return to Grant’s normal life, and that Spector can finally put down his guns and move on.
No one knows at this point where this story will lead, and I think that’s a good thing.
We may just be doubly surprised.
Marvel Studios’ Moon Knight premiered on Disney+ on March 30, 2022. Disney+ offers a new episode of Moon Knight every Wednesday night.
