Morbius film draws negative early criticism, it's a hot mess

Sony Pictures' shared spinoff project with the Spider-Man Universe, Morbius, may already be doomed ahead of its release following the film's first audience reactions. Many critics who attended the early viewings have given the film less than favourable remarks, just days ahead of its release.

As the film struggles to gain momentum, it did receive some positive notes, citing lead actor Jared Leto and Matt Smith's performance and the studio's interpretation of the horror genre. However, despite its criticisms, the film also succumbed to multiple delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Morbius' UK film screening couldn't sink its teeth with audiences

Sony Pictures recently hosted early film screenings in the United Kingdom for the next instalment in the studio's Spiderverse franchise, Morbius. Initially intended for release on 28th January 2022, it was pushed back to April following the global success of Spider-Man: No Way Home.

While many had expected that the delay would favour the film, in the hopes of polishing it before its release, Sony may have bitten more than they could chew. Early reactions thus far have pointed out several flaws ranging from the film's incoherence to poor CGI, with one review citing Morbius as "disjointed and boring".

Entertainment and Culture Journalist Sab Astley was brutally honest with his first reaction to Morbius, writing, "Morbius is about as bad as you were expecting. A 2005 plot collides with visually confusing CGI to create a bit of a snooze fest. But don't worry, they've saved the worst for last. Featuring some of the worst post-credits scenes you've EVER seen, Sony are off their rocker."

Escape Film Club alludes that Sony may have dropped the ball with Morbius with their review. "Morbius proves that no matter how many famous faces or shiny visuals you squeeze in, Sony will always find a way to impressively misunderstand basic storytelling."

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Oh Hi Films reviewer Cameron Howe didn't hold back with his initial reactions to Morbius either. "Clearly butchered in an edit by a studio who had no clue what they wanted to do with it - not that there's a good film trapped in there. Mid credits are a joke but stick around if you like rolling your eyes. Not sure if anyone was actually expecting this to be good?"

Congratulations to #SpiderManNoWayHome for receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects! #OscarNomspic.twitter.com/1h7ECFhCbd

— Spider-Man: No Way Home (@SpiderManMovie) February 8, 2022

Indeed, these reviews don't bode well for Morbius on the back of the success of Spider-Man: No Way Home, which is nominated for Best Visual Effects at this year's Academy Awards ceremony on 27th March 2022.

Furthermore, the film releases two days after Marvel Studios begins streaming the first episode of Moon Knight on Disney+, which has already received overwhelmingly positive reviews.

Sony Pictures' Morbius releases worldwide in theatres on 1st April 2022.

Featured image courtesy of Sony Pictures.