Black Adam - Film Review

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Black Adam (2022) is a superhero film produced by DC Films and distributed by Warner Bros. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, the movie stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in the titular role. As a major addition to the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), Black Adam introduces audiences to a complex anti-hero with immense power, aiming to reconfigure the narrative focus within DC’s cinematic world. It is both a character origin story and an ensemble film, weaving together action, mythology, and themes of justice and power.

The story begins with a flashback to ancient Kahndaq, a fictional Middle Eastern civilization, where the people suffer under the rule of a tyrannical king. In desperation, the Council of Wizards—last seen in Shazam!—chooses a champion to wield magical powers and liberate the oppressed people. This champion is revealed to be Teth-Adam (Johnson), who receives god-like abilities. However, after an act of rage leads to catastrophic destruction, Adam is imprisoned for millennia by the wizards, considered too dangerous to roam free.

The narrative shifts to modern-day Kahndaq, which is under the control of the crime syndicate Intergang. Archaeologist Adrianna Tomaz (Sarah Shahi) uncovers Teth-Adam’s tomb while searching for the ancient Crown of Sabbac, a powerful artefact. Accidentally awakening Adam, Adrianna unleashes him upon the modern world, where his violent methods of dispensing justice create turmoil.

The emergence of Black Adam draws the attention of the Justice Society of America (JSA), an elite team of superheroes tasked with maintaining order. Led by Hawkman (Aldis Hodge) and including Doctor Fate (Pierce Brosnan), Cyclone (Quintessa Swindell), and Atom Smasher (Noah Centineo), the JSA confronts Adam, seeking to either control or contain his unpredictable power. However, the situation becomes complicated as Intergang seeks to use the Crown of Sabbac to summon a demonic force, threatening global destruction.

Throughout the film, Adam struggles with his identity as both a hero and a weapon of vengeance. Flashbacks reveal that his powers were initially intended for his son, who sacrificed himself to save Adam’s life. This loss haunts Adam and informs his brutal sense of justice, as he believes that only strength can prevent oppression.

At its core, Black Adam explores themes of power, morality, and the nature of heroism. The character of Black Adam functions as an anti-hero—neither fully villain nor traditional superhero. Unlike Superman or Batman, Adam’s approach to justice is rooted in vengeance, and his willingness to kill sets him apart from the moral codes usually associated with heroes. This presents a moral dilemma for the Justice Society, which champions a more restrained approach to heroism.



The film also grapples with ideas of liberation and self-determination. Kahndaq serves as a backdrop for these themes, with its people yearning for freedom from oppressive forces—whether ancient rulers or modern crime syndicates. Adam’s return sparks debates within the city about the value of a hero who will stop at nothing to protect his people.

The relationship between Adam and the Justice Society forms the emotional crux of the story. Hawkman’s rigid adherence to rules contrasts with Adam’s belief in brutal efficiency, leading to philosophical debates about what it means to be a hero. On the other hand, Doctor Fate—a character with mystical abilities and a tragic sense of destiny—sees in Adam a reflection of his own struggles with power and fate.

Black Adam was in development for years, with Dwayne Johnson championing the project since 2007. Johnson’s portrayal of the character was intended to reframe the DCEU’s focus, introducing a morally complex figure that could disrupt the existing balance of power. Jaume Collet-Serra, known for his work on action thrillers, was brought on as director to lend a fast-paced, kinetic energy to the film’s action sequences.

Visually, the film is striking, blending modern aesthetics with ancient mythology. The use of slow-motion during fight scenes—particularly when Adam confronts the Justice Society—heightens the impact of the character’s immense strength. The special effects emphasize the scale of Adam’s power, with lightning and explosive energy dominating many sequences.

The costume design and production design further immerse audiences in the world of Kahndaq, with attention to detail in both the ancient and modern settings. The film’s depiction of the Justice Society is also noteworthy, with each member’s costume reflecting their unique abilities—Doctor Fate’s shimmering helm, Hawkman’s metallic wings, and Cyclone’s vibrant, swirling colours.

Black Adam received mixed reviews from critics. While the film was praised for its action sequences, visual effects, and Johnson’s commanding performance, it was criticized for its thin plot and formulaic storytelling. Some reviewers felt that the movie tried to juggle too many characters and themes, leading to an uneven narrative. Others appreciated the introduction of new characters like the Justice Society but felt that they deserved more development and screen time.

Despite the mixed reviews, the movie resonated with audiences, particularly fans of action-packed superhero films. Johnson’s portrayal of Black Adam was highlighted as a high point, with many praising his physicality and ability to convey both menace and vulnerability. The dynamic between Black Adam and the Justice Society also earned positive feedback, with Pierce Brosnan’s portrayal of Doctor Fate standing out as one of the film’s most memorable performances.

At the box office, Black Adam performed moderately well. It earned over $390 million worldwide, though it fell short of expectations given its production budget and marketing efforts. The film’s performance sparked discussions about the future direction of the DCEU, especially as Warner Bros. restructured its cinematic universe under new leadership.

While Black Adam was initially intended to be a game-changer for the DCEU, its moderate reception left the future of the character uncertain. However, Johnson expressed interest in exploring further stories with Black Adam, particularly a potential confrontation between Black Adam and Superman—teased in the film’s post-credit scene, which featured a cameo by Henry Cavill’s Superman. This scene generated significant excitement among fans, hinting at a possible shift in the DCEU’s storytelling direction.

The film also introduced audiences to the Justice Society, opening the door for future spin-offs or appearances by these characters. Doctor Fate’s arc, in particular, intrigued many viewers, with fans speculating about his potential return in other projects.

Black Adam is an ambitious addition to the DCEU that seeks to introduce a more morally complex figure into the superhero genre. While the film’s narrative may not have fully lived up to expectations, it succeeds in presenting a visually stunning, action-packed spectacle with memorable performances. The character of Black Adam brings a fresh perspective to the DCEU, challenging traditional notions of heroism and justice.

Ultimately, Black Adam offers a thrilling ride for fans of superhero films and sets the stage for new possibilities within the DCEU. Whether the character returns in future instalments remains to be seen, but the film leaves a lasting impression, marking the arrival of a powerful anti-hero who could redefine the rules of the cinematic universe.

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