This is Casting Critiques, where we analyze whether an actor fits their role or how their performance ranks. Today, we’re looking at Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft in Tomb Raider (2018). Vikander is a strong choice for the role, capturing Lara’s grit and physicality—though inconsistent writing weakens her portrayal.
Casting & Characterization
Like Angelina Jolie before her, Alicia Vikander is a near-perfect casting choice for Lara Croft. While I personally would have gone with Daisy Ridley, Vikander embodies many of the qualities that make Lara compelling—intelligence, resilience, and sheer determination. As this iteration is based on the younger, more grounded reboot version of the character, Vikander brings an authenticity that fits well.
When the film focuses on survival, struggle, and resourcefulness—especially once she reaches the island—she completely sells the role. The action sequences feel intense, and Vikander's physicality and performance make Lara’s journey believable. However, the first part of the movie struggles to establish her character properly. The bike-racing scene and other antics don’t feel like Lara Croft and make for a weak introduction.
Despite this, when the film shifts into the adventure setting, she shines. She handles the physicality of the role well, and her chemistry with other characters is solid. Vikander has both the beauty and the edge needed to portray Lara effectively.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Writing & Character Development
The biggest problem with Vikander’s Lara Croft isn’t her portrayal—it’s the writing. The first act attempts to set up her character, but instead of crafting a compelling, adventurous introduction, it wastes time with unnecessary antics like bike racing. This makes her feel out of place as Lara Croft early on.
However, once the film places her in a survival situation—fighting against armed men, navigating dwindling supplies, and braving the elements—the writing significantly improves. This is where we see the real Lara Croft: resourceful, determined, and willing to make difficult choices.
Like with Jolie’s version, the problem isn’t the actress—it’s the story. The film should focus on what makes Lara iconic: discovering tombs, solving ancient mysteries, and navigating treacherous landscapes. Instead, it takes too long to get her there, making the adventure feel delayed rather than natural.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Character Design & Costume
Visually, Vikander’s Lara Croft is a strong match for the rebooted version of the character. While she may not be an exact lookalike, she has the presence, acting ability, and physicality to pull it off. Her costume closely resembles her in-game counterpart, particularly in its practicality—no exaggerated Hollywood glam, just a rugged, adventure-ready outfit.
The film also does an excellent job of showcasing Lara’s weapons, particularly the bow and climbing pickaxe, both of which are signature tools from the reboot games. These elements help reinforce that this is Tomb Raider’s Lara Croft, even if the story sometimes loses sight of that.
The action sequences are well-shot, allowing Vikander to showcase her agility and combat skills. She moves like Lara Croft, fights like her, and carries herself with the confidence and intelligence the role demands. Overall, while the first act does her no favors, once she’s in the adventure setting, everything visually and physically clicks into place.
Rating: 5 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Alicia Vikander delivers a strong Lara Croft, embodying the role’s physicality and intensity. However, inconsistent writing undermines her portrayal, particularly in the first act. When the film lets her be Tomb Raider’s Lara—resourceful, determined, and fearless—she shines. The problem isn’t Vikander; it’s the story failing to fully embrace the character. The overall verdict is 4 out of 5.
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