When I think about the best films the MCU has to offer, one consistent thread stands out: team-up films. The Avengers (2012) marked the first major crossover, uniting separate storylines into one explosive ensemble. Captain America: Civil War (2016) expanded the roster, setting the stage for the epic scale of the Infinity War and Endgame double feature, which may be the MCU at its peak. If there’s one thing Marvel consistently nails, it’s crafting unforgettable team dynamics.

 

That said, Marvel’s recent output has been hit or miss, which left me cautiously optimistic heading into Thunderbolts*. Most of these characters entered the MCU as villains or morally gray antiheroes, making this lineup feel like Marvel’s answer to the Suicide Squad. But Thunderbolts* does more than just bring together a band of misfits. It turns their fractured identities into a compelling narrative engine, delivering not only a standout team-up film but also a powerful, emotionally resonant exploration of mental health.

 

Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) has been working as a freelance mercenary for the morally murky CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) ever since the death of her sister, Natasha Romanoff, a.k.a. Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson). While on a mission, Yelena crosses paths with more of Valentina’s operatives: the disgraced Captain America stand-in John Walker (Wyatt Russell), her former adversary Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), and the elusive Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen). They soon realize they were each sent to eliminate one another, a calculated move by de Fontaine to erase anyone who could threaten her.

 

As the chaos unfolds, they're joined by Yelena’s estranged father, Red Guardian (David Harbour), newly elected congressman Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), and a mysterious newcomer named Bob (Lewis Pullman). Together, this unlikely team must band together to track down Valentina – before she tracks them down first.

 

Right from the start, it’s clear Yelena is grappling with burnout and a deep lack of purpose. Her depression and the weight of her traumatic past follow her throughout the film. We're also introduced to Bob, who suffers from a severe case of bipolar disorder that intensifies and influences the way his powers emerge during the story. Thunderbolts* doesn’t shy away from the heaviness of these themes. For anyone who has faced mental health challenges, or gone through periods of loneliness or emotional lows, the film will likely strike a powerful chord. The found family element ties in seamlessly, emphasizing the importance of a strong support system and the healing that comes from being surrounded by people who truly care.

 

From start to finish, this film belongs to Florence Pugh. Fearless and fully committed in every role she takes on, she shines even within a stacked ensemble. It’s no surprise she’s built such an impressive career in Hollywood, especially considering she’s still in her twenties. Lewis Pullman delivers a performance just as compelling, shifting effortlessly between highs of euphoria and crushing lows of self-worth. His portrayal is raw, nuanced, and deeply affecting.

 

As with any MCU film, the action and fight sequences are among the most exciting moments, and the ones featured here truly deliver. A standout battle near the end is especially thrilling, as our ragtag team faces off against one of the most powerful figures the MCU has introduced so far. That said, the film takes an unexpected turn in its final act. Instead of building to the kind of explosive showdown audiences might expect, it leans into a more reflective resolution where the conflict features a more emotional resolution instead of an action packed one. While this choice fits the film’s deeper themes, it may feel like a bit of a letdown for those anticipating a more adrenaline-fueled finale.

 

Nevertheless, Thunderbolts* stands out as one of the most refreshing MCU entries in recent memory. I'm genuinely excited to see more from this unlikely team and where future films might take them. It’s the most original and energizing addition to the franchise since the debut of iconic groups like The Avengers or the Guardians of the Galaxy. Marvel has long established itself as the studio that kicks off the summer blockbuster season, and Thunderbolts* is poised to launch it with style and impact.