Tomb Raider (2018) is a gritty reboot of the iconic video game franchise, aiming for a more grounded and realistic take on Lara Croft. Instead of an already-legendary adventurer, the film focuses on the origin story of Lara, showing how she earns the title of Tomb Raider through pain, failure, and stubborn survival.
Detailed Summary
A Lara Croft Before the Legend
The movie introduces Lara Croft (Alicia Vikander) as a fiercely independent but directionless young woman in London. She refuses to accept her inheritance after the disappearance of her father, Lord Richard Croft, believing that acknowledging his death would make it real. She works as a bike courier and lives modestly, deliberately avoiding the Croft legacy.
This grounded beginning emphasizes that this Lara is not yet a hero, but someone running from her past.
The Puzzle of Richard Croft
After being arrested following a bike accident, Lara is forced to confront legal documents concerning her inheritance. This leads her to a secret room left behind by her father, containing clues about his final research. Richard Croft was obsessed with Himiko, a mythical Japanese queen rumored to control death itself.
Against legal advice and common sense, Lara decides to uncover the truth behind her father’s disappearance.
Journey to the Island of Yamatai
Lara travels to Hong Kong and hires a reluctant captain, Lu Ren (Daniel Wu), whose father disappeared on the same expedition as Richard Croft. Together, they head toward the mysterious island of Yamatai, a place surrounded by deadly storms and shipwrecks.
Unsurprisingly, things go wrong fast. Their ship is destroyed, and Lara is washed ashore, separated from Lu Ren. From this moment on, the film shifts into full survival mode, emphasizing Lara’s physical endurance and mental resilience.
Trinity and the Living Nightmare
On Yamatai, Lara is captured by Trinity, a shadowy organization led by the ruthless Mathias Vogel (Walton Goggins). Trinity has been searching for Himiko’s tomb for years, unable to unlock its secrets without Croft bloodline knowledge.
Lara discovers that Richard Croft is still alive, imprisoned by Trinity. The reunion is emotional but short-lived, as the dangers of Himiko’s tomb grow increasingly real.
The Tomb of Himiko
Inside the tomb, the truth about Himiko is revealed. She was not a supernatural goddess but a carrier of a deadly biological pathogen, capable of killing anyone she touched. Her followers sealed her away to protect the world.
This revelation reframes the myth into science-based horror, reinforcing the film’s realistic tone.
Movie Ending
In the final act, Mathias steals Himiko’s remains, believing he can weaponize the virus. Lara and her father chase him through the collapsing tomb. During the confrontation, Mathias becomes infected and dies almost instantly, proving the true danger of Himiko’s legacy.
Richard Croft realizes that the only way to stop Trinity from ever using the virus is to destroy the tomb entirely. In a deeply emotional moment, he sacrifices himself, ensuring the collapse of the chamber and trapping Himiko’s remains forever.
Lara escapes the island with Lu Ren, carrying the emotional weight of her father’s death but also a sense of closure. Back in London, she finally accepts her inheritance, not as a symbol of privilege but as a responsibility.
The film ends with Lara purchasing her iconic dual pistols, strongly signaling her transformation into the Tomb Raider we know. The ending clearly sets up future films, especially with hints that Trinity is far from defeated.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
There is no post-credits scene. However, the final moments of the movie act as a soft tease for a sequel, making additional scenes unnecessary.
Type of Movie
Tomb Raider (2018) is an action-adventure film with strong elements of survival thriller and mystery. It leans more toward realism than fantasy, focusing on physical danger, ancient history, and personal growth.
Cast
- Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft
- Walton Goggins as Mathias Vogel
- Daniel Wu as Lu Ren
- Dominic West as Richard Croft
- Kristin Scott Thomas as Ana Miller
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Junkie XL (Tom Holkenborg). His music blends tribal percussion with modern electronic elements, reinforcing the film’s intense survival atmosphere rather than epic heroism.
Filming Locations
The film was shot in South Africa, England, and Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden.
South Africa’s landscapes doubled for the island of Yamatai, offering rugged terrain, jungles, and waterfalls that enhanced the movie’s harsh survival tone. The real-world environments helped ground the action and reduced reliance on CGI.
Awards and Nominations
While not a major awards contender, the film received nominations for:
- Best Actress in an Action Movie (Alicia Vikander) at various genre awards
- Technical nominations for visual effects and stunt coordination
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Alicia Vikander trained extensively in rock climbing, MMA, archery, and weightlifting to physically match the role.
- Many of Lara’s stunts were performed practically rather than digitally.
- The filmmakers intentionally avoided supernatural elements to differentiate this reboot from earlier adaptations.
- Walton Goggins described his character as “not evil, just desperate,” influencing his restrained performance.
Inspirations and References
The film is heavily inspired by the 2013 Tomb Raider video game reboot, rather than the earlier Angelina Jolie films. That game emphasized vulnerability, survival, and transformation, all of which are central themes in the movie.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Some deleted scenes reportedly expanded Richard Croft’s moral ambiguity and Trinity’s global influence. These were removed to keep the story focused on Lara’s emotional journey. No fully alternate ending was filmed.
Book Adaptations and Differences
This is not a book adaptation but a video game adaptation. Compared to the games:
- The movie removes mystical powers entirely.
- Lara is more inexperienced and physically vulnerable.
- Trinity is less developed than in later games, likely reserved for sequels.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Lara’s plane crash and waterfall escape, establishing her survival instincts
- The first reveal of Himiko’s tomb
- Richard Croft’s final sacrifice
- Lara purchasing her iconic pistols in the final scene
Iconic Quotes
- “I’m not that kind of Croft.” – Lara
- “This tomb must never be opened.” – Richard Croft
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Lara’s climbing axe closely resembles the one from the 2013 game
- The Croft Manor puzzle mirrors early-game mechanics
- Trinity’s symbol appears subtly in documents and uniforms throughout the film
Trivia
- Alicia Vikander gained significant muscle mass specifically for the role
- The film rebooted the franchise entirely, ignoring previous movie continuity
- The production aimed to appeal equally to gamers and non-gamers
Why Watch?
If you prefer origin stories with emotional depth, grounded action, and a protagonist who earns every victory, Tomb Raider (2018) is worth your time. It’s less about spectacle and more about transformation.
Director’s Other Works (Movies)
- Cold Prey (2006)
- The Wave (2015)
- Troll (2022)
