Marvel’s “Thunderbolts*” brings together a ragtag group of super-types to save the world. The story follows Florence Pugh, who plays Yelena Belova, a Soviet-trained tough and sister of Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow. Pugh is supported by an ensemble cast, including David Harbour as a boisterous Russian clown and Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes.
The movie has a hard time cohering as a unit, with too many plot twists and characters to keep track of. However, Pugh’s presence holds the film together, bringing depth and feeling to her character. Her deadpan delivery is disarming, and she performs many of her own stunts, including a notable scene where she steps off the top of the second-tallest building in the world.
While the movie has its moments, it struggles to find its tone and purpose. The filmmakers pile on too much content, making it difficult for the audience to become invested in the story. Despite this, Pugh’s performance is a highlight, and she invests her character with real feeling and an ironic sensibility reminiscent of Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark.
With Pugh at the helm, “Thunderbolts*” offers a fresh take on the Marvel universe. However, it remains to be seen whether the movie can coalesce into a cohesive unit or if its box-office appeal will suffer due to its inconsistent tone and confusing plot.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/30/movies/thunderbolts-review-florence-pugh-kicks-asterisk.html