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Is Marvel’s MOON KNIGHT Worth the Watch?

Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney

Is Marvel’s MOON KNIGHT Worth the Watch?

By Movieguide® Contributor

MOON KNIGHT is a 2022 action horror mini-series set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It follows Steven Grant (Oscar Isaac), a museum clerk with dissociative identity disorder. While dealing with crippling anxiety, Grant gets tied up with an Egyptian conspiracy cult. He accepts the power of an ancient moon god, but struggles to discern dreams from reality. MOON KNIGHT is a TV-14 Disney+ Original Series created by Marvel Studios.

The premiere episode of MOON KNIGHT, “The Goldfish Problem,” offers a promising, yet stunted start. It features some inventive cinematography, a unique premise, and a stellar performance from its lead actor. However, it buckles under the weight of dodgy CGI work, sloppy writing, and one-dimensional villains. MOVIEGUIDE(R) finds the show to be unacceptable.

Before proceeding, this article contains MAJOR SPOILERS.

Steven Grant starts the episode as a mundane museum clerk. He “borrows” a scarab artifact from an exhibit and puts it in his pocket. Later that night, He wakes up in the middle of an Egyptian cult ritual and witnesses a woman’s soul being sucked away. Initially, cult leader Arthur Harrow (Ethan Hawke) orders Grant to give up the scarab artifact. Grant tries to offer the artifact, but a “sarcastic” voice inside his head takes over his bodily functions. Grant loses consciousness for a split second, and then realizes he swiftly killed several of the cult members.

Grant gets into a disjointed, CGI-riddled car chase and barely escapes pursuit. He wakes up back in his apartment, only to discover his “spiritual” voice is his mercenary alter ego, Marc Spector. Grant quickly returns to the museum for answers, but not falling into Harrow’s trap. With nowhere left to run, Spector demands that Grant accepts the magical role of “Moon Knight.” Grant transforms into the white-clad anti-hero. The episode ends with him vanquishing Harrow’s dog monster.

MOON KNIGHT offers a mixed first impression. It has the same competent yet bland cinematography seen in other shows set in the MCU. Its secret weapon is the inventive use of reflections. In the later half of the episode, Grant hallucinates with his own reflections. The mirror doppelgangers scold his cowardice and lack of direction. The copies move on their own when he is not looking, which adds to the isolated atmosphere.  The amount of work needed to composite such scenes is genuinely jaw dropping. If only the writers were as inventive as the cinematography.

MOON KNIGHT stumbles with its questionable writing choices. In terms of worldview, the first episode sets up Grant’s struggles against paganistic forces and his dual personalities. Egyptian magic and gods are established as real. However, the show does not explain what “triggers” the military persona to take over Grant’s body. Grant explains some Egyptian history to a museum visitor, but it is brushed off as dull exposition. The show’s paganistic elements are portrayed as dangerous, but are not given much depth.

For example, the Harrow’s death cult is obsessed with feeding souls to their goddess. The cult wants Grant’s scarab artifact for power. However, Harrow and his goons are as hollow as the villains found on RIVERDALE. They only desire power and their plans to capture Grant are painfully amateur. The “paganistic” themes are more of an afterthought than a worthwhile addition to the show.

In terms of content warning, it is one of the heavier entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In the opening scene, Harrow smashes a glass cup, puts its shattered pieces in his shoes, and proceeds to walk with said shoes. Blood is shown on Grant’s hands during the action scenes. It also sprinkles a dog-mummy creature and claustrophobic chase scenes. The most unique aspect is Grant’s psychological turmoil.

MOON KNIGHT’s saving grace is Oscar Isaac’s superb acting. His character is given the vaguest set up, but he nails the sleep-deprived anxiety of a mentally-split man. Grant usually goes through the motions or stumbling in confusion. He may be knowledgeable in Egyptian lore, but he is not a naturally brave person. He acts genuinely shocked at all the magical chaos, and has trouble calming down his “masochistic” side. The only downside is Grant’s fake British accent. It is just as distracting as Benedict Cumberbatch’s American accent in DOCTOR STRANGE. Nonetheless, Isaac’s excellent performance easily carries an otherwise average script.

In conclusion, MOON KNIGHT debuts to conflicting results. The “psychological horror” angle is unique and Oscar Isaac’s performance is great. Yet, the paganistic themes and over-the-top Egyptian cult are off putting. The visual effects work is sometimes dodgy and the script leaves little surprise. Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe can hope that the next five episodes build upon the untapped potential. For now, MOVIEGUIDE(R) finds the show to be unacceptable.

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.