Warning: Full spoilers for Episode 1 of Daredevil: Born Again ahead.
The Netflix series Daredevil made a name for itself with its impressive “oners”—long, uninterrupted camera takes that keep you glued to the action. It all began with the famous hallway fight in Season 1. Now, Daredevil: Born Again picks up that tradition with an intense fight in Episode 1 featuring Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) battling Dex Poindexter/Bullseye (Wilson Bethel). The camera follows their epic struggle through Josie’s Bar, up flights of stairs, and across rooftops, weaving back to Karen (Deborah Ann Woll) as she supports the dying Foggy (Elden Henson). It’s packed with action.
Directors Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead admitted that following the legacy of the original show’s iconic single takes was daunting. They felt the pressure to reach those high standards while crafting new sequences that could stand out.
“How do we reach that high bar they set for acting and drama?” Moorhead pondered. “We’re filmmakers who love oners, but watching the original show for guidance was intimidating.” They even missed the chance to consult with Cox about the choreography of the stunning prison scene in Season 3. “There’s pressure to get it right,” he added.
Benson explained how they approached the camera work with a philosophy they called “train tracks of fate.” This concept involved treating the camera as a knowing observer of events, enhancing the tension and sense of doom in their storytelling.
“Thank God for our action director Phil Silvera,” Benson said. “We wanted a specific camera style for this fight, one that doesn’t just chase after the action but adds an emotional depth.” The camera becomes an entity that knows the grim outcomes awaiting the characters, creating a unique experience for viewers. You can feel the weight of impending disaster as the fight unfolds.
Charlie Cox agreed, stating that opening the season with this intense scene deepens the storytelling. “If this happened later in the season, it could feel more chaotic, like anything could happen. Early on, though, it foreshadows doom and sets the tone for what’s to come.”
This blend of skilled direction and layered storytelling promises an exciting season ahead. What did you think of the fight in Episode 1? Share your thoughts below!