Medusa (2026) Review: A Dark Myth Reborn with Angelina Jolie and Keanu Reeves
Medusa (2026), directed by an enigmatic vision of horror and action, transports the classic Greek myth into a modern-day nightmare. At the heart of this mythic reinvention are two towering performances by Angelina Jolie and Keanu Reeves, whose onscreen chemistry ignites a thrilling journey from vengeance to uneasy alliance.
The Story: A Goddess Unleashed
Centuries after her curse, Medusa (Jolie) is no longer a monster lurking in the shadows—she is the shadow itself. Freed from her ancient prison by a botched ritual, she emerges into the modern world with her deadly, petrifying gaze and serpentine fury. Hunted by governments and secret societies eager to exploit her power, Medusa’s world collides with that of a haunted assassin, played by Keanu Reeves, whose past is intertwined with the very forces now pursuing her.
A Battle of Titans
What starts as a brutal game of predator versus prey morphs into a reluctant partnership forged in vengeance. Medusa and the assassin traverse a world of fog-shrouded Greek ruins and rain-slicked megacities, where breathtaking action sequences abound—each one more intense than the last. From rooftop chases where petrified victims fall like statues to underground temples illuminated by serpents’ glow, every frame is designed to evoke awe.
Visuals: A Hypnotic Transformation
The visual effects in Medusa are simply stunning. Jolie’s portrayal of Medusa is as mesmerizing as it is terrifying, capturing the goddess’s cold, hypnotic stare and the living snakes writhing in slow-motion close-ups. The film’s imagery is being hailed as some of the most beautiful and chilling in recent horror cinema. Her transformation into the living embodiment of myth is the film’s visual centerpiece, with every scene elevating the narrative to a level of operatic grandeur.
Performances: A Duel of Depths
Jolie’s performance as Medusa is nothing short of career-defining. She delivers a performance that is both seductive and savage, tragic yet undeniably powerful. The character is a far cry from the typical monster movie archetype—she is a goddess who refuses to be a victim. Reeves, on the other hand, brings his signature quiet intensity to the role of the world-weary assassin. The two actors share an unlikely but electric onscreen partnership, each feeding off the other’s energy, turning their scenes together into some of the film’s most gripping moments.
Final Act: A Clash of Firepower and Myth
The final 18 minutes of Medusa are pure mythological carnage, where Medusa’s gaze meets modern firepower in a battle that leaves no room for mercy or escape. Set in a flooded coliseum, the storm of shattered stone and steel is as heart-stopping as it is visually hypnotic. It’s an exhilarating crescendo that perfectly encapsulates the film’s unrelenting dread and operatic style.
Conclusion: A Masterful Reinvention of Myth
Medusa (2026) is far more than a monster movie. It’s a dark, visually stunning, and emotionally brutal revenge epic that elevates the genre to new heights. With powerful performances from Jolie and Reeves, a gripping narrative, and breathtaking visuals, this film transforms a centuries-old myth into a living, breathing force of nature. The haunting imagery, the brutal action, and the deep emotional undercurrents make it a must-watch for fans of both action and horror.
Rating: 9.6/10
