Constantine: City of Demons

Constantine: City of Demons is an R-rated animated web series that was first released in 2018. Unlike many of DC's slate of animated features, this movie distinguishes itself with an inherent darkness, adult themes, and the raw, murky nature of its protagonist - the encompassingly eccentric magician, John Constantine, voiced by Matt Ryan. The film breathes life into the complex, tortured, and fascinating character of John Constantine in a way that appeals to mature audiences.

The film is based on the comic series Hellblazer published by DC Comics. John Constantine, first introduced to DC readers in 1985, is an unconventionally charming anti-hero who is a seasoned exorcist and demon hunter. However, this film takes a slightly different direction. In this character-driven narrative penned by J.M. DeMatteis, Constantine is emotionally moved and is drawn upon a path of redemption that promises to reveal dimensions of the character never seen before.

The film begins with the brash, cynical, chain-smoking, and magically adept Brit, John Constantine, noticing that his link with the supernatural world and his ability to control it have been gradually taking a toll on his health. Despite the obvious risks he faces due to his failing health and the relentless threat of dark forces, Constantine is summoned by his oldest friend, Chas Chandler, voiced by Damian O'Hare. The plot centers around Constantine's journey to Los Angeles to help his friend whose daughter Trish (voiced by Laura Bailey) is a victim of a mysterious supernatural comatose state.

Constantine: City of Demons is a visceral exploration of John Constantine's world. It delves deeper into the universe of witchcraft, occultism, and the supernatural, setting the stage for a devastatingly personal journey. It threads on grimmer undertones, with carefully constructed plotlines interwoven with moments of striking horror, elevated by an ominously atmospheric score that complements its audacious protagonists and dark thematic elements.

The director of the film, Doug Murphy, remarkably strikes a balance between a stylized noir setting and exorcist-style horror. It features stunning and intricate animation, effectively capturing the macabre tone of the film. The visual aesthetics of the film build a tangible feel of the Constantine universe - dark, grim, and edgy, maintaining an aesthetic that's true to the original source material from DC Comics.

In terms of voice acting, Matt Ryan delivers a standout performance. He has masterfully cultivated the character of Constantine, embodying the conflicted, deeply flawed, but undeniably charismatic anti-hero. The supporting characters, notably Chas Chandler and Asa the Nightmare Nurse, voiced by Laura Bailey, are compelling and add depth to the story.

One of Constantine: City of Demons' main strengths is its strong focus on the emotional depth of its characters. This is not just a supernatural horror flick but also a character drama centered on friendship, guilt, redemption, and sacrifice. Here we see a softer side of Constantine as he wrestles with the guilt of his past - a facet of the character seldom accentuated in many of his previous renditions.

Moreover, the film doesn't shy away from delivering graphic, explicitly violent scenes, separating it from its comic superhero counterparts. The R-rated restrictions allow the creators to showcase a level of brutality that resonates well with Constantine's dark themes and provides an unflinching depiction of the horror elements that define Hellblazer comics.

While the film targets a mature audience, comic book enthusiasts of all ages can find something to delight in due to its deep reverence for the source material. Fans of John Constantine and Hellblazer comics get an exceptional interpretation of their beloved anti-hero's tormented psyche and his grim world in Constantine: City of Demons.

In a nutshell, Constantine: City of Demons is a compelling piece of animation that expertly portrays the darker side of the DC universe. Packed with high-stakes supernatural action, heartbreaking character drama, and an unforgettable storyline it ushers a new era of animated films that dare to delve into darker narratives, proving yet again that DC has a special skill when it comes to animating their deepest characters. It is a riveting, emotional rollercoaster ride into the life of one of DC's most tortured and complex heroes, displaying a rare depth of character not typically seen in the genre.