Daredevil: Born Again Review – A Brutal, Gritty Return to Hell’s Kitchen Where the Devil Still Reigns

The Devil of Hell’s Kitchen is back, and Daredevil: Born Again proves that some heroes are too good to stay down. After Netflix’s beloved Daredevil series was unceremoniously canceled in 2018, fans clamored for Charlie Cox’s return as Matt Murdock, and Marvel Studios has finally delivered. This revival brings back the brutal action, legal drama, and psychological depth that made the original series so compelling while expanding on Matt’s journey in new and interesting ways. While not flawless, Born Again is a worthy continuation that blends the street-level intensity of Daredevil with the cinematic scope of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Picking up years after the events of the Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again finds Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) struggling to reconcile his two identities—vigilante and lawyer—as he faces new threats to his home in Hell’s Kitchen. Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio) has re-emerged, seemingly reformed but as dangerous as ever. With new allies and old enemies lurking in the shadows, Matt is forced into a battle that tests his morality, faith, and physical limits like never before.

The show retains the grounded storytelling that made its predecessor so powerful while introducing larger political and criminal elements that feel organic rather than forced. Unlike many other Marvel shows that lean into spectacle, Born Again stays committed to intimate stakes and character-driven conflict. Every punch thrown, every legal maneuver, and every choice Matt makes carries weight, adding layers of tension that build throughout the season.

Charlie Cox once again proves why he is the definitive Daredevil. His performance captures both the quiet intensity of Matt Murdock’s internal struggles and the raw physicality of his street fights. Whether he’s delivering impassioned courtroom arguments or engaging in brutal hand-to-hand combat, Cox embodies the character with a balance of vulnerability and ferocity that keeps viewers invested.

Vincent D’Onofrio’s Wilson Fisk remains one of the MCU’s greatest villains. His portrayal of Kingpin is terrifyingly nuanced—charismatic and calculating yet prone to terrifying bursts of violence. Fisk’s storyline in Born Again allows him to evolve in unexpected ways, making him an even more complex and unpredictable adversary.

The supporting cast adds further depth to the series. Newcomers and returning faces alike bring their A-game, making Hell’s Kitchen feel like a living, breathing world. Some characters receive more development than others, but overall, the ensemble adds richness to Matt’s journey.

If there’s one thing Daredevil has always excelled at, it’s fight choreography, and Born Again doesn’t disappoint. The action is visceral, brutal, and grounded, with long takes that showcase the stunt work and physical toll of combat. Matt isn’t a superhero in the traditional sense—he bleeds, he stumbles, and every fight feels like a struggle for survival. The return of well-crafted hallway fights and street brawls makes for some of the most intense action sequences Marvel has delivered in years.

The cinematography and directing elevate these moments, keeping fights immersive without relying on excessive cuts or CGI trickery. The sound design enhances every punch and broken bone, making each hit feel weighty and impactful.

One of the biggest concerns with Born Again was whether Disney+ would allow the same level of grittiness that made the Netflix series so beloved. Thankfully, the show doesn’t hold back. While it doesn’t lean into excessive gore, the violence is raw and unflinching, and the storytelling isn’t afraid to explore mature themes. Born Again embraces the noir influences of the original show, with a focus on moral ambiguity, corruption, and personal sacrifice.

That said, some elements have been slightly toned down compared to the Netflix version. The pacing occasionally slows down in the middle episodes, and a few subplots feel undercooked. However, these minor flaws don’t detract from the overall experience.

Daredevil: Born Again is a triumphant return for one of Marvel’s best characters. It balances thrilling action, compelling drama, and top-tier performances, making it a must-watch for both longtime fans and newcomers. While it doesn’t reinvent the formula, it refines and expands upon what made the original series so special, proving that Matt Murdock’s journey is far from over.

For fans of Daredevil, street-level superheroes, or simply well-crafted television, Born Again is a gripping, emotionally charged ride that reminds us why we fell in love with Hell’s Kitchen’s protector in the first place.

RATING: 4.5 out of 5

Daredevil: Born Again premieres on Disney+ March 4, 2025.