Thunderbolts* (Schreier, 2025)

Sometimes taking a step back from CGI and crazy villains to make a film that portrays real human emotions can pay off, and Thunderbolts* does just that. It is not to say Thunderbolts* is the best Marvel movie, but it is a high point from the low the cinematic universe has seen in a while. Dealing with these mature themes through serious moments between characters, there is still space for the jokes and lightheartedness one expects from these characters, without it weakening the importance of the darker emotions. 

Each dealing with the outcomes of their past and previous decisions, the Thunderbolts* team comes together after being pitted against each other by their previous employer, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). After the discovery of Valentina’s betrayal, Yelena (Florence Pugh), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Ava Star – aka Ghost – (Hannah John-Kamen), and Antonia Dreykov – aka Task Master – (Geraldine Viswanathan) must put their differences aside and escape her trap. In their escape, they meet Bob (Lewis Pullman), whom they know nothing about. Thinking they’ve escaped, they are apprehended by Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) who intends to have them testify against Valentina during impeachment proceedings. In pursuit of taking Valentina down, the crew, along with the Red Guardian, Alexi, (David Harbour) come across a new foe. 

As much as you’d expect Thunderbolts* to be another one of Marvel’s latest – a film that does not allow for connections to be made with the characters, or keeping audiences invested in the plot – it is exactly opposite. It is a breath of fresh air, and though it strays away from Marvel’s typical pattern, Thunderbolts* remains within the realms of the MCU and takes characters introduced after Phase Four to continue the story. Instead of playing into the expensive style of the Infinity Saga, Thunderbolts* introduces a rougher, tougher punch of characters and style somehow acknowledging the different lineup involved. While the original six Avengers did have their baggage, the Thunderbolts team members have a darker past and that becomes apparent as the film plays out. 

Unlike the gods of the Eternals (Zhao, 2021), or the super surged powers of our female heroes in The Marvels – both disappointing films – the antiheroes in Marvel’s newest film don’t have superpowers, well for the most part. The point is, they are human, and they can die in simple human ways, just like the rest of us. Not only are the Thunderbolts human in the physical sense, but we are also reminded that each one of them is human in the mental sense as well. Marvel takes a different turn here into the mentality of each of its new heroes. Something audiences have not really seen since Tony Stark’s (Robert Downey Jr.) issues in Iron Man 3 (Black, 2013) or Thor’s (Chris Hemsworth) in Avengers: Endgame (Russo & Russo, 2019). Whether it be suffering from depression, loneliness and dark thoughts, or regretting past decisions, the Thunderbolts* team remind audiences that it is okay to be human and it is okay to ask for help. In turn, the entirety of the film uses this idea to create its story around, and it was successful in its methods. 

As our outcasts begin to work together, they individually begin to understand that they may not be as alone as they originally thought they were. And through this unexpected team-up, they might have just gained new friendships and people to talk to. Thankfully, however, the wittiness of the characters – Yelena, Bucky and Alexi specifically – still has room to shine through. Successful in both the choice of diving into the dark mental thoughts the characters may have, as well as the banter between them, Thunderbolts* provides both laughter and tears. 

Director Jake Schreier and writer Eric Pearson ought to be happy with the positive reviews Thunderbolts* has been receiving so far, after the flops Marvel has released. The future looks all the bit better with the new phase the film appears to be leading the MCU into.

If you remain a Marvel fan, or even if you’ve lost hope, you should go see Thunderbolts* in cinemas. Yes, Marvel has not provided the best for its fans with recent cinematic releases, but their newest could just be their next best for you.