[Review] Bright (2017): A Misguided Ugly Attempt at Fantasy Worldbuilding by Thomas Mariani

Will Smith reunites with David Ayer to create Netflix's first "blockbuster" original, Bright (2017). With a $90M estimated budget, the fantasy horror cop thriller is a bold move for the streaming company. The film also features Joel Edgerton, Noomi Rapace, Edgar Ramirez, and Lucy Fry in key roles. Set in an alternate universe where man co-exists with fantasy creatures such as elves, fairies, and orcs, Daryl Ward (Smith), a human cop, is forced to partner with Nick Jakoby (Edgerton), the first orc policeman in a tale that involves a magic wand and the threat of the return of the "dark lord." Splicing together the fantasy creatures of Lord of the Rings with a gritty buddy cop story ala Bad Boys, Ayer has his heroes alternating between battling corrupt cops, facing down a gang of orc thugs, and fighting to survive the attacks of magical elves.