James Gunn’s 2019 film Brightburn, a unique blend of superhero and horror genres, has recently climbed into the Peacock Top 10 streaming charts. The resurgence of this overlooked movie reintroduces audiences to Gunn’s darker take on the superhero narrative, ahead of his well-known role at DC Studios.
A Dark Twist on the Superman Myth
Brightburn explores the chilling question: what if Superman was malevolent instead of heroic? The film was produced by James Gunn before he became co-head of DC Studios, showcasing his ability to merge his passion for R-rated horror with superhero storytelling. The plot revolves around a couple, Tori and Kyle Breyer, whose hopes for a child are fulfilled through the arrival of a mysterious baby boy named Brandon. As Brandon approaches puberty, a sinister force beneath his extraordinary abilities emerges, threatening everyone around him.
“After a difficult struggle with fertility, Tori Breyer’s dreams of motherhood come true with the arrival of a mysterious baby boy. Brandon appears to be everything Tori and her husband, Kyle, ever wanted — bright, talented and curious about the world. But as Brandon nears puberty, powerful darkness manifests within him, and Tori becomes consumed by terrible doubts about her son. Once Brandon begins to act on his twisted urges, those closest to him find themselves in grave danger.” —Tori Breyer Plot Summary
Elizabeth Banks and David Denman star as Brandon’s parents, with Jackson A. Dunn playing Brandon. The screenplay was written by Gunn’s brother Brian and cousin Mark. At just over 90 minutes, the movie moves swiftly from introduction to climax without the extensive character development common in many superhero blockbusters.
The Film’s Reception and Its Budgetary Achievement
Brightburn sparked divided reactions upon release. Critics gave it a 57% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while the audience score was slightly higher at 67%. The film’s modest $6 million budget was praised, especially considering it earned $33 million globally. Gunn’s skillful direction turned a limited budget into a visually grim and practical-effects-driven horror experience, subverting the typical superhero format.
“Despite its simplicity, Brightburn’s premise is filled with potential, but it struggles to find anything meaningful to say.” —Clarisse Loughrey, The Independent
Although the film’s concept had tremendous promise, many viewers and critics felt it fell short in delivering depth beyond its central idea. The film’s gore and horror aspects were amid its strongest features, appealing to fans familiar with Gunn’s early R-rated work before his involvement with Marvel’s PG-13 movies.
The Film’s Role in James Gunn’s Career and the DC Universe
Brightburn provided a unique outlet for James Gunn’s affinity for horror within the superhero genre, a contrast to the family-friendly tone required during his Marvel tenure. Its success demonstrated his capacity to blend dark themes with superhero mythology, paving the way for his current leadership role at Warner Bros. and DC Studios.
Since launching his first DC Universe movie, Superman, Gunn has faced similar critiques regarding depth and character development. Some fans point out that his recent work relies heavily on multiple heroes and intersecting storylines without extensive emotional exploration, resembling classic comic book storytelling traditions rather than cinematic complexity.
The renewed popularity of Brightburn on streaming platforms like Peacock highlights continuing interest in Gunn’s innovative and genre-bending approaches. This revival may encourage audiences to reexamine the film’s darker vision of superhero tales amid the crowded landscape of superhero cinema.
