The superhero film Madame Web has resurfaced in the public eye — this time not in theaters, but streaming. Now available on Netflix, the 2024 release has climbed to #1 on Netflix UK’s charts, drawing fresh attention to its mix of sci‑fi, thriller and comic‑book sensibilities. The film’s tone is moody and charged, brimming with psychic dread, looming danger and the promise of a new kind of “spider‑verse.” Whether you’re a Marvel fan or simply curious about streaming hits, this one has stirred real debate. Here is everything you need to know about Madame Web — from the cast and creative roots to the mixed‑bag reception and streaming performance. The trailer is at the bottom of the article.
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Madame Web: all the key details
- Title: Madame Web
- Format: Film
- Length / Runtime: 116 minutes
- Genre: Superhero / Action-Adventure / Sci-Fi
- Country of production: United States
- Original language: English
- Release date: Theatrical: February 14, 2024; Streaming on Netflix: May 14, 2024
- Director / Creator: S.J. Clarkson
- Lead cast: Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, Celeste O’Connor, Tahar Rahim
- Produced by: Columbia Pictures / Marvel Entertainment / Di Bonaventura Pictures
What Madame Web is about
The story follows Cassandra “Cassie” Webb, a New York paramedic whose life is upended after she begins experiencing visions of the future. As her premonitions intensify, Cassie realizes she must protect three young women — each destined for extraordinary power — from a dangerous adversary intent on controlling their fates. The narrative explores themes of destiny, responsibility, and the consequences of knowing what lies ahead. The film reimagines the origin of a lesser-known Marvel character, mixing psychic abilities, multiverse concepts, and comic-book mythology. Suspense, moral dilemmas, and high-stakes action weave through the story, keeping viewers guessing whether foresight is a gift or a curse.
Cast and main characters
Dakota Johnson, mainy known for Fifty Shades of Grey and Persuasion, leads as Cassie Webb, anchoring the film with a performance that blends emotional depth, vulnerability, and heroic poise. Sydney Sweeney, known to streaming audiences from Euphoria and The White Lotus, portrays one of the young women whose destinies intertwine with Cassie’s powers, bringing a nuanced portrayal that complements the central narrative. Opposing them, Tahar Rahim plays the enigmatic antagonist whose dangerous powers drive the central conflict. Known for The Mauritanian and A Prophet, Rahim brings menace and complexity to the film’s tension-filled narrative.
Is Madame Web based on a true story?
No, the film is a completely fictional story, adapted from Marvel Comics. It reimagines the origin of a mystical character, building a new narrative within the superhero multiverse. The story is fully original for the screen, combining comic-book lore with cinematic action and suspense.
The reviews
Critical reception has been mixed. Some reviewers note that the film struggles with pacing and character development, occasionally leaning heavily on spectacle. Yet audience engagement has been strong, and the film is currently the most watched on Netflix UK, showing that viewers are drawn to its blend of star power, multiverse intrigue, and superhero thrills. Fans praise action sequences, and inventive visuals, even as critical opinions remain divided.
Where was Madame Web filmed?
The movie features a mix of urban and fantastical environments, reflecting its multiverse narrative. While some sequences depict New York City landmarks, other locations are designed as CGI-enhanced or fictionalized spaces to support the film’s supernatural elements.
Why watch Madame Web
If you enjoy superhero stories with a darker, mysterious twist — or have been captivated by Marvel’s multiverse films — Madame Web delivers suspense, psychic intrigue, and blockbuster spectacle. Its ensemble cast, thrilling action sequences, and high-stakes narrative offer a cinematic experience that is both exciting and unpredictable, perfect for streaming fans looking for something fresh in the superhero genre.
Release date on Netflix
Madame Web is already streaming on Netflix starting May 14, 2024. ► Watch on Netflix
