Thunderbolts* features not only two outstanding performances from Florence Pugh and Lewis Pullman, but a deeply profound and affecting exploration of mental health that more than differentiates the film from every other superhero film ever made, building an emotional honesty that elevates every its aspect to deliver a rousing spectacular that reinforces the might of Marvel!

 

Ever since Avengers: Endgame, Marvel Studios has been trying to recapture the thunderous reaction it had in The Infinity Saga, both on the big and small screen. While some titles such as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Spider-Man: No Way Home and WandaVision have been met with great praise from both fans and critics alike, others have struggled to recapture that early magic that made the Marvel Cinematic Universe a dominating franchise in Hollywood. With only two films left before Avengers: Doomsday, it feels like Marvel is at a crossroads relying on the Thunderbolts and Fantastic Four teams to breathe fresh life into the series. And not only did the Thunderbolts answer the call, but they deliver a film full of Marvel spectacle that harkens back to the films of Phase 1 that built the studio. Focusing heavily on the characters within this film and less concerned about connecting to the various other projects within the shared universe, Thunderbolts* embraces its small scale story and builds a phenomenal dynamic between its heroes to deliver an exciting, hilarious and deeply moving experience that makes for one of the studio’s strongest and most human films to date.

 

Superhero films have a reputation for world ending stakes, massive battles and larger than life stories that deliver a big screen extravaganza in every sense of the word. While there is nothing wrong with this, it often causes the individual character stories to get lost in the shuffle, sadly placing the personal struggles of our heroes in the background. But Thunderbolts* does the opposite, and that is what makes it stand out amongst not only recent Marvel Cinematic Universe films, but superhero films in general. Focusing on a rag-tag team of antiheroes featuring Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, John Walker, Alexei Shostakov, Ava Starr, and Antonia Dreykov who find themselves caught in a deadly trap set by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, the film forces these anti-heroes to work together to survive while facing their greatest enemy: the darkest corners of their past. 

 

Reminiscent of Reservoir Dogs at times, the narrative that the film follows is not overly complex in terms of scale, delivering some fantastic set pieces throughout that capture the excitement and action that audiences have come to expect from Marvel. But, what makes Thunderbolts* a true winner is the manner in which it digs deep into each of the characters’ individual arcs and psyche, and the relationship amongst them. Grappling with themes of depression, addiction, mental health and the consequences of their actions, what unfolds is a profound and moving discussion as our heroes are forced to not only come to terms with their own inner demons, but band together to find the courage to overcome them. It's personal to the characters, with the emotional beats easily connecting with audiences and providing a story that they can not only relate to, but also inspires them to find that inner strength within us all and choose light over darkness. Not only is this the heartbeat of the entire first two films, it plays perfectly into the climatic events of the third act, doing away with the typical massive brawl and conjuring up an emotional charged resolution of each individual character arc within the context of a unique set piece as they truly come together as the titular team. It feels like the smaller character driven stories of Phase 1, instantly recapturing that lightning in a bottle energy that excites viewers and results in one thoroughly entertaining blockbuster experience.

 

While not its focus, there are still nods to the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe sprinkled throughout the film. Beyond the usual post credit scene teasing the future of the series, of which the second one features an important piece of the story that will no doubt play into the setup for Avengers: Doomsday, there are nods to events of the series past while Valentina’s larger role is finally revealed after brief appearance by her in Black Widow, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. But it is the most subtle callback that is the film’s most powerful: that being the New York setting of the film’s climactic showdown with Sentry. It’s a mere matter of footsteps from where the Avengers first truly assembled in The Avengers, giving a legacy to the Thunderbolts when they come together as a true team for the first time that only amplifies the mantle that this new team is taking on within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

 

Time and time again, Florence Pugh proves there is nothing she cannot do as she continues to dazzle in every role, and this outing for her as Yelena is the best work she has ever done as this character. Grappling with an emptiness within Yelena due to a lack of purpose and the loss of Natasha, Pugh finds an aching vulnerability that adds a layer beyond the wise cracking, deadly Black Widow assassin that viewers know Yelena to be. It’s nothing less than mesmerizing work from Pugh, as with every other performance of her career, confirming her status as one of the best actresses currently working in the business. Lewis Pullman amazes as Bob, finding an awkward comedic energy that instantly makes his character a standout, while grappling with profound mental health struggles in a subtle yet heart wrenching way that becomes a vital piece of the film’s story. Having largely been in supporting roles up to this point, Pullman more than solidifies himself as one talented leading actor, but ushering himself in amongst the best and brightest stars of the new generation of Hollywood royalty. Between Pugh and Pullman, they effortlessly carry the entire film on their shoulders with an emotional resonance that drives home the themes being explored, while never for a second failing to entertain, which should hopefully set them both up as two leading characters for the Marvel Cinematic Universe going forward.

 

There is never a time when Sebastian Stan is not the most dependable actor in the room, and yet again his work as Bucky Barnes is impressive. Even with a smaller role than fans are expecting, Stan finds that warmth and heroic presence that has made Bucky a fan favourite character since his introduction in Captain America: The First Avenger, while tapping into that sorrow of being a man out of time that has defined Bucky’s narrative throughout the series. Returning for his second appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, David Harbour is a blast of comedic energy as Alexei, creating not only some of the film’s funniest moments with his impeccable humorous presence, but some standout tender moments with Pugh that help to deepen Yelena’s arc. Hannah John-Kamen is excellent as Ava, shedding the thin villain from Ant-Man and the Wasp and becoming an intriguing character amongst this band of misfits, while Wyatt Russell is great fun as John Walker in a lighter role that is not as villainous as he was in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, playing to Russell’s strengths as an actor. Finally getting the showcase she deserves; it comes as no surprise that Julia Louis-Dreyfus is outstanding as Valentina. Never missing a comedic beat, Louis-Dreyfus does what she does best while bringing to life this morally corrupt and opportunist individual that is the anti Nick Fury, which fits perfectly into this tale of antiheroes. Hopefully this is not the last we see of Louis-Dreyfus in the Marvel Cinematic Universe!