Marvel’s latest team-building exercise, Thunderbolts*, brings a welcome relief to the Cinematic Universe after a string of misfires. The movie follows Yelena, played with downbeat charisma by Florence Pugh, as she navigates a life-or-death battle alongside a group of misfit mercenaries.
Yelena is joined by Ghost (Hannah John Kamen), Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), and Bob, a lab patient with a relatable backstory. Together, they deduce that they were all sent to a deathtrap and embark on a mission to take down the imperiled CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine.
Director Jake Schreier brings a unique approach to the film, balancing pyrotechnic action sequences with emotional depth. The characters remain committed to their non-heroic personas, which is both refreshing and welcome in an era of MCU movies that often prioritize grandeur over introspection.
Florence Pugh shines as Yelena, who grapples with feelings of emptiness and purpose. The supporting cast delivers equally impressive performances, with standout moments from David Harbour and Sebastian Stan.
With its blend of action and emotional depth, Thunderbolts* offers a refreshing respite from Marvel’s recent misfires. As the MCU continues to evolve, this film demonstrates that character-driven storytelling can be just as compelling as spectacle-driven blockbusters.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/05/01/nx-s1-5381684/thunderbolts-review