Thunderbolts (2025): A Gritty, Emotional Triumph for the MCU’s Underdogs*
Marvel’s Thunderbolts (stylized with that enigmatic asterisk) storms into theaters on May 2, 2025, as the 36th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), delivering a refreshing jolt to a franchise that’s been grappling with recent misfires. Directed by Jake Schreier and anchored by a stellar ensemble led by Florence Pugh, this antihero team-up movie feels like a throwback to the MCU’s early days while carving out a bold, distinct identity. With its scrappy charm, emotional depth, and focus on mental health, Thunderbolts* emerges as one of Marvel’s most compelling entries in years, proving that even the MCU’s rejects can shine. This review explores why Thunderbolts* is a must-see, blending spoiler-free insights with critical analysis for fans and newcomers alike.
A Ragtag Team of Misfits
Thunderbolts* assembles a motley crew of antiheroes and overlooked characters from the MCU’s fringes: Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), the sardonic Russian assassin from Black Widow; Red Guardian (David Harbour), her washed-up, boisterous adoptive father; Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), the brooding Winter Soldier; John Walker (Wyatt Russell), the disgraced Captain America replacement; Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), a haunted figure from Ant-Man and the Wasp; Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko); and the mysterious Bob (Lewis Pullman), who becomes pivotal as The Sentry. Under the manipulative thumb of CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), this dysfunctional squad is thrust into a deadly mission that forces them to confront their traumatic pasts and question their worth. The asterisk in the title, a nod to Yelena’s childhood soccer team, playfully underscores the team’s uncertainty about their own identity—are they heroes, villains, or something else entirely?
Unlike the Avengers’ world-saving epics, Thunderbolts* thrives on its smaller, grounded stakes. It’s less about cosmic threats and more about personal redemption, making it a spiritual cousin to Guardians of the Galaxy but with a darker, more introspective edge. The film’s premise echoes DC’s Suicide Squad but feels distinctly Marvel, blending gritty action with heartfelt camaraderie. Critics have praised its return to the MCU’s “tried-and-true blueprint,” delivering a character-driven story that resonates with both casual viewers and diehard fans.
Florence Pugh Steals the Show
At the heart of Thunderbolts* is Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, whose weary, Russian-accented performance is a masterclass in balancing sardonic wit with raw vulnerability. From the film’s opening, where Yelena teeters on the edge of a skyscraper, grappling with “an emptiness” and existential boredom, Pugh commands the screen. Her depiction of Yelena’s depression and search for purpose grounds the film, making her the emotional anchor of this chaotic crew. Critics universally laud Pugh’s magnetic presence, with many calling her the MCU’s best addition since Endgame. Lewis Pullman’s Bob/The Sentry is another standout, delivering a complex portrayal of a man torn between invincibility and inner darkness, making him a perfect foil for Yelena. The ensemble—particularly Harbour’s comedic Red Guardian and Russell’s smarmy John Walker—crackles with chemistry, their banter and bickering providing both humor and heart.
A Fresh Tone with Emotional Depth
What sets Thunderbolts* apart is its unflinching focus on mental health, a rarity for a summer blockbuster. The film tackles depression, loneliness, and regret head-on, weaving these themes into the narrative without resorting to cheap quips. Yelena’s struggle with purposelessness, Bob’s battle with his darker alter ego, The Void, and the team’s collective trauma create a story that’s as much about emotional healing as it is about action. Critics note that this is “some of Marvel’s darkest material to date,” yet it’s balanced with moments of levity, like Red Guardian’s over-the-top patriotism or the team’s jabs at Walker’s “valor-stealing” Captain America helmet. The film’s message—that community and connection can combat despair—resonates deeply, offering a hopeful counterpoint to its heavier themes.
Director Jake Schreier, known for Beef, brings an indie sensibility to the MCU, with cinematographer Andrew Droz Palermo crafting striking visuals, like a black-and-white hallway fight that underscores Yelena’s isolation. While the first act stumbles with clunky exposition, the film finds its footing in the second and third acts, delivering action sequences that blend practical stunts with emotional weight. The third act takes a bold risk, veering into A24-esque territory with a climax that’s more about introspection than CGI spectacle, a move that critics call both “sappy and saccharine” and “the movie we need right now.”
Not Without Flaws
Thunderbolts* isn’t perfect. The first act feels like “blockbuster wheel-spinning,” with Valentina’s scheming lacking depth and some characters, like Ghost, feeling underdeveloped. The film’s reliance on prior MCU knowledge—drawing from Black Widow, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Ant-Man and the Wasp—may alienate newcomers. Its tonal shifts, oscillating between jokey romps and heavy drama, can feel jarring, and some critics argue the plot adheres too closely to Marvel’s formulaic structure. The post-credits scenes, while exciting for fans, hint at yet another setup for future MCU projects, a familiar trope that risks diluting the film’s standalone appeal.
A Return to Form for Marvel
After the lackluster Captain America: Brave New World and other recent stumbles, Thunderbolts* arrives as a much-needed win. With an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score and praise for its “refreshing” and “experimental” approach, the film feels like a course correction for the MCU. It’s not the flashiest or funniest Marvel movie, but its rough edges suit its misfit heroes. The action, while less grandiose than Avengers epics, is visceral and well-choreographed, and the score by Son Lux adds a unique texture. The film’s ability to balance humor, heart, and horror-inspired elements makes it a standout, with critics comparing it to the MCU’s Phase One glory days.
Why You Should Watch
Thunderbolts* is a love letter to the MCU’s underdogs, proving that even its “defective losers” can carry a blockbuster. It’s a film about broken people finding purpose through connection, wrapped in a package of snappy banter, thrilling action, and surprising emotional depth. Florence Pugh’s Yelena is a star turn, and the ensemble’s chemistry makes every scene a delight. While it’s not without flaws, its bold take on mental health and its scrappy, grounded vibe make it one of the MCU’s best offerings since Endgame. Stay for the post-credits scenes—especially the second, which critics call “a doozy”—for a glimpse of where the MCU is headed next.
Whether you’re a Marvel devotee or a casual viewer, Thunderbolts* offers a compelling mix of heart, humor, and heroics. It’s a reminder that even in a franchise as sprawling as the MCU, the smallest stories can pack the biggest punch. Catch it in theaters and see why these misfits might just be the heroes 2025 needs.
Rating: 8/10
