“Uncharted” (2022) is a movie based on the PlayStation video game series of the same name. It is directed by Ruben Fleischer, and stars Tom Holland as Nathan Drake, the main character in both the film and the games.
Tom Holland’s portrayal of Drake is mostly true to the character, who is portrayed as a younger and naive version of Drake. However there are a few moments early in the film where the script has Holland’s Drake behave out of character, which could be jarring for fans of the games.
Most of the film’s problems lie in the first act of the film, which while still full of charm, sometimes feels as though it drags along with some clunky dialogue and exposition. After the first act, the film picks up its pace as Drake searches for long-lost treasure, although a problem with the script does rear its head in the form of a convenient and questionable plot device.
One of the highlights of the film is its action sequences, as well as its showcasing of Drake exploring and uncovering the mystery of where the treasure is hidden. Both of these are core focuses on the games, but the movie primarily tells its own story. However, many elements are successfully pulled from the games, such as the film’s opening being based on the third game’s plane sequence, as shown in the trailers.
Another highlight is the dynamic between Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg, who plays Drake’s mentor, Victor Sullivan, or Sully. The true highlight of their dynamic is the comedy between them, as Holland and Wahlberg play off each other perfectly.
However, their dynamic often becomes tense, due to Drake’s questioning if he can trust Sully. Further complicating their dynamic is Sophia Ali’s Chloe Frazer, who has had a negative experience working with Sullivan in the past. Tati Gabrielle’s Jo Braddock shines in the film as the leader of a group of mercenaries. Braddock is a sadistic threat to Drake and Sully as she attempts to track down the treasure for her client, Santiago Moncada, played by Antonio Banderas.
by Ryan Abraham
rsabraham@vwu.edu
