Thunderbolts* (2025) Review
The Story
The film follows a covert mission led by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, who assembles a group of antiheroes including Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Taskmaster, Ghost, and U.S. Agent. Each member struggles with their past, forced into reluctant teamwork while navigating manipulation and mistrust. The arrival of Robert Reynolds, also known as Bob, adds a mysterious and unstable element that changes the group’s dynamics and the mission’s stakes.
Key Performances
Florence Pugh commands the screen as Yelena Belova, portraying her with emotional complexity and natural charisma. Sebastian Stan delivers a grounded and weary Bucky Barnes, while David Harbour injects humor and heart as Red Guardian. Lewis Pullman’s Bob emerges as one of the most intriguing figures, balancing vulnerability with hidden menace. Some characters, such as Ghost and Taskmaster, feel underutilized, but the ensemble overall succeeds in capturing the film’s moral ambiguity.
Direction and Visuals
Director Jake Schreier emphasizes character-driven storytelling rather than large-scale spectacle. The action sequences are tense and tactile, grounded in hand-to-hand combat and espionage intrigue. Cinematographer Andrew Droz Palermo crafts a muted, gritty visual style that mirrors the team’s fractured personalities, though some critics argue it lacks the vibrancy audiences expect from Marvel. Son Lux’s score provides a moody and distinctive edge that helps define the film’s tone.
Thematic Depth
Thunderbolts* explores redemption, trauma, and the blurred line between heroism and villainy. The narrative questions the cost of second chances and whether flawed individuals can rise above their mistakes to serve something greater. Unlike typical Marvel entries focused on cosmic stakes, this film narrows its scope to personal struggles and political manipulation, creating a story that feels both intimate and morally layered.
Final Verdict
Pros:
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Strong performances led by Florence Pugh and Lewis Pullman
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Character-driven approach brings emotional weight
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Tense action and a darker tone stand out in the MCU
Cons:
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Muted visuals may disappoint fans seeking spectacle
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Some team members are sidelined with limited arcs
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Box office performance fell short of Marvel’s usual success
Overall: Thunderbolts is one of Marvel’s more introspective projects, shifting focus from world-ending battles to human flaws and fragile alliances. It may not deliver the explosive thrills of other MCU installments, but its strength lies in layered characters, tense storytelling, and a willingness to embrace moral grayness.