Every so often, a film comes along that reminds you of why you fell in love with storytelling in the first place.
Marvel’s Thunderbolts* is one of those rare experiences. It doesn’t follow the traditional superhero formula, and that’s exactly what makes it so powerful. This is a film rooted not in superpowers or moral duty, but in emotional vulnerability, human connection, and the idea that family isn’t always who you’re born with, but who you’d die for.
From the very first scene, it’s clear Thunderbolts* is taking the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a bold, fresh direction. It trades in larger-than-life stakes for something more grounded and intimate, giving us a raw, deeply human story that resonates far beyond the screen. This isn’t a film about heroes saving the day through brute strength. It’s about broken people learning to live with their trauma, confront their past, and find hope through one another.
Florence Pugh delivers an exceptional performance as Yelena Belova. She’s not here to replace Natasha Romanoff or rehash her Widow past. This is Yelena’s story, and Pugh owns it completely. There’s strength in her silence, power in her pain, and when she speaks, every word lands with intent. She is the emotional anchor of this film, carrying it with the kind of depth that cements her as one of the MCU’s most compelling characters.
Alongside her, David Harbour’s Red Guardian is unforgettable. As wild and loud as Alexei Shostakov can be, it’s his quiet moments with Yelena that hit the hardest. His fierce, unwavering love for his daughter figure gives the film its most moving scenes. Their bond feels lived-in and genuine, and it’s impossible not to be affected by it. I didn’t expect to leave the cinema so touched by a father-daughter dynamic, but that emotional weight lingered long after the credits rolled.
One of my initial concerns going into Thunderbolts* was whether a film with so many characters would struggle with balance, where one or two leads dominate the screen while others are side-lined. But the film surprised me. While Yelena is undeniably central, every member of the team is given space to shine. Each character arc feels intentional, and none are wasted.
Wyatt Russel’s John Walker, previously a divisive figure in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, gets a chance to show new dimensions. Hannah John-Kamen’s Ava Starr, a.k.a Ghost, once a forgettable antagonist in Ant-Man and the Wasp, is portrayed with nuance and vulnerability. Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes, as the Winter Soldier, brings his signature stoicism but is allowed moments of softness and introspection that remind us he’s still on a journey of healing.
But two performances stood out beyond the rest.
Lewis Pullman as Robert “Bob” Reynolds, also known as Sentry, delivers a hauntingly honest portrayal of a man grappling with overwhelming isolation and identity. His internal struggle feels real and deeply relatable, especially when The Void enters the picture. This isn’t a villain born of vengeance or chaos. It’s a manifestation of pain, loneliness, and the kind of darkness many people silently battle every day.
Then there’s Geraldine Viswanathan’s Mel. Though introduced as Valentina’s assistant, she commands attention in every scene. Confident, clever, and refreshingly grounded, she brought an energy that reminded me of early Maria Hill but with even more impact. As a Tamilian Australian myself, seeing someone who shares my cultural heritage in the MCU was nothing short of profound. Geraldine’s presence is more than just representation, it’s a movement. It’s validation. It’s proof that girls like us belong here too.
Visually, Thunderbolts* strikes a different tone from typical Marvel fare. The environments are gritty, real, and beautifully understated. This is a story set in our world, with real stakes and grounded emotion.
That authenticity is felt most in the film’s stunning opening sequence, set in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Watching Yelena leap from Merdeka 118, with the Petronas Twin Towers in the background and Bahasa Malaysia signage lining the walls, was surreal. As a Malaysian who was born and raised in KL, speaks Malay, and spent years wandering those very streets, it felt like a love letter to home.
Seeing Lebuh Ampang, Pasar Medan, and that iconic skyline brought tears to my eyes. I never imagined a Marvel film could capture both my heritage and my heart so completely.
Everything about Thunderbolts* just felt right. The pacing, the action, the emotionally layered storytelling, it all came together to create a film that stands apart from the rest of the MCU.
It’s not just a new chapter. It’s a necessary evolution. For long-time fans and newcomers alike, this is the kind of Marvel film that reminds us why we care in the first place.
There’s so much more I want to say about the film, but with Thunderbolts hitting cinemas tomorrow, I’ll leave the rest for you to experience first-hand. Just be sure to take note of the opening sequence and stay for both end credits scenes, especially the second one. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it.