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MARVEL’S JESSICA JONES Krysten Ritter and David Tennant star in the new Netfl ix / Marvel co-production
Right from its noir-animated title sequence and the cynical opening monologue, Jessica Jones feels very different to the glitz and polish of Marvel’s big screen adventures. Krysten Ritter takes the title role as a disorganised, hard drinking private investigator who isn’t averse to the odd dirty trick. There are echoes of Mike Hammer or Philip Marlowe with a subtle superhero twist. Jessica has super strength but her abilities are never overplayed as she attempts to live a normal(ish) life in New York. Even with her powers, Ritter makes Jones relatable. She’s deeply l awed, her life’s a mess, she’s tough, sarcastic but there’s a vulnerability at her core. Jessica Jones relies on an emotional connection rather than blockbuster spectacle. But don’t worry – there are i ght scenes, punch ups and insane villains. A couple hire Jessica to i nd their daughter. What
seems like a straightforward missing person’s case opens a can of worms, dredging up Jessica’s past and leading her to Kilgrave (David Tennant), a cerebral and physiological adversary. Kilgrave is so different from the physical threats superheroes usually face. Who knew Tennant could be so insidiously creepy? Here, he’s a malicious Derren Brown-style master of mental manipulation.
Jessica Jones proves superheroes can be used to tell grown-up stories. There’s sex, booze and violence (it’s the i rst Marvel production to feature a full-on sex scene). Jessica Jones is shaping up to be Marvel’s greatest achievement on screen to date, mainly due to Ritter’s captivating, world-weary performance. (Henry Northmore) ■ Netl ix, from Fri 20 Nov. For a longer version of this review, go to list.co.uk ●●●●●
126 THE LIST 5 Nov 2015–4 Feb 2016