The Legend of Tarzan

The Legend of Tarzan has built a real following in Australia on Amazon Prime Video and Stan, and in the UK on HBO Max Amazon Channel and Sky Go among viewers who want their sci-fi to think as hard as it looks. The runtime earns every minute, with nothing here that feels like padding. A 6/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Watch it for Alexander Skarsgård — the performance elevates material that could easily tip into self-seriousness. There is no real reason to keep putting it off — it is right there on Amazon Prime Video.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, The Legend of Tarzan is worth clearing space for. The world-building is meticulous, but it is the characters who carry The Legend of Tarzan through its more ambitious moments. Tarzan, having acclimated to life in London, is called back to his former home in the jungle to investigate the activities at a mining encampment. Alexander Skarsgård and Christoph Waltz lead a cast that never lets the concept overwhelm the characters. It was released in 2016. What separates The Legend of Tarzan from lesser genre entertainment is a willingness to let the concept cost the characters something. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

The Legend of Tarzan is satisfying on multiple levels — something to watch and something to think about after. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single evening. Alexander Skarsgård's performance is the anchor the more ambitious moments need. The world-building pays off in ways you will not anticipate on a first watch.