The third installment in the Dan Brown film series, following The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons, Inferno once again brings Tom Hanks back as Robert Langdon, the renowned symbologist. Directed by Ron Howard, the film centers around Langdon's quest to prevent the collapse of humanity—a problem posed by a scientist who believes overpopulation will soon trigger an irreversible global disaster. But the film's central premise, involving a virus to "reset" the world, quickly becomes muddled and difficult to follow, leaving audiences questioning its logic and purpose.
As with Brown's previous stories, the film races through intellectual puzzles, Renaissance paintings, and cryptic symbols, all while moving at a breakneck pace. However, unlike the gripping mysteries of The Da Vinci Code, Inferno feels more like a routine "ticking clock" thriller, with Langdon tossed into action sequences that lack tension or excitement. While the puzzles are still front and center, the film often feels like it's running in circles, missing the intrigue that once captivated audiences.
Tom Hanks brings his usual level of dedication to the role, but his portrayal of Langdon continues to feel one-dimensional—more a vehicle for exposition than a truly developed character. His co-star, Felicity Jones, plays Sienna Brooks, a doctor who becomes embroiled in the race to prevent humanity's extinction. Unfortunately, her character lacks depth and is relegated to the role of a sidekick in a film that fails to provide much development for its characters.
The supporting cast, including Omar Sy, Irrfan Khan, and Ben Foster, do their best with limited material. Khan, in particular, offers a more intriguing character, but his role is ultimately underutilized. The movie's greatest strength lies in its gorgeous locations, from Florence to Istanbul, but even the beautiful backdrops can't save Inferno from its incoherent narrative and lackluster direction. Ron Howard's approach feels less organic than his past works, such as Rush, and the pacing lacks the energy needed to make the film engaging.
Ultimately, Inferno feels like a missed opportunity to follow up on the success of its predecessors. The stakes are high, but the execution is low, making for a forgettable experience that fails to live up to the intellectual excitement of its source material.
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