Connor isn't even solemn, he's just around people who treat him like shit, marginalize and use him, and don't respect his culture, they had an entire side quest dedicated to showing his character around people who don't do that.
The writing isn't even terrible, her progression as a fearful college student interested in archaelogy who's forced to survive and fight for her life
to determined woman who actively seeks adventure, doesn't take shit from anybody and is genuinely interested in learning the world's secrets makes complete sense.
just based on her body language, tone, and expressions alone.
Agreed.
I like the new Lara Croft, and I think Camilla Luddington does a great job. One of the challenges with how they're portraying her is that her character arc is across games, not within them. So although she is changing, it is slow, and it is only most noticeable when one advances to the sequel.