Maybe Not Heroes, But Maybe Just the Saviors of the MCU
Marvel Studio’s 36th cinematic adventure and the so-called ‘darkest’ entry in the universe, Thunderbolts* has been finally released into theaters after a rocky production of covid delays and strike setbacks. But underpinning all such production problems was an unfair question percolating from Marvel Universe fans of, “do we really need this?”
From notable comic book omissions from the team lineup, to being a sequel to Black Widow, a lukewarm received cinematic entry, the fans had valid trepidation at the introduction of this new anti-heroic team.
But with the release of the movie this weekend, all such trepidation has been expelled, and we got a solid answer as to ‘do we need the Thunderbolts*’ and the answer is a resounding, yes. Not just in how the movie harkens back to the original Avengers with its inventive action sequences, but in how it builds on what’s come before with the poignant messaging of mental health awareness. Director Jake Schreier is not making another quippy, generic comic book movie, no, he’s delineating Thunderbolts* as an important movie addressing the mental health crisis and a special entry in the Marvel pantheon.
You see, its more than a little fair to say that Kevin Feige’s universe has felt a little soulless and disconnected in its phase five cinematic entries. Sure, they’ve had their cinematic hits, Deadpool and Wolverine and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 spring to mind, but overall, this phase has felt emotionally distant. Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, The Marvels and even Captain America: Brave New World, whilst fun, lacked the emotional depth and characterization that made the original Avengers the face of blockbuster cinema for over a decade. It was starting to feel like that window of opportunity to remain the face of blockbuster cinema for Marvel was closing… until Thunderbolts*.
From the opening frame of Jake Schreier’s 2-hour epic, the movie is dripping in emotional characterization, dazzling action sequences and a powerful thematic message of how loneliness and depression are battles that are best fought with others. Yelena Belova, (excellently realized by an always excellent Florence Pugh), with this movie has solidified herself as one of the great Marvel heroes. Watching Pugh wrestle with the snarky, confident assassin persona and the lonely, depressed young girl who is grieving her sister is a fresh character arc for Marvel and a true delight for the audience. She is dealing with depression and loneliness in a way that is rarely addressed in big budget cinema, and to have it so flawlessly executed by Pugh only serves to make the tragedy of it all more resonant. A particular movie highlight is a third-act breakdown by Belova whereby she addresses how she is crumbling under her own depression, and for such an emotional scene to be the standout in an action movie is very exciting.
Moreover, surrounding Pugh with a cast of over-the-top characters who are equally embroiled in their own mental health battles, makes these new characters instantly lovable and tragic, giving us a whole range of the ways in which mental health struggles are prevalent in many people.
From the fully healed Bucky Barnes to the struggling Yelena Belova and the newly introduced anti-heroic, suicidal character, Bob, Schrier shows that depression and loneliness is not a one-size-fits all label. It can be destructive and messy, and the only way for people to battle through that is to talk to others and find comfort in the darkness. To watch this team go from broken, depressed loners to, not fully healed, but finding their way there together was a beautiful arc and one that is very vital for young people, and really all people, to absorb. With such messaging it has instantly made this group of anti-heroes one of Marvel’s most relatable teams, and kudos must be given to Marvel and Schrier for having the bravery to sacrifice the trademark comedy of the MCU for such an important discussion.
In 2022 it was deported that 59.3million adults in the United States were suffering with their mental health and for Marvel Studios to not only recognize that suffering but show the light at the end of the tunnel that can be found when talking with others and finding your people… again, is very moving.
So, for all of its glitz and glam, innovative action sequences and fast-paced, trademarked MCU comedy, the Thunderbolts* team have defied all expectations to not only be a shining glimmer in Marvel’s pantheon but be a powerful impactful piece of media that will inspire so many. The critic and audience reception to Thunderbolts* only serves to reflect this and shows a true roadmap back to the old MCU we all came to know and love.
By embracing the messiness, the flaws and the mental health issues of these characters, Jake Schreier and the Marvel Universe have found themselves with a new crop of heroes that feel reminiscent of the early heroes that launched the cinematic universe. Therefore, to answer the question that I, and many Marvel fans posed, of ‘do we need the Thunderbolts*?” Yes, and not only do we need the Thunderbolts* but Marvel Studios needs the Thunderbolts* as a powerful anchor into the future of the comic book genre.
Marvel Studio’s Thunderbolts* is in theaters now.
— Darragh Evans