Thunderbolts* Film Review: A Solid Yet Predictable Marvel Anti-Hero Adventure

The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s latest offering, Thunderbolts*, delivers a competent but unsurprising addition to its roster, hitting UK cinemas with a focus on Yelena Belova’s emotional journey. Directed by Jake Schreier, the film explores depression and mental health, weaving a tale of redemption and teamwork among a ragtag group of anti-heroes. While Thunderbolts* shines in moments thanks to stellar performances, it struggles with predictable plotting and underwhelming action, leaving some potential untapped. Here’s our take on this Marvel venture.

A Story of Grief and Redemption

Thunderbolts* centres on Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), who, still reeling from her sister’s death, finds herself trapped in a depressive low. Aimlessly throwing herself into work, she feels a lingering emptiness. When her latest mission reveals a deadly trap, Yelena and a non-traditional team of anti-heroes, including Bob Reynolds (Lewis Pullman), must undertake a dangerous task that forces them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts. The narrative prioritises mental health, spending time to establish Yelena and Bob’s inner turmoil. However, the exploration feels somewhat shallow, and the climax lacks the explosive impact needed to fully resonate.

Performances That Steal the Show

The film benefits immensely from Florence Pugh and Lewis Pullman’s captivating performances, which add significant depth to their characters’ emotional struggles. Their chemistry and nuanced portrayals elevate the movie, making it a compelling watch despite its flaws. Conversely, David Harbour’s comedic efforts as Red Guardian aim to lighten the mood, but the humour feels predictable, relying on familiar gags that fail to surprise. Meanwhile, Olga Kurylenko’s Taskmaster, prominently featured in promotional posters, is disappointingly underutilised, squandering the character’s potential with minimal screen time.

Predictable Plot, Lacklustre Action

While Thunderbolts* tackles weighty themes like depression, the storyline follows a predictable arc, making it easy to anticipate key plot points. The action sequences, a staple of Marvel films, fall short of expectations, lacking the thrilling choreography and spectacle fans crave. Although the film attempts to delve into its characters’ psyches, the emotional payoff feels rushed, and the resolution doesn’t fully capitalise on the groundwork laid earlier.

Why Thunderbolts* Is Still Worth Watching

Despite its shortcomings, Thunderbolts* offers enough heart and star power to engage Marvel fans and those drawn to stories of personal struggle. The focus on Yelena’s journey and the team’s dynamic makes it a solid, if not groundbreaking, addition to the MCU. For viewers interested in mental health narratives, it provides a starting point, though it doesn’t dig as deeply as it could. With Florence Pugh leading the charge, the film remains a draw for those eager to see her in action. To prepare, fans can stream earlier MCU chapters, like Black Widow, on Disney+, and catch Thunderbolts* in cinemas for its anti-hero spectacle.

Score: 7/10