Review: Thunderbolts (2025)

Marvel’s Band of Misfits Takes the Spotlight

Marvel Studios has ventured into new territory with Thunderbolts (2025), a film that delves into the morally gray corners of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Directed by Jake Schreier and featuring a star-studded ensemble cast, the movie assembles a group of anti-heroes and reformed villains for a high-stakes mission. While the MCU has always excelled at team dynamics, Thunderbolts stands out by focusing on flawed, unpredictable characters rather than traditional heroes.

Plot Overview

Set after the events of Captain America: New World Order (2024), Thunderbolts sees the government assembling a covert team to tackle threats that require a more unorthodox approach. This ragtag group is led by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), who manipulates the motivations of its members. The team includes Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Red Guardian (David Harbour), John Walker/US Agent (Wyatt Russell), Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and Antonia Dreykov.

Their mission revolves around stopping a global threat posed by rogue scientists experimenting with a powerful new technology. However, the team’s internal conflicts and personal agendas make collaboration nearly impossible, leading to explosive consequences.

The Good: Character Dynamics

One of Thunderbolts’ greatest strengths lies in its character interactions. This isn’t your typical superhero squad where everyone is aligned in purpose. Instead, it’s a volatile mix of egos, trauma, and questionable morals.

• Yelena Belova shines as the emotional and comedic anchor. Florence Pugh brings a blend of humor and vulnerability, making Yelena the glue that holds the group together.
• Red Guardian, played hilariously by David Harbour, provides much-needed comic relief. His attempts to regain glory and connect with his younger teammates lead to some of the movie’s most heartfelt moments.
• Bucky Barnes serves as the reluctant leader, grappling with his haunted past while trying to maintain order among the chaos.
• John Walker/US Agent continues his morally ambiguous journey, torn between seeking redemption and asserting dominance.
• Ghost and Taskmaster, though quieter, contribute significantly to the tension with their brooding presence and unmatched combat skills.

The film dedicates ample time to exploring their individual arcs, which makes the ensemble feel cohesive despite their differences.

Themes and Tone

Unlike the colorful optimism of Avengers or the cosmic scope of Guardians of the Galaxy, Thunderbolts adopts a darker tone. It’s a story about redemption, identity, and the cost of second chances. The movie doesn’t shy away from showing the consequences of the team’s past mistakes, grounding the story in a way that feels raw and relatable.

However, the film balances its seriousness with humor. The comedic moments, often spearheaded by Red Guardian and Yelena, prevent the narrative from becoming overly grim. This tonal balance is one of the MCU’s trademarks, and it’s executed effectively here.

The Weaknesses: Pacing and Villain

While Thunderbolts excels in character development, its pacing occasionally falters. The first act spends a significant amount of time assembling the team, which, while necessary, feels overly drawn out. Once the action picks up, the film regains its momentum, but the sluggish start may test viewers’ patience.

Another weak point is the antagonist. The primary villain lacks depth and fails to leave a lasting impression. The threat feels more like a plot device to unite the team rather than a compelling adversary. For a movie centered around morally ambiguous characters, a more nuanced villain could have elevated the stakes.

Action and Visuals

Marvel has always delivered on action, and Thunderbolts is no exception. The fight choreography is gritty and grounded, reflecting the skillsets of its members. A standout sequence involves a chaotic rooftop battle that showcases each member’s unique abilities while highlighting their struggles to work together.

Visually, the film adopts a darker, more muted palette, complementing its grittier tone. The use of practical effects and CGI is seamless, particularly in Ghost’s phasing abilities and Taskmaster’s mimicry. However, the film doesn’t break new ground in terms of visual innovation, sticking to familiar Marvel aesthetics.

Standout Performances

• Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova steals the show. Her performance is equal parts charming, intense, and emotionally resonant.
• Sebastian Stan delivers a subdued yet impactful portrayal of Bucky Barnes, capturing his internal struggle with nuance.
• David Harbour’s Red Guardian is both hilarious and endearing, offering moments of levity in an otherwise intense narrative.
• Wyatt Russell continues to excel as John Walker, walking the fine line between hero and villain.

Final Thoughts

Thunderbolts (2025) is a bold addition to the MCU, offering a fresh perspective on teamwork and heroism. While it may not reach the emotional heights of Avengers: Endgame or the groundbreaking spectacle of Black Panther, it carves out its niche with compelling character work and a morally complex narrative.

Fans of darker, character-driven stories will appreciate what Thunderbolts brings to the table. It’s a reminder that not all heroes wear capes—or even deserve the title of hero.

Rating: 7.5/10

Marvel’s Thunderbolts proves that even the most fractured teams can come together when the stakes are high, leaving us excited for their future in the MCU.