The New Mutants has been on the shelf for years. Originally planned for an April 2018 release, The New Mutants has suffered through multiple delays for a variety of reasons. With theaters just opening doors during a pandemic, The New Mutants final fate is to be the film sacrificed to test audience demand. Marvel fans have long speculated of the films quality so releasing during a time with almost zero competition could prove beneficial. With Marvel’s first attempt in the horror genre they chose to use a youthful cast and a lesser known team to draw in a new generation of Marvel fans, however the mediocrity and delays of The New Mutants may not draw even a socially distant viewing.

The acting in The New Mutants was good enough. With a few acting vets and equally fresh faces, The New Mutants cast struggles at times but does a decent job grabbing the audience. Maisie Williams (Rahne Sinclair) is the most well known actors but does little to stand out. Her character has some depth but Williams fails to show the range to portray it. Alice Braga (Dr. Reyes) is the most seasoned actor and does well as the Doctor caring for newly formed mutants. Anya Taylor-Joy (Illyana Rasputin) and Charlie Heaton (Sam Guthrie) are familiar faces and both have the stand out performances from the film. Blu Hunt (Danielle Moonstar) and Henry Zaga (Roberto de Costa) are both new faces and it comes off that way in their performances.

The New Mutants is an interesting take on the comic book genre. New mutants with new powers should interest fans but The New Mutants takes its time in developing the characters while telling a vague plot. This leaves the audience feeling unfulfilled throughout its first two acts. The film leans on the traditional model for horror with a slow build but that takes away from showcasing the most interesting parts of the characters, the mutant powers. The New Mutants puts the horror first leaving its comic book roots to whither. The film is enjoyable but feels like it may have left a bit on the table. After leaving the theater, movie goers are left wanting the film to be a bit more than what it was which is disappointing. Upon quick reflection though you realize the movie was still entertaining. Geared for a teenage audience, The New Mutants lacks any major vulgarity or gore and relies on suspense and tone to raise your blood pressure. This film is the first comic based movie to come out in months so surely it will find an audience yearning to see the latest adaptation. Unfortunately it may struggle to draw the general audience during a global pandemic.