Thunderbolts*' wins critics over

Most fans may have to wait just a few days more to decide if the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Phase 5 ends with a bang, but critics have already given their verdict. Thunderbolts* was unveiled to members of the film press ahead of its theatrical release on May 2.

The worldwide premiere of the superhero tentpole took place on Tuesday, just 10 days before its US release. Reactions poured in on social media soon after, with many describing the film as the expansive franchise's saving grace.

A story for the broken

The film, which makes a team out of some of the MCU's most disgraced characters, boasts a star-studded cast of Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Sebastian Stan, and others previously involved in the MCU, all the while introducing new faces to the superhero multiverse.

Matt Neglia, Next Best Picture's editor in chief, wrote on X, "Thunderbolts* is, in many ways, different from other MCU films that have come before it, and that freshness couldn't have arrived at a more opportune time, when the franchise is in need of new blood and direction. It's some of Marvel's darkest material to date, dealing with the emotional wreckage of broken individuals grappling with their past choices and finding camaraderie amidst the emptiness of their lives."

Critics including Neglia seem to agree that amongst this stellar cast, Pugh delivered a standout performance with her role as Yelena Belova - the new keeper of the Black Widow mantle - along with newcomer Lewis Pullman, who left a lasting impression on his new fans.

"This may be a team-up film, but it very much belongs to Florence Pugh, who carries much of the dramatic weight of the movie on her back, while Lewis Pullman delivers a complex performance as a sympathetic character at war with himself," Neglia said in the review. "It may not be the flashiest, funniest, or strongest Marvel film, but its rough edges and imperfections somehow all feel fitting for this anti-hero team of misfits."

Correcting past mistakes

Some even described the film as a love letter to the unsung heroes due to its tonal gravitas. Sean Chandler said on X, "I really dug Thunderbolts*! It's overtly about depression, loneliness, and purpose. The whole point is that they're reject characters. Two-third of it is mostly ground action and one-third a horror-influenced nightmare. Feels like the MCU is coming together and building towards something again."

Film writer Emily Murray echoed Chandler's sentiments about this redemptive track for the MCU. "Well, Thunderbolts* is easily one of the best MCU movies in a long time (and maybe one of my new personal favourites). It has so much spark, charisma, and tells a genuinely emotional story you connect with. A tear was shed."

Qualms about the MCU's misplaced sense of levity have been raging on since the flawed treatment of Thor's downward spiral post Avengers: Infinity War. While there might still be a long way to go, some critics believe that Thunderbolts* remedies some of the MCU's past mistakes with its much-needed sensitivity towards mental health.

"Finally, a Marvel movie that treats mental health and depression as a serious matter and not like undercutting it for the sake of a quip," wrote Rendy Jones on X. "A legit good character ensemble piece with a compelling Florence Pugh and Lewis Pullman performance in the centre. Yay. I liked it."

At the heart of it, critics acknowledged that superheroes and their films are for the masses to connect with, to take something good from, and Thunderbolts* seems to triumph in that regard.

"For me, Thunderbolts* worked because it peeled back layers on a subject I have long fought with. Florence Pugh continues to be a stand out. I laughed, but I also cried at a story I think people will relate to. Weird in places, in the best way. I can't wait to see it again," said FILMHOUND Magazine's Paul Klein.

Empire Magazine's Amon Warmann summed it for those wondering whether or not they should give Thunderbolts* a shot. "That was pretty great! A visually daring, emotionally resonant superhero film that pushes mental health to the forefront. Florence Pugh brings the heart, David Harbour is consistently funny, and Lewis Pullman might be the stealth MVP. Best MCU film in a long while!"

Finding a way together

Marvel Studios released the film's final trailer last Thursday, paying homage to old characters by letting their successors shine. The catch is, our new heroes don't have the brightest track records.

"The past doesn't go away," Stan's Bucky asserts, as a cinematic rendition of Queen's Under Pressure builds in the background. "So you can either live with it forever, or you can do something about it."

The trailer's message of healing and forgiving oneself resonated with fans in the comments section. From expressing curiosity over the shift in tone to praising the emotional depth of the dialogues, many opened their hearts to the story's redemptive nature.

Elated over this new turn for the MCU, a user wrote, "A whole film about supporting Marvel characters that deserved to be treated better? I'm so excited!"