Thunderbolts* Review: MCU Finally Finds Its Redemption Arc — Where Heart Speaks Louder Than VFX

Thunderbolts* Story

The world is now Avengers-less, and hope seems in short supply. What once was a group of individuals with super strength is now a hot political topic. The desperation to create new Avengers is at an all-time high. But then there are the rookie anti-heroes who have no heroes left to fight. The loss of purpose and the looming fear of irrelevance have consumed Yelena (Florence Pugh) and her crew. Bucky (Sebastian Stan) is now a Congressman. Yet, they must find a purpose that brings them redemption, perhaps even making the world a better place. Enter Bob (Lewis Pullman), a man with enhanced superpowers. Will the squad unite to stop him, or are we still waiting for the Avengers?

Thunderbolts* Review:

The fact that the Marvel Cinematic Universe once traded hope for love and offered stories rich in heart rather than flashy budgets and extravagant VFX/CGI is undeniable. This is the studio that held our hands through nearly 20 films (mostly successful) to witness the moment these superheroes reached their Endgame in Avengers: Endgame. The loss of Iron Man still resonates deeply with us all. However, in recent years, purpose seemed lost, vision clouded, and all we saw were numbers and big names in colorful suits adorned with jaw-dropping VFX and CGI. The studio needed a revival, and it appears they sensed the call. Daredevil: Born Again, the Disney+ series, marked the first time in years that the studio told a truly three-dimensional story. Now, Thunderbolts* follows that lead, delivering an MCU film with genuine heart and stunning visuals. 

Meanwhile, you can watch Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse and Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse with your OTTplay Premium Subscription on SonyLIV.

What are the odds that the Marvel Cinematic Universe would find its redemption in a movie about a group of misfit anti-heroes searching for meaning, finally gaining purpose in lives that have become suffocating? Thunderbolts*, much like the Charlie Cox series, makes a conscious effort to focus on the people and circumstances where the superheroes themselves need saving, grappling with mental challenges, not just physical ones. Their task is exhausting, and when Yelena tells Red Guardian, aka Alexei (David Harbour), that she feels lost and that losing her sister twice has left an unhealed wound, Thunderbolts* strikes the right emotional chord.

These aren’t the righteous characters with clean hands fighting against a clear adversary. Instead, they’re individuals who once clashed with those very heroes and are now striving for redemption. The complexity of crafting an antagonist from a group of anti-heroes is no easy feat. So when Bob arrives, and Yelena and Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen) attempt to comfort him, convincing him that they stand by him, it feels as though they’re desperately seeking a glimmer of hope in him while simultaneously trying to heal him. This is where the film’s writing truly shines. Written by Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo and directed by Jake Schreier, Thunderbolts* hooks you with its emotional depth, and the conflict feels more personal and grounded.

There’s immense heart in how each character is portrayed. They’ve all done morally questionable things, and nothing can erase their criminal pasts. Yelena breaks down, recalling her first kill. John Walker (Wyatt Russell) cannot escape the aftermath of his actions as the former Captain America, and how they led to him losing his wife and son. Bucky (Sebastian Stan), having his own tumultuous journey, now lives to preserve a legacy, willing to go to any length for that cause. So when they all come together, with Red Guardian by their side, the story not only seeks to heal them but also breathes life back into a franchise that had lost the one thing this film is fueled by: Emotion!

Do you remember the opening funeral sequence of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, where we grieved Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa? That was likely the last time we shed tears for an MCU character. Thunderbolts* successfully reintroduces that vulnerability and emotional depth. It features a superhero father wanting to help, a daughter still mourning her sister’s loss, another man yearning to see his wife and daughter again, and a man who has lost most of his friends yet still stands tall. Eric Pearson ensures the film, while undoubtedly a superhero movie, retains its emotional weight for the most part.

Of course, there is Sentry, but revealing too much would spoil the experience. Lewis Pullman delivers an outstanding performance, bringing depth to a complex anti-hero with the potential to become a true hero (wink, wink). Florence Pugh is an absolute delight, and the way she brings out the raw emotion of her character is commendable. David Harbour is the heart of this film—he’s the father figure, the constant savior, and a man with both hopes and dreams. Such a beautiful portrayal! Sebastian Stan effortlessly exudes Bucky's swagger, even off-screen, so when he arrives on his stylized bike, there's no doubt you'll be cheering.

Eric Pearson makes several bold choices as a filmmaker. He opts for a more muted color palette, giving the film a much-needed atmospheric vibe. The action is grounded, not over-rehearsed, and Pearson crafts moments rather than mere scenes, which elevates the movie. Thunderbolts* is, without a doubt, a beautiful film.

However, one can’t ignore the fact that Thunderbolts* occasionally buckles under the pressure of juggling so many key characters. At times, it skips over important character moments in order to adhere to runtime, which leaves a slight sour taste. The film also follows the somewhat disappointing Marvel trend of wrapping up certain plot points too quickly, but it recovers well. As they say, stepping stones. The encouraging part is that the studio is finally taking creative risks, ones that don’t feel safe, and that’s what matters most.

Also Read: Max Steel to Hellboy - Superhero films on Lionsgate Play that aren't from the MCU or DCU

Thunderbolts* Review: Verdict

 Marvel has finally delivered more than just flashy suits and extravagant budgets. The MCU is gradually finding its way back to meaningful storytelling. A much-needed return to form!

PS: Stick around for two terrific end-credit scenes—you won't want to miss the ‘4’ of them.

Thunderbolts hits the big screen in India on May 1, 2025. Stay tuned to OTTplay for more updates on this and everything else from the world of streaming and film.