by Rosa Parra
The latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” has finally been released. I have to admit a few things: I’m approaching this film without having seen any previous versions of the Fantastic Four and without having read any comic books. Therefore, this film serves as my introduction to these characters.
Directed by Matt Shakman and starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Julia Garner and Ralph Ineson. Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world. The film follows Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm as they face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus’ plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren’t bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal. (Per IMDB)
Where do I begin? I absolutely loved this film! It beautifully depicts family, human kindness, and hope. Aesthetically, it is phenomenally executed. The use of a grainy, slightly desaturated color palette, along with the aspect ratio during television scenes, adds depth to the visuals. Additionally, the costumes and production design are perfectly suited to the era.
The cast is simply perfect! Pedro Pascal excels as Reed Richards, while Joseph Quinn portrays a younger, sometimes overlooked member of the group. Moss-Bachrach brings a tenderness to his rough exterior. However, it is Vanessa Kirby who delivers the strongest performance. She embodies what many women experience daily—being a wife, sister, and friend. Eventually, she becomes a mother who is willing to go to any lengths to protect her family. Her performance reminded me that the greatest superpower of all is motherhood. Kirby was truly exquisite. When I grow up, I want to be Sue Storm!
The antagonists in the film were quite menacing. Galactus was particularly intimidating, and I felt genuine fear for every character. Silver Surfer also served as a compelling antagonist, with an interesting storyline. Additionally, Paul Walter Hauser’s portrayal of Mole Man was a standout; every moment he was on screen was truly golden. Michael Giacchino’s score was memorable and added to the overall experience.
What struck me the most was the aspect of parenthood. The initial reactions upon discovering the pregnancy felt incredibly real. I found the journey through pregnancy and the “nesting” period adorable to witness, as it brought back memories of my own experiences of being pregnant. Baby-proofing the home, conducting various tests to ensure the baby’s health, and doubting my ability to parent were all relatable feelings. The arrival of the baby brings both parents (and uncles too) a deeper sense of purpose.
The delivery scene was quite traumatic; I could really feel her pain. Once the baby is born, a mother is willing to do anything to protect her child—she would go to any lengths for her family. I was particularly moved by the portrayal of a mother finding strength from deep within, to the point of breaking. There was also a funny car seat joke that felt relatable, especially considering that these men had just saved the world yet still struggled to install a car seat in a vehicle.
The overall story was compelling and effectively intertwined the two parallel storylines, culminating in a beautiful intersection. In the post-credit scene of “Thunderbolts,” we saw a spaceship that hinted at the foursome entering the MCU. This may have given the false impression that the film lacked stakes, but that is absolute nonsense. The stakes could not have been higher, and I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire third act. I experienced a roller coaster of emotions; one moment I was laughing, and the next I was serious and concerned for the well-being of the characters. By the end of the third act, I was emotionally moved and completely engrossed in this movie.
Overall, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is a fantastic film that explores themes of family, heroism, and parenthood. It’s presented with heartfelt storytelling, stunning visuals, and emotional depth. The movie serves as a beautiful tribute to parents who strive to create a better future for their children. It’s a strong addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Rating: 10/10.