Marvel delivers a character-driven comic book film that lays the groundwork for what’s coming next!
by Rosa Para
The MCU’s next entry, the highly anticipated “Thunderbolts,” directed by Jake Schreier, presents a character-driven narrative. The film features an impressive cast including Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Lewis Pullman, Wyatt Russell, and Sebastian Stan, among others. It follows an unlikely team on a mission that forces them to confront their inner demons.
A few weeks ago at CinemaCon, we were shown footage of this film, which made it into the final edit. With context, it offers an entirely new perspective. As I mentioned in my initial social media reaction, I had a complete blast with this film! I was captivated by its emotional depth. This superhero movie prioritizes character exploration and their darkest pasts, which was refreshing to see.
Florence Pugh’s Yelena serves as the heartbeat of this story, delivering a performance that is both relatable and heartbreaking. David Harbour’s Alexei adds comedy and emotional depth, while Lewis Pullman’s Bob provides a strong presence. Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Valentina plays a conventional, corrupt CIA director; her performance is adequate but not as impactful as others. Together, the group dynamic works well, with their chemistry developing slowly but ultimately bonding them through their shared loneliness.
Like every MCU film, there are action sequences, large sets, stunts, explosions, and all the blockbuster elements you would expect. However, this film primarily focuses on the characters and their emotional struggles. Yelena, as the team’s leader, is a significant character. The team is named after her childhood sports team, and she has a familial connection to the original Avengers. Her leadership is not just a title; it reflects her journey and the bond she shares with her team.
In addition to exploring themes of depression, grief, loneliness, and the importance of companionship and family, the film highlights various political tensions that resonate with contemporary issues. It illustrates how people in power manipulate individuals against each other while those same individuals are exploited to carry out the dirty work. Yelena isn’t merely a fictional character who is “moping” about her life; she represents many veterans trained to carry out assassinations in other countries who must grapple with PTSD. The movie addresses themes of emotional acknowledgment, the search for purpose, and reconciling with the past, making these characters relatable.
Are there cliché moments? Certainly! It’s an MCU film after all. Some dialogue isn’t its strongest, and the reshoots are evident in certain scenes. Nonetheless, it is executed well enough to be both moving and entertaining.
Overall, “Thunderbolts” is a character-driven comic book film that lays the groundwork for what’s coming next in this phase of the MCU. Wonderfully acted and exploring dark themes, this group of misfits is not only relatable but also fantastic!
Rating: 8/10