It seems Marvel has finally remembered how to make films not just about universe-ending threats, but about people. Thunderbolts is a movie where the superhero formula works in full force — but with a clear shift in focus: the goal isn’t to save the world, but to save themselves. And it turns out, that’s exactly what a multiverse-weary audience was missing.
Early Reactions: It’s a Hit
The scores say it all: 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70/100 on Metacritic, and the tone of most reviews is enthusiastic. Critics are calling it "exactly what the cinematic universe needs right now," "one of the best MCU entries since Endgame," and even — "a glimmer of hope for Marvel’s future." After looking through the reviews, one thing is clear: the praise is well-earned.
A Team of Misfits — With Heart
At first glance, Thunderbolts looks like a typical team-up: former villains and misfits like Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), and newcomer Bob (Lewis Pullman) are brought together by Valentina de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) for what seems like yet another covert mission.
But instead of the usual action beats, we’re met with a moody opening — Yelena in sweatpants, discussing the pointlessness of life — and a tone that feels closer to The Bear or Beef than a comic book film. And there’s a reason: the writers behind those very shows helped shape the script.
Superheroes in Therapy
Mental health isn’t a backdrop here — it’s the core of the story. Each character carries deep trauma: from mind control and betrayal to loneliness and a sense of irrelevance. These aren’t just colourful personalities, they’re people on the edge. And Thunderbolts tackles depression, emptiness, and the fear of being forgotten — with honesty, grit, humour, and empathy.
A Duo to Root For
Two characters in particular stand out: Florence Pugh once again proves that Yelena is one of the most fully realised characters in the MCU, while Pullman turns Bob into a tragic figure teetering between human and superhuman. Their dynamic carries much of the film. Sadly, Bucky is once again sidelined.
More Than Just Action
Yes, there is action — and it’s solid. But what stays with you isn’t the spectacle, it’s the feeling. This is not a film about defeating the villain; it’s about trying to overcome yourself. In that way, Thunderbolts feels much closer to Guardians of the Galaxy than to, say, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.
Flaws, but Nothing Fatal
It’s not perfect, of course. Some characters fade into the background next to the standout duo of Pugh and Pullman, and Louis-Dreyfus’s Valentina, while charismatic, still feels more like a sly parody of Nick Fury than a fully formed presence. But overall, this is a strong, emotional film with a great cast, lively dialogue, and a real sense of freshness.
Verdict: Marvel Is Back in Shape
Thunderbolts is a film with heart. A broken one, maybe — but it’s from those shards that Marvel seems to be building something new. No bombast, no sky portals — just a clear understanding that even superheroes sometimes just want to be understood.
