Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Movie Analysis

An often overlooked part of our lives are our mentors and the role that mentorship plays  in shaping us as people and how they influence our thought processes and values. The film, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse strongly emphasizes this by depicting how mentors and role models constantly influence us throughout the uphill journey, as we see with Miles. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is an animated-action film directed by Peter Ramsey, Bob Persichetti, and Rodney Rothman. The story follows a young Brooklyn boy, Miles Morales, who struggles with his transition from living a normal life into being a hero after his newfound powers distort the two - creating a jarring mosaic that he struggles to pave his way through. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse showcases that having a mentor figure - someone to look to in both the regular and irregular, good and bad - is crucial in gaining a better understanding, receiving reassurance, and gathering the right insight from someone trustworthy and knowledgeable. This shows that mentors are those that can be defined and held accountable by their words and actions. 

The two contrasting figures in Miles’ life, both playing paternal roles from different angles, are Jefferson and Aaron - his father and uncle respectively. Jefferson Davis avidly puts pressure on his son to be his best and confines him into a box of his expectations that leaves Miles trying to break free, often to no avail. This is evident when Davis and Miles are in the car together, driving to his new "elitist" school, as referred to by Miles. Miles is reluctant to attend and comments on his lack of choice, “It doesn’t feel like I have a choice right now.” It is indicative of Jefferson’s lack of concern, how he does not take into consideration the feelings and thoughts of Miles. Confirming what we know, he replies, “You don’t.” This relationship between father and son, the dialogue itself demonstrates just how disconnected the two are. Their communication is ineffective and creates holes in their bond. Davis cares about success and all the opportunities presented to Miles; he’s far less uptight and strict on him, as opposed to Jerrsorson. Contrary to the tough-love and sternness provided by his father, Aaron encourages and enables Miles to do what he enjoys and actively participates in his passions. He directs his advice towards things that interest Miles rather than things that might benefit him. A conversation that took place between them surrounded Miles' new crush, "You know about the shoulder touch?" Aaron asked his nephew, teaching him about ways to approach the girl. This signifies the difference between the two brothers, neither of them carry balance and do not unite the multiple faces to being a parent - one too strict and the other too much like a friend. As mentors, this influences Miles to rebel, be disobedient and lean toward Uncle Aaron in  tough situations.

Gwen Stacy taught both the audience and Miles that guidance comes in many forms - not only through the older and wiser, but also through those that are young and similar to us. Alongside the rest of the group, she jumps to help and guide Miles through the loss of his Uncle Aaron, relating to and showing the young boy that he is not alone with her own loss, "For me it was my best friend." These words help Miles realize and understand that being a hero, being Spider-Man, brings along the pain of losing people. Although it hurts and will continue to be a thought on his mind for a long while, possibly forever, he needs to move past and do the job he was chosen to do. Through this conversation, he learns just how deep his responsibilities run. That the blame that he faces over the dear death of his beloved uncle continues to face even past the resolution comes with his role. He learns that he can't save everyone. This is amplified when Gwen also states, "I know how hard this is, to figure stuff out on your own." This helps both the audience and Miles come to terms with and recognize that he is not alone, that all the other Spider-People have struggled with that same initial starting point and can assist him in his voyage. Stacy continues to say, "It's kinda nice not being the only spider person around." Wrapped in a bundle with everything else said, comfort and warmth surround Miles. Now, he also knows that she considers him as Spider-Man and not someone struggling to and failing at being Spider-Man. All in all, Gwen played a substantial role in guiding Miles through the difficulty of adjusting to his newly discovered part in this large world. Despite being very close to his own age, she was able to help him through her own past experiences and relate better to his circumstances. 

Peter B. Parker is an essential part of the development and growth Miles has, both as Spider-Man and a teen boy learning to navigate the workings of reality. Whenever Miles is confronted with tough questions, Parker is quick to share his own advice but never sugarcoated and instead is often the hard-hitting actuality. This is evident when Miles asks a question he’s been struggling with throughout the movie, “When will I know I’m ready?” He continuously battles with his powers and duty in becoming spiderman, not believing in his abilities. To this, Peter responds in a straightforward manner, “You won’t.” Two simple, yet hard-hitting words that tell Miles what he needs to hear. He is still grasping what it means to be a hero and these words help him realize that it’s not possible to know when you’re ready to begin fighting for justice. To extenuate the severity of this direction, this advice would be to set Miles up for failure. Continuing on, Peter B. Parker states, “It’s a leap of faith.” This further elaborates on the uncertainty of knowing, how Miles will not know if he’s ready until he takes the jump and figures it out first-hand. These words are not just metaphorical, but also literal. Literally, his physical jumping off the building into the unknown depths of New York City’s darkness is what proves both his determination and readiness. Parker then adds, “That’s all it is, Miles.” The phrasing of this shows that Parker is speaking from his own past exposure and feelings he has spiraled in, telling of his own experience transitioning into Spider-Man. Repeating his point for the sake of emphasizing its significance, “A leap of faith.” Peter uses his personal experience to help Miles, assisting him in making sense of a new, unexplainable world. Also, this shows how there are varying degrees of how relatable and trustworthy mentors are. To receive strong advice, it´s necessary for your confidant and mentor to understand and know what you are feeling. If they haven't been through a similar situation themselves, who is to say they know what they are talking about? In this conversation, Miles gains a deeper insight into the expectations he needs to set and follow in the process of becoming Spider-Man. Without Peter B. Parker, Miles would not have been able to make sense of the situation as easily. 

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse explores the concept of mentorship and the aspects of its importance. We see how crucial it is with the receiving of reassurance, knowledgeable insight, and understanding. These are demonstrated and amplified with relatable, experienced, and caring mentors - all of whom play different roles and help Miles realize and grow different pieces of himself, the resolution representing an almost-fully built puzzle of identity.