‘Thunderbolts*’ arrives like a breath of fresh air in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While firmly rooted in the MCU timeline, it confidently crafts its own space and tone.
A fresh identity in the MCU
With bold narrative choices, redefined characters, and a less formulaic approach, the film stands apart from the franchise’s recent misfires. It reimagines familiar heroes while introducing a new one, offering a story that feels both intimate and impactful. In doing so, it manages to restore some of the credibility and excitement the MCU lost after ‘Avengers: Endgame.’ Director Jack Schreier strikes a fine balance between emotional depth, sharp humour, and compelling action, wrapping it all in a plot that feels refreshingly self-contained yet promising for the future.
A mission unravels
The film opens with Valentina De Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfuss) in crisis, facing the threat of impeachment. Long known as the shadowy mastermind behind various covert superhero black-ops missions, she’s now racing to destroy all traces of her involvement.
She enlists former allies—Yelena (Florence Pugh), Ava (Hannah John-Kamen), and John Walker (Wyatt Russell)—to destroy the evidence. But at the location, things take an unexpected turn. The trio begins to suspect they’ve been manipulated all along.
There, they also encounter Bob (Lewis Pullman), a man with no idea how he arrived except for a vague memory of being drugged as part of the Sentry experiment—an effort to create a new kind of super-soldier. His presence becomes a major turning point, hinting at a larger conspiracy and unveiling the emotional and ethical weight behind the mission.
Exploring emotional depth and darkness
What sets ‘Thunderbolts*’ apart from most Marvel films is its willingness to dig beneath the surface. These characters aren’t flawless heroes—they’re broken, burdened by regret, and grappling with past mistakes.
That emotional heaviness gives the film a more grounded, human quality. It leans into darker territory, exploring the cost of heroism and the lingering trauma from years of violence and manipulation.
Despite a runtime slightly over two hours, the film never feels overstuffed. Thanks to a tight, well-paced screenplay, it manages to tell a character-driven story while keeping the stakes high. A standout moment is the transformation of Bob into the Sentry—a sequence that’s not only visually impressive but also reveals the kind of immense, unpredictable power that redefines the dynamics of the MCU.
Standout performances and character dynamics
The performances are consistently strong, with Florence Pugh leading the pack. As Yelena, she delivers a pitch-perfect blend of vulnerability, wit, and strength.
Whether exchanging banter or confronting her past, she’s completely in control of the character. Her scenes with Lewis Pullman—playing the unsure but powerful Bob—bring surprising emotional depth and standout chemistry.
David Harbour returns as Alexei, Yelena’s eccentric father, and injects comic relief without undercutting the gravity of the story. For more of David Harbour, don’t miss the end credits.
Pullman, as the conflicted new superhero, is a welcome addition who makes an immediate impact. Sebastian Stan, reprising his role as Bucky Barnes, brings quiet intensity and gravitas. But it’s Julia Louis-Dreyfuss as Valentina who truly commands attention. Cold, calculating, and always two steps ahead, she brings a villainous charisma that lingers long after the credits roll.
Imperfect heroes and a promising future
While this film successfully builds an emotional core around Yelena and Bob, it does leave some characters underexplored. Ava and Walker, for instance, feel slightly sidelined, with limited arcs. However, the film deserves praise for moving away from spectacle-driven storytelling and leaning into character psychology.
It tackles complex issues like mental health and isolation—making the narrative resonate beyond typical genre beats.
The result is a story about outcasts brought together by circumstance, learning to trust and believe in something larger than themselves. It’s a reminder that even in a world of superheroes, it’s the deeply flawed, human moments that matter most. For long-time MCU fans disillusioned by its recent output, ‘Thunderbolts*’ is more than just a good movie—it’s a reason to care again.
Cast: Florence Pugh, Lewis Pullman, Wyatt Russell, Hannah John-Kamen, David Harbour, and Julia Louis-Dreyfuss Director: Jake Schreier Rating: 4/5
(‘Thunderbolts*’ is running in theatres)
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