The MCU Villains
Kilgrave was introduced to our TV screens through the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The production of Jessica Jones was announced after the successful release of Netflix’s Daredevil in 2015, owing to the show's success with audiences. Both of which were very different from anything we had experienced from Marvel until that point in time. Over the last four years, the universe TV universe has experienced the additions of Luke Cage and Iron Fists. While Daredevil had its own unique villain through Wilson Fisk or Kingpin, a villain under the belief of being the hero of Hell’s Kitchen, Jessica Jones brought us a very different villain all together.
Jessica Jones, portrayed by Krysten Ritter, is a private detective who experiences an emotionally grueling arc throughout the season, spurred on by the antagonist. This series tackled many adult themes, with a mature rating already showing it to not belong to the group of Marvel films which are marketed towards a younger audience.
Kilgrave, portrayed by the Scottish actor David Tennant, was clearly set apart. The MCU has experience criticism in recent years for their lack of compelling, complex villains. Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston, from the Thor franchise being the general exception. Vincent D’Onofrio’s version of Wilson Fisk did raise the bar, but when broken down an unpredictable mob boss an entirely new concept. This isn't a negative thing, I still enjoy watching his character's journey in the Daredevil series.
Kilgrave
Kilgrave’s abilities are unique and terrifying. His character’s goal is as equally terrify, assisted by how personal, attainable it is. His approach to achieve his goal is captivating and maintains the pacing of the second half the season. Tennant’s performance should also be highly praised as he perfectly imbues Kilgrave with both charm and repulsion, creating arguably the richest villain character since Loki. At least in my humble opinion.
The Compelling Devil
Mind control is not by any means new to the MCU, shown through Loki in The Avengers and even the DC Universe has mind-controlling villains such as Gorilla Grodd on The Flash. However, Kilgrave brings a new, more sinister element to the power of mind control. Usually, mind-controlled victims become a sort of mindless zombies, whose actions are no longer their own, Kilgrave’s control is more subtle.
Kilgrave works through specific demands, meaning that his victims don’t alter their normal day-to-day actions making them impossible to discern from their usual selves. Meaning, when he is near anyone is a potential threat. My personal worst nightmare. The specificity of Kilgrave’s commands give unimaginable control over his victims, for instance in the first season you witness commanding a man to stand in front of a fence forever and had a woman slice another woman they care about 1,000 times. His commands must be carried out to the letter, as demonstrated in the video above. His power of persuasion, meaning a mere suggestion has the power to change an entire person. With this power comes Kilgrave’s unpredictability. Anyone who is capable of hearing him is in danger. This removal of free will can last for mere moments of years, either way, it is truly horrifying.
His delight in using them only makes it more disconcerting, however, Tennant’s performance in the police station has Kilgrave become alarmingly alluring. Even without his powers, he draws you in with pleas and promises that make him somehow appealing.
And once we get past the charismatic charm of Kilgrave, you discover a spoiled brat who wishes to indulge his every whim. Not surprising from someone who is used to getting what he wants with only a slight suggestion of it. As an audience you find yourself pitying the man.
The last compelling element of this memorable character is the motivations behind his actions. Spoilers ahead. He isn’t after world domination or revenge; he is in the search for Jessica Jones’ love as he believed he has come to love her. Once he fails in his personal pursuit, he proceeds to unmask himself to be more of a spoiled child rather than a charismatic man. He throws a tantrum and seeks to destroy Jessica instead. If he can’t have her, no one will. After years of torment and trauma suffered at the hands of Kilgrave’s compulsion, the final encounter between the two characters becomes even more intense. The singular choice of killing Kilgrave to end his destruction only emphasises the danger he brings. His death feels earned, but I can’t help but feel disappointed that we shan’t see any more of the compelling villain in the show. His lasting impact on fans of Jessica Jones is all we can ask for from our villains, right?
Who is your MCU villain? Do you agree with Netflix canceling this part of the MCU franchise? Let me know in the comments below!