Thunderbolts* Delivers Marvel’s Most Honest Movie—And Makes the MCU Exciting Again

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Throughout its 17-year existence, only a handful of Marvel Studios films have delved deeply into mental health issues like Thunderbolts* has done. While movies such as Iron Man 3, Avengers: Endgame, and more recently Moon Knight touch on mental health struggles, in these cases, the characters’ psychological well-being takes a backseat to the overall narrative. In contrast, the central focus of Thunderbolts* is mental health itself.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s production titled Thunderbolts, it is Yelena Belova, portrayed by Florence Pugh, who serves as our initial perspective. The narrative commences with her embarking on a mission while donning sweatpants symbolizing depression. She expresses feelings of aimlessness and lack of purpose. As the story unfolds, Thunderbolts presents an array of Marvel characters known for their harrowing pasts, delving into a tale that emphasizes the power of companionship and bonding as crucial weapons against mental health challenges such as depression.

*Note: The actual title is not confirmed yet, I used ‘Thunderbolts’ as a placeholder.

In more straightforward terms, “Thunderbolts” doesn’t need praise for being the ultimate portrayal of mental health in the MCU or any film. Instead, what makes it exceptional is its accurate depiction of the complex and imperfect nature of mental health. It’s a simple yet powerful reminder that we are not isolated, that there are people who care about us, and that our absence wouldn’t make the world perfect. Essentially, “Thunderbolts” conveys a message of shared humanity – one that touched me deeply and I hope will resonate with many others as well.

Although mental health is a key focus in the storyline and themes of the “Thunderbolts” film, it’s not the only element that makes it effective. The characters are intricately developed, filled with humor and dramatic tension, the action sequences are exhilarating and carry both a thrilling and emotional punch, and the cast delivers outstanding performances, especially within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In summary, “Thunderbolts” is an excellent movie, albeit one that may be somewhat disorganized and flawed.

Florence Pugh & Lewis Pullman Steal The Show In Thunderbolts*

The Team-Up Movie Has A Couple Of Stand-Out Stars

In essence, while Thunderbolts is categorized as a Marvel team-up movie, it primarily focuses on the characters Yelena and Bob (portrayed by Lewis Pullman), with other characters taking secondary roles in the main narrative. To be frank, I was slightly let down that Bucky Barnes (played by Sebastian Stan), who has been a supporting character in the MCU for nearly as long as the franchise has been around, was once more relegated to the background. However, I must admit that Pugh and Pullman make an exceptionally powerful leading pair.

As a devoted fan, I can confidently say that Pugh, with her Oscar nod already on her resume, has proven herself to be one of the most exceptional newcomers to the Marvel Cinematic Universe since “Avengers: Endgame.” The opportunity to showcase her talent in “Thunderbolts” was a brilliant move, as it allowed this gifted actress to truly shine. Her portrayal of Yelena is nothing short of extraordinary, and it’s evident that she grasps this character just as deeply as Stan does Bucky and Tom Hiddleston does Loki – two actors who have had significantly more time to develop and embody their characters. This alone is impressive, but the fact that she manages to make Yelena as relatable in “Thunderbolts” as she is, is truly delightful.

Despite being a two-character film, “Thunderbolts” features a captivating performance by Samuel Pullman as Bob. He manages to be both charming and intriguing, making his portrayal of the enigmatic character with a troubled past all the more engaging. His interactions with Florence Pugh’s Yelena are particularly noteworthy, but it’s also worth mentioning that Pullman’s acting skills shine when working alongside other characters as well.

It’s important not to overlook the exceptional acting from the rest of the Thunderbolts team. Wyatt Russell’s interpretation of John Walker caught me off guard, as I found myself appreciating his portrayal more than expected. David Harbour shines as the endearing Alexei Shostakov, aka Red Guardian. He adds much of the film’s humor and serves as a counterbalance to Pugh’s Yelena in emotional scenes. Although Stan (Chris Evans) and Hannah John-Kamen’s characters aren’t heavily developed, they are both enjoyable in their roles. Julia Louis-Dreyfus is outstanding as Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, delivering plenty of laughs, even though her character leans a bit towards one-dimensionality.

Thunderbolts* Is An Entertaining & Enjoyable MCU Movie

The Film Tackles Heavy Topics But Never Becomes A Dour Slog

The MCU often incorporates humor to offset the life-or-death situations in their films, but I believe that Thunderbolts* offers the most compelling demonstration of how vital humor can be in maintaining an enjoyable and delightful tone even in a movie with heavy themes. The comedy and wit in Thunderbolts* seldom diminishes the gravity of Yelena, Bob’s (and other characters’) emotional struggles. It provides a sense of relief, as if laughter serves as an outlet for tears.

(*Note: “Thunderbolts” is a fictional team in Marvel Comics and Marvel Cinematic Universe)

In summary, “Thunderbolts*” stands out as both a classic Marvel production and something exceptional. At moments, it seemed as though “Thunderbolts*” could be any film about a band of unscrupulous agents. However, the presence of characters I’ve come to cherish added depth and impact. This makes it appealing to both casual Marvel enthusiasts and dedicated fans. It may not be an Avengers movie in terms of tone, as it’s grittier than typical MCU films, but it offers a team-up that is certainly worth watching and adoring.

Amidst the somewhat disorganized aftermath of “Endgame,” characterized by characters that made their debut but never returned, and a revised strategy for the Multiverse Saga halfway through, what the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) seems to require at this moment is none other than “Thunderbolts.” Despite its rough edges, it carries a genuine essence and boasts an exceptional ensemble of characters who are typically overshadowed in the franchise. These characters have immense potential to win over fans (if they haven’t already). After experiencing “Thunderbolts,” I find myself more eager than ever about the future trajectory of the MCU.

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2025-04-29 19:33