Like a flash of lightning, “Thunderbolts” has risen to the top of billboards after its release on May 2, 2025. Starring big names such as Florence Pugh and David Harbour, this movie has found its way into the hearts of many people.
“Thunderbolts” follows the journey of Yelena Belova, played by Florence Pugh, as she navigates a path of self-discovery while grappling with the grief of losing her sister, Natasha Romanov. Belova is a talented assassin who seems to carry little empathy within herself. The misadventures in her path are vast, but they teach Yelena valuable lessons and eventually lead her to redirect her outlook on life.
Unlike other Marvel movies, “Thunderbolts” stands out in that it can be enjoyed by everyone, even those who don’t typically value superhero movies. However, the intricate backstory can be intimidating for new viewers unfamiliar with the various plot points. This issue is addressed in “Thunderbolts” through the inclusion of interesting and entertaining content that is wholly separate from the themes in previous movies. The lessons in this particular movie reside in the conversation surrounding mental health and the debilitating control it can take over one’s life.
An unusual group composed of Yelena Belova, Red Guardian, U.S. Agent, Ghost, Bucky Barnes and The Sentry has to put aside their hatred of each other in order for unity. This turn of events is inspired by their forced proximity, which forces them to be together. It is in the “O. X. E. Vault” that they realize their eventual demise as a whole, making it so that only by helping each other can they survive. The attempted carnage is the start of “The Thunderbolts” configuration.
The chemistry within the cast was radiant and clearly visible throughout the film. This is evident through their interactions and the way they grow together. Alexei Shostakov (David Harbour) acts as a father figure in the group, especially for Yelena, whose father is largely absent from her life. His performance stands out, making viewers feel emotionally attached to the group through relatable comedy and a comparable family dynamic.
Alongside the father-daughter pair is the outstanding performance of the main villain, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), and her sidekick, Mel (Geraldine Viswanathan). They possess an attractive energy, being evil yet misunderstood, which evokes a sense of sympathy in the viewer.
Pugh’s acting in this film is phenomenal. She has perfected the emotional aspects of acting, altering the entire mood of a scene with even the slightest shift in facial expression. This is true for all the movies Pugh has performed in, making her an easy and entertaining on-screen presence.
The visual effects are hypnotizing and especially stand out when the characters enter an abstract dimension. Yelena enters a dream-like state when helping the main antagonist, Bob. She is transported to a replica of Bob’s childhood home. The lighting in these scenes is used to add intrigue by highlighting certain aspects of the frames.
“Thunderbolts” is so much more than an action-packed superhero movie. It does many things simultaneously. Being both humorous and profound, sometimes in the same scene, adds a great deal of depth and, therefore, diversity to the fan base. “Thunderbolts” is a fantastic film that left fans satisfied and wanting more.
