In a genre dominated by larger-than-life heroes, world-ending stakes, and vibrant spectacle, Logan (2017) dared to strip it all back to tell an intimate, deeply human story. Directed by James Mangold, this R-rated entry in the X-Men franchise redefined what a superhero movie could be, offering a sombre, brutal, and heart-wrenching farewell to one of cinema’s most iconic characters.
Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Logan/Wolverine has always been the emotional heart of the X-Men series, but in Logan, his performance reaches new heights. Here we meet a grizzled, broken version of the once-indestructible mutant, his body failing him as his regenerative abilities falter. Set in 2029, the film sees Logan caring for an ailing Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewart) while reluctantly taking on the role of protector for Laura (Dafne Keen), a young girl who shares his powers and fiery temperament.
What makes Logan extraordinary is its willingness to focus on mortality and legacy rather than action and spectacle. This is a film about people, not powers. Mangold draws from classic Westerns like Shane to craft a story steeped in themes of redemption and loss, framing Logan as the reluctant hero who must confront his past to secure a future for those he loves. The result is a narrative that feels grounded and authentic, even in its most fantastical moments.
Hugh Jackman delivers what might be the performance of his career, embodying Logan’s pain, weariness, and reluctant hope with a rawness that’s nothing short of devastating. Patrick Stewart, too, is magnificent, portraying Xavier not as the wise mentor we’ve come to know, but as a vulnerable, frail man grappling with his own failing mind. Their dynamic is the beating heart of the film, a poignant exploration of how even the strongest among us are not immune to the ravages of time.
Dafne Keen, in her breakout role as Laura, is a revelation. Without much dialogue, she conveys fierce determination, vulnerability, and a feral intensity that mirrors Jackman’s own portrayal of Wolverine. Her relationship with Logan is tender and tumultuous, a reluctant bond that blossoms into something profoundly moving by the film’s end.
Visually, Logan is stunning in its simplicity. Cinematographer John Mathieson opts for naturalistic lighting and muted tones, giving the film a gritty, almost melancholic aesthetic. The action sequences, while brutal and unflinching, are never gratuitous; every slash and stab serves the story, underscoring the stakes and the characters’ desperation. The film’s R-rating isn’t just a gimmick—it’s integral to the authenticity of its world.
Perhaps most strikingly, Logan doesn’t shy away from finality. In a genre known for endless sequels and reboots, this film embraces its conclusion with grace and resolve. Logan’s journey is one of sacrifice, and the film’s final moments are as devastating as they are cathartic. As Laura stands over his grave, echoing the words of Shane, we are reminded of the cost of heroism and the enduring power of legacy.
Revisiting Logan in 2025, it remains a masterstroke of storytelling—a film that transcends its genre to deliver a poignant meditation on ageing, family, and the inevitability of change. It’s a reminder that even the mightiest heroes are, at their core, human, and it’s this humanity that makes Logan unforgettable.
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