Lee Cronin’s The Mummy: A Modern Horror Reboot or Stale Rehash?

Universal Pictures has long sought to build a shared cinematic universe around classic monsters, but its most recent attempt—Lee Cronin’s The Mummy—has left audiences divided. Released in 2024, the film attempts to reimagine the iconic horror icon as a fresh, horror-driven narrative rather than a blockbuster adventure. Yet, its reception has been lukewarm, prompting questions about whether it succeeds in its goals or simply recycles old formulas.

Cronin, best known for his critically acclaimed horror film The Autopsy of Jane Doe, brings a distinctly grim and atmospheric approach to The Mummy. The film follows a group of British soldiers and archaeologists in World War I-era Egypt as they uncover an ancient tomb—and awaken a malevolent force. Unlike previous Mummy adaptations, which leaned heavily into adventure and comedy, Cronin’s version is a straight horror film, prioritizing dread and psychological tension over spectacle.

From Adventure to Horror: A Bold Departure

The Mummy franchise has historically been defined by its blend of swashbuckling action, romance, and supernatural thrills. Films like The Mummy (1999) and its sequels, starring Brendan Fraser, became cultural touchstones, mixing adventure with lighthearted humor. Cronin’s take, however, strips away the comedic elements entirely, opting instead for a bleak, slow-burn horror experience.

This shift aligns with Universal’s broader push to rebrand its classic monsters as horror figures in a shared universe. The studio’s Dark Universe initiative, which began with The Mummy (2017) starring Tom Cruise, aimed to modernize these icons but ultimately faltered. Cronin’s version attempts to correct course by leaning into horror, though it remains to be seen whether this approach resonates with mainstream audiences.

One of the film’s most striking elements is its setting. The World War I backdrop adds a layer of historical gravitas, grounding the supernatural elements in a tangible reality. The film’s depiction of Egypt during the war is vivid, with sweeping desert landscapes and crumbling ruins that feel both authentic and haunting. This attention to atmosphere is a hallmark of Cronin’s directorial style, and it serves the film well in its early scenes.

However, the horror elements take time to fully materialize. The first act is bogged down by slow pacing and underdeveloped characters, making it difficult for audiences to invest emotionally in the story. The mummy itself, named Princess Nefer, is a compelling antagonist—curse-laden, vengeful, and visually striking—but her presence doesn’t become truly menacing until the film’s latter half.

Character Depth and Pacing: Where the Film Stumbles

A major criticism of Cronin’s The Mummy is its treatment of its characters. While the ensemble cast includes recognizable actors like Sofia Boutella, who plays Princess Nefer, and Armie Hammer as a British soldier, their motivations and arcs feel underdeveloped. The film’s focus on atmosphere often comes at the expense of character depth, leaving audiences struggling to care about who lives or dies.

This is particularly evident in the film’s third act, where the plot devolves into a series of predictable set pieces. The mummy’s rampage lacks the tension and unpredictability necessary for a truly terrifying horror experience. Instead, the film relies on jump scares and gore, which, while effective in small doses, feel formulaic in the context of a 100-minute runtime.

Another issue is the film’s tone. Cronin’s horror sensibilities clash with the expectations set by the Mummy franchise. Fans of the original films may find this iteration too grim, while horror enthusiasts might miss the deeper lore and world-building that defines the genre’s best works. The result is a film that feels neither fully committed to horror nor entirely true to its source material.

Despite these flaws, there are moments where Cronin’s vision shines. The practical effects used to bring Princess Nefer to life are impressive, blending CGI with physical prosthetics to create a creature that feels both ancient and otherworldly. The film’s cinematography, led by cinematographer Aaron Morton, captures the eerie beauty of its Egyptian setting, from the golden hues of the desert to the shadowy interiors of ancient tombs.

Visuals and Sound: The Film’s Strongest Assets

Where The Mummy fails in character and pacing, it succeeds in its technical execution. The film’s visual style is one of its most compelling aspects, with a strong emphasis on practical effects and atmospheric lighting. The mummy’s design, in particular, is a standout, blending traditional horror aesthetics with a fresh, modern twist.

The sound design also deserves praise. The film’s score, composed by Bear McCreary, leans into eerie, dissonant tones that heighten the sense of dread. The use of silence in key moments is particularly effective, allowing the audience to feel the weight of the mummy’s presence before she even appears on screen.

For horror fans, the film’s strongest moments come from its commitment to creating a sense of unease. Scenes set in the tomb are claustrophobic and oppressive, while the mummy’s appearances are sudden and jarring. These sequences showcase Cronin’s skill as a horror director, proving that he can deliver genuine scares when given the opportunity.

However, the film’s reliance on practical effects also highlights its limitations. While the mummy’s physical form is impressive, her movements sometimes feel stilted, breaking the immersion. This is a minor quibble, but one that underscores the film’s uneven execution. A stronger performance from Boutella, who is a talented stunt performer and actress, could have elevated the film further.

Does It Work as a Horror Film?

At its core, Lee Cronin’s The Mummy is an ambitious experiment—a attempt to redefine a beloved franchise for modern audiences. Its commitment to horror over adventure is a refreshing change of pace, but it comes at the cost of cohesion and character development. The film’s strongest elements—its visuals, sound, and atmosphere—are often overshadowed by pacing issues and underdeveloped storytelling.

For fans of horror, the film is worth watching for its technical achievements and occasional moments of genuine terror. For fans of the Mummy franchise, however, it may feel like a step backward. The film’s lack of humor and adventure makes it a stark contrast to the classic entries, leaving audiences unsure of what the franchise is trying to be.

Ultimately, The Mummy raises questions about Universal’s approach to its classic monsters. Is the best way to modernize these characters by leaning into horror, or does it risk alienating the very audiences who grew up with them? Cronin’s film doesn’t have all the answers, but it does offer a glimpse into what a horror-focused Mummy could look like.

For those interested in exploring more about the evolution of horror in cinema, check out our Horror category. Alternatively, dive deeper into the world of classic monster movies with our Entertainment section.

Final Verdict

• Strengths: Atmospheric visuals, strong sound design, impressive practical effects, and a commitment to horror.
• Weaknesses: Slow pacing, underdeveloped characters, uneven tone, and a lack of cohesion.
• Best for: Horror enthusiasts and fans of atmospheric, slow-burn horror films.
• Skip if: You’re looking for a classic Mummy adventure or a film with well-developed characters.

Lee Cronin’s The Mummy is a film that tries to do something different, but ultimately falls short of its ambitions. While it has moments of brilliance, its flaws are too significant to overlook. It’s a film that will likely be remembered more for its technical achievements than its storytelling, leaving audiences to wonder what could have been.