Tomb Raider (2018) is an action-adventure film that serves as a reboot of the Tomb Raider franchise, inspired by the 2013 video game of the same name. Directed by Roar Uthaug, the movie follows the story of Lara Croft, played by Alicia Vikander, as she embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth about her father’s mysterious disappearance.
Lara, a fiercely independent young woman, struggles to find her place in the world after the loss of her father, Richard Croft (Dominic West), a wealthy archaeologist and adventurer. Refusing to accept her father’s presumed death, Lara lives a modest life in London, working as a courier and training in mixed martial arts. When she is eventually compelled to claim her inheritance, she discovers a secret message from her father. The message reveals his obsession with Himiko, a mythical Queen of Yamatai said to wield dangerous supernatural powers, and warns Lara to destroy all records of his research to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.
Defying her father’s wishes, Lara follows his trail to Hong Kong, where she enlists the help of Lu Ren (Daniel Wu), the son of the sailor who had last accompanied Richard. Together, they set sail for a remote island off the coast of Japan, where they encounter Matthias Vogel (Walton Goggins), a ruthless mercenary working for a shadowy organization called Trinity. Vogel has been stranded on the island for years, searching for Himiko’s tomb and seeking to harness her power as a weapon for Trinity.
Captured by Vogel and his men, Lara must rely on her resourcefulness and bravery to escape and navigate the treacherous island. Along the way, she uncovers the secrets of her father’s mission, the truth about Himiko’s supposed curse, and her own potential as a capable and determined adventurer. The climactic confrontation leads Lara deep into Himiko’s tomb, where she faces both physical challenges and moral dilemmas.
The film ends with Lara returning to London, now resolved to embrace her role as her father’s successor and to combat Trinity’s larger plans. Armed with new resolve and a clearer understanding of her purpose, she purchases her iconic twin pistols, setting the stage for further adventures.
Tomb Raider (2018) offers a grounded and humanized portrayal of Lara Croft, focusing on her origin story and her evolution into the fearless heroine fans know and love.
