Thunderbolts Movie Review : Slick action, an emotional core, and powerful performances elevate this layered superhero film

Story: An unconventional team of antiheroes reluctantly band together after they are caught in a death trap set by the villainous CIA head for whom they work. As they embark on the mission, they also confront the demons of their past.

Review: The opening sequence of the latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe sets the tone for the entire film. Russian assassin and Black Widow’s adoptive sister, Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), declares, “There is something wrong with me,” before describing a void within her and leaping off a ledge. But it’s not a suicide attempt—she lands in the middle of a combat mission assigned by the scheming CIA director, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), to destroy incriminating evidence and evade impeachment.

As Yelena contemplates switching sides and fighting for a greater cause, Valentina recruits her—along with operatives John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko)—for one final mission to tie up loose ends at a remote facility. However, the quartet soon realises it’s a setup: they are part of the loose ends themselves, manipulated to make them eliminate each other. And they have company in Bob (Lewis Pullman), who doesn’t remember how he got there, except that he was at a medical facility for a procedure and woke up there. Throughout the movie, the tonality shifts from dark and despondent to high-octane action, as Yelena and a ragtag team of antiheroes join forces to take Valentina down, while facing their demons.

Director Jack Schreier and writers Joanna Calo and Eric Pearson deliver more than just another superhero action outing. While elaborate set pieces, spectacular action sequences, and the trademark MCU humour remain intact, the film stands out for its emotional depth, tackling themes of mental health and the importance of seeking help. A deeply disturbed and traumatised Bob transforms into the supervillain Void—whose power eclipses that of all the Avengers combined. Through his character, the film delves into the struggle of confronting one’s inner demons, underscoring the danger of suppressing negative emotions instead of addressing them.

The film’s first and second acts keep you engaged with solid superhero action, but it truly finds its footing in a dazzling third act. Blending an intense emotional undercurrent with the idea that even superheroes can be deeply vulnerable, the finale delivers a riveting experience—amplified by gripping action sequences and stellar performances.

Florence Pugh, as Yelena, leads the ‘New Avengers’ and delivers a standout performance—balancing skilled action, dry humour, and emotional depth. She’s the only Thunderbolt given a proper introduction, while the backgrounds and character arcs of the other antiheroes remain largely unexplored, leaving only ardent Marvel comic book fans with any real context. Even so, the ensemble impresses: Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes makes a heroic impact with well-timed entrances, Wyatt Russell brings edge as the disgraced Captain America, Hannah John-Kamen is intense as Ghost, and David Harbour adds comic relief as the loud, washed-up Red Guardian, Alexei Shostakov. Julia Louis-Dreyfus blends charm and menace effortlessly as the manipulative Valentina. But it's Lewis Pullman who truly steals the show—playing Bob with heartbreaking vulnerability and transforming into Void with incredible force, delivering a knockout performance.

The blend of action, emotional depth, and strong performances makes Thunderbolts* an engaging must-watch.