Thunderbolts* (Schreier, 2025)

A funny, entertaining, and heartfelt anti-hero story that even left me tearing up.

Thunderbolts* stands out as one of Marvel’s most compelling post-Endgame movies.

The movie opens with Yelena (Florence Pugh) destroying a laboratory in Malaysia on behalf of CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), who’s scrambling to cover up her involvement in the secret “Sentry” superhuman project. With de Fontaine on the edge of impeachment, she assembles Yelena, John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Ava Starr (Hannah John-Kamen), and Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko) for a new mission at a secured facility—only for an enigmatic figure named Bob (Lewis Pullman) to arrive unannounced (not your typical Avengers). Trapped and forced into confrontation, the group soon realizes they must work together to escape. Alongside Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) and Red Guardian (David Harbour), the team ultimately turns against Valentina.

“I'm so alone. I don't have anything anymore.”

After months of battling depression and loneliness, Yelena is searching for purpose while mourning her sister’s death. She’s haunted by shame and grief so deep that not even her father’s presence can ease the weight she carries.

Thunderbolts* offers a more sincere and human story than the usual Marvel movies, focusing on characters who are often seen as broken or expendable. It shifts the spotlight from the indestructible heroes we’re used to, placing a much-needed emphasis on mental health, trauma, and the messy process of healing.

While Pugh effortlessly shines with her confidence, sarcasm, and emotional vulnerability, the rest of the Thunderbolts* cast also delivers standout performances of their own. Sebastian Stan brings a newfound maturity and leadership to Bucky Barnes. Wyatt Russell’s John Walker, once defined by violence and moral ambiguity, manages to charm and surprise. David Harbour brings humor and heart as Red Guardian, while Hannah John-Kamen infuses Ava Starr with tension and mystery. However, the real standout of this team is Lewis Pullman as Bob, a superhuman haunted by his abilities and spiraling into darkness. Each character offers a different perspective on fighting your demons, anchored by a script that thoughtfully navigates heavy themes such as mental health, loneliness, and depression.

Thunderbolts* stands out as one of Marvel’s most compelling post-Endgame movies. The balance between heavy emotional themes and sharp humor feels refreshing, and I have no doubt it will resonate with many viewers, myself included. It’s a bold new step for Marvel, and one that sets the stage for an exciting, more grounded chapter in its future.

Photos : Marvel Studios