It’s not unreasonable to expect that a film based on C-Level superheroes would be anything special. But the results speak for themselves. Backed by strong performances and a solid script, Thunderbolts* continues Marvel’s recent streak of solid storytelling. In fact, this is one of more entertaining and well-executed films that we’ve seen from them over the past few years.
Directed by Jake Schreier, Thunderbolts* begins as Yelena (Florence Pugh) is struggling to find meaning in her life. Though she’s still an elite operative, she finds no joy in her work anymore. However, after CIA director Valentina Allegra De Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) double crosses her on one last mission, Yelena finds herself abandoned with a group of castaway heroes and villains such as John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Red Guardian (David Harbour) and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan). As Valentina’s terrifying motives are finally revealed, the group of misfits will be forced to team up to help save the world. (Though they may be the ones that need saving themselves.)
Even with their typical brand of humour, the film’s dark, brooding tone feels more mature than some of their more recent stories. In doing so, Thunderbolts* feels almost like a form of reinvention for the mega-franchise. There’s a heavy emphasis on character development and meaningful character moments. What’s more, most of the action sequences are well-executed and the script makes good use of these (largely) throwaway characters from their recent films and streaming series.
But Thunderbolts* doesn’t get its highest marks from the action or humour. While these may be Marvel staples, there’s something far deeper going on within the latest entry into the MCU. By delving into the topic of depression and mental health, Thunderbolts* takes one of its biggest swings in quite some time.
It’s not as though Marvel has avoided tough topics in the past. Conversations around racial discrimination, gender biases and even cancer have all been part of the MCU over the last 5-6 years. But depression is something else. Delving into the topic of mental health is a daunting prospect, especially for a franchise known for its bright colours and bombastic characters. But, thankfully, Thunderbolts* manages to tackle the subject in a responsible manner.
Given the fact that conversations surrounding the severity of mental health struggles have been at the forefront of public discourse over the last few years, this is not an issue to be trivialized. But Thunderbolts* genuinely takes the topic seriously. Every character here is burdened, not only by their past, but by their lack of purpose. John Walker is wrestling with a broken family. Guardian is struggling to make his life count. In the face of overwhelming anxiety, Bob is trying not to offend anyone. All of these characters are just trying to make it through the day.
But it’s Yelena’s journey that really makes the film work.
Credit must be given to Pugh as she delivers her first stand-up performance in the Marvel universe. Having often been used as comic relief in her previous appearances, Thunderbolts* truly gives her material that she can sink her teeth into. Here, Yelena isn’t merely bored. She’s genuinely crushed under the weight of her own trauma and personal losses. In many ways, when we first meet her, she’s merely a shell of her former self, lost and emotionally adrift. And, given the opportunity to explore her character’s psyche, Pugh absolutely shines. Stealing every scene, she brings a new mixture of empathy and compassion to the former Black Widow that we haven’t seen from her before.
Further, Thunderbolts* never shies away from the darkest aspects of depression. Here, mental health issues are seen as an unavoidable plague to those who are suffering. Underneath the humour and action set pieces, the film attempts to weave the theme into as many aspects of their characters as possible. (Even the film’s opening stunt is used as a metaphor for Yelena’s experiences with depression.) Like these characters, we are meant to feel the unavoidable nature of difficult moments. But, without giving spoilers, it’s worth noting that Thunderbolts* resists the urge to flippantly deal with the issue. Instead, the film understands that these things cannot be fixed by super soldier serum.
In fact, sometimes, they can’t be fixed at all.
Admittedly, the script does have moments that threaten to derail what is otherwise fantastic storytelling. (Look for the scene with the golden suit.) But, amazingly, despite a few bumps and bruises in the script, Thunderbolts* is easily one of the more cohesive, entertaining and, arguably, bolder stories that Marvel has had to tell in some time. This is a story that knows how to sit in the shadows of depression but still be able to find some light.
Thunderbolts* is available in theatres on Friday, May 2nd, 2025.
