Marvel’s Thunderbolts* (2025) brings together a group of antiheroes, Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Ghost, and U.S. Agent, under the manipulative guidance of Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. Directed with a darker and more grounded tone, the film shifts away from the cosmic chaos of recent MCU entries, focusing instead on flawed individuals seeking redemption. It’s a refreshing change of pace, giving the story a gritty, emotional edge that feels closer to The Winter Soldier than Guardians of the Galaxy.
Florence Pugh shines as Yelena, delivering a performance filled with pain, wit, and strength. Her chemistry with David Harbour’s Red Guardian brings both humor and heart to the team dynamic. Sebastian Stan’s Bucky provides the emotional weight of a man still haunted by his past, while Wyatt Russell’s U.S. Agent adds tension and moral conflict. The interactions between these damaged heroes are the film’s core strength, elevating it beyond the usual superhero formula.
Visually, Thunderbolts balances realism and spectacle well. The action sequences feel intense but grounded, emphasizing character over chaos. The cinematography reflects the film’s somber tone, with cold color palettes and claustrophobic settings that mirror the characters internal struggles. The score complements this mood, giving the film a sense of emotional depth rather than bombast.
However, Thunderbolts isn’t without flaws. The pacing lags in the first act as it juggles too many character reintroductions, and the main villain, Valentina, lacks the menace to truly drive the plot. Some storylines feel rushed or unresolved, and a few characters, like Ghost and Taskmaster, deserve more attention. Still, the film’s emotional sincerity and mature tone make it one of Marvel’s more thoughtful entries in recent years.
In the end, Thunderbolts (2025) succeeds as a character-driven exploration of broken heroes trying to reclaim their purpose. It’s not the loudest or most explosive Marvel movie, but it’s one of the most human. With its mix of sharp performances, grounded action and introspective themes, it stands as a promising step toward a more mature and emotionally resonant MCU.
Some quotes from Thunderbolts (2025)
“Look, I’ve been where you are. The past doesn’t go away. So you can either live with it forever… or do something about it.” — Bucky Barnes
“Bucky, you have the wrong people. We have all done bad things.” — Yelena Belova
“Yelena, when I look at you, I don’t see your mistakes.” — Alexei / Red Guardian
“There’s something… wrong with me. An emptiness. I thought it started when my sister died, but now it feels like something bigger. Just a… void.” — Yelena Belova
“We all have things that we regret. But I have so many!” — Red Guardian / Yelena
“Righteousness without power is just an opinion.” — Valentina Allegra de Fontaine
“We’re brought up with this belief that there are good guys and there are bad guys. But eventually you come to realize that there are bad guys and there are worse guys.” — Valentina
“We can’t stop him alone… But we can find a way, together.” — Yelena Belova
“Maybe we can be the ones that are coming.” — Bucky Barnes
