Tell Your Own Story, Do Your Own Thing: One Thing I Learned From Across The Spiderverse

 This will probably not be the last time I talk about the impact of this film, I keep learning from this incredible film. The visuals, humor, story, characters, and messages of the film are just so close to perfect for me. Let's hang on to that last word, messages. Some may feel that an animated film could never contain deeper meanings or ideas. Still, if they looked outside their opinion, they would see animation as what it truly is, a necessary part of cinema. Animation can go places and bring ideas live action never could, and vice versa, they are both important. When this movie was first released, I saw it on opening day, and I was that excited. I love and adore the first film and the sequel just as much, it did not disappoint. I wanted to revisit the second film, since we have had more time with the first movie, and dive into some of the story beats, so spoilers are ahead just as a fair warning. 

Across The Spiderverse takes our hero Miles Morales a year and some change ahead of the first movie, believing to be a good Spider-Man, and trying to find the balance between being a hero and life itself. He finds himself once again out of his league when introduced to the Spider Society, run by Miquel O' Hara, Spider-Man 2099, as the plot weaves and twists, Miles meets new friends, reunites with old friends, and has his trust tested. Being told he doesn't belong anywhere, having to accept the death of his father and accept that some things are destined to happen, known as the canon, Miles is left scrambling and questioning, only to be unrelenting in the face of struggle and determined to find a better way by the end of the movie. Potentially even changing the minds of some of those around him. 

When Miles is met with the idea of having to just accept fate and lose his father, while being told he is a mistake, called an anomaly, and told he doesn't belong, it harkens back to a scene with his mother. Earlier in the film, she tells him to look out and take care of himself, that she believes the best in him, that he does belong, and to contest if anyone ever tells him otherwise. As Spider-Man 2099 pushes all the buttons, verbally and physically attacking him. Miles thinks of Gwen, Peter B. Parker, his family, and even those opposing him like at that moment, and says "Everyone keeps telling me how my story is supposed to go, naw Imma do my own thing". And let's dive into that line and what it means for the story, the narrative, and what it wants to tell the audience. 

The movie shows that even if it means standing alone, not belonging somewhere, and even being considered an outcast, Miles is still going to try to do what's right. Be a hero, save his dad, and get home. It shows as the music swells, that this is the big takeaway moment the movie has been building to. As the fight escalates between Miles and 2099, the spider society consisting of hundreds of iterations of the character is in pursuit, despite the turmoil from losing trust in Gwen, he makes his stand. He decides to do his own thing, even if it means doing it alone.

Letting others words shape you, letting others write your story, others telling you what has to or needs to happen for the sake of the cannon. No, it's not a way to live. It shows that even if many people are against you for just being who you are, go and write your own story. Do your own thing and be the hero of your own narrative. Not letting the voices of others no matter how loud they yell, shape you into being something you are not. No matter how much someone tells you that you do not belong and that you are not worth it, go out and make your own story. Even if it feels like the odds are against you along with the world yourself, go and step out. Building off of the idea of taking a leap of faith, one of the major morales of the film that proceeded it. 

The line is short yet packs a punch. The music track behind it is triumphant and proves this as the emotional climax of the movie. As the animation, voice acting, dialogue, and music work together to make this moment unforgettable. Applying to so many areas in the story and to the viewer watching it play out. 

This moment has stuck with me since seeing the movie in theaters, this moment when I have rewatched the movie multiple times, still draws emotion from me. Because it's true. It's true to go out and write your story, and it's a lesson for all ages. In work, school, and life, take control and not listen to those trying to drag you down. A powerful message, that has weight to it.  Not afraid to tell people who want to exclude, "Fine, have your group, I will be fine on my own." 

Proof that animation holds so much more, and is great for all ages, showing the audience through this story a good takeaway to sit with them, long after the credits roll. A moment that fits this movie like a glove and builds off of the messages and ideas of the movie proceeding it. Making it a good movie, a good sequel, and standing on its own from the film that broke the mold before it. There is a reason so many other movies want to be like Spiderverse, to challenge the audience, push the limits of animation, and be entertaining at the same time. 

Whether it is making the audience laugh, making them excited, or making them think. Movies like this, whether animated or live-action are why I love movies to begin with. And the next time someone tells you who you are, or even that animated movies are just for kids, tell them that you are gonna do your own thing.