Thunderbolts* 2025 Movie Review
Thunderbolts* is unlike anything we’ve seen before in a superhero blockbuster. Its bold focus on mental health is the beating heart of the film, shaping the story in a way that’s refreshingly original. We’ve had plenty of superhero (and anti-hero) movies, but none have tackled mental health as deeply or as honestly as this. This is as fresh as it gets, and the film hits its message squarely on the mark. Could that message have been louder or more powerful? Absolutely. But is it enough for audiences to understand, feel, and reflect on? Without a doubt. It’s a gem that invites viewers to empathize, to look inward, and to recognize the struggles of those around them. In many ways, Thunderbolts feels like a superhero in its own right, delivering a powerful PSA that’s woven seamlessly into the narrative rather than feeling tacked on.
We’re in love with the concept here; an anti-hero film built around mental health. It makes the story and the character arcs far deeper and more meaningful than they’d be if these were just your typical caped crusaders. Thunderbolts* is the MCU’s rawest exploration of mental health to date. We’ve heard the words “trauma” and “healing” tossed around in superhero flicks before like WandaVision, but this is different. This film doesn’t just mention the weight of mental health, it lives in it. Yelena’s story, in particular, has been carefully nurtured since Phase 4, and the decision to continue her journey down this road is nothing short of brilliant. Yelena, like Black Widow before her, isn’t a superhero with powers. She’s human. She’s flawed, resilient, and painfully relatable and that makes her journey hit even harder.
We actually like the character dynamics between the anti-heroes. We like that every of their personality shines. Their dynamics push the film’s mental health themes even further. These might have been the underdogs of previous movies, characters we barely remembered but here, they get their moment. And wow, do they deliver. Each one gets time to prove they’re so much more than sidekicks or forgotten faces and by the end, you can’t help but root for them.
What’s especially moving is how much these characters matter both to themselves and to each other. They’ve all been torn down, denigrated, beaten back, and made to feel like the world is against them. They’re loners by nature, forced into the uncomfortable space of working as a team for the first time. Watching them navigate that, to lean on each other when things fall apart, is both heartwarming and powerful. It’s a clear reminder of the importance of friendship, of admitting when you need help, and of realizing that none of us can do it all alone.
The action sequences in this are great. It’s a blast watching everyone throw down and show off their skills. But here’s the thing, while the action is awesome, it’s not what makes this film great. This movie proves that a superhero film doesn’t need to lean on endless explosions to leave an impact. The story itself is raw, human, and beautifully told and that is more than enough. That’s why Thunderbolts* stands tall in the post-Endgame era. The action is tight, but the storytelling is what really puts it over the top.
And guess what? They didn’t rely on cameos. We could safely say that Deadpool vs Wolverine, Spider-Man: No Way Home and Thunderbolts* are the top 3 films after Avengers Endgame but what Thunderbolts* sets apart from the other two is it’s the only one that doesn’t rely on cameos. It doesn’t need nostalgic bait, it doesn’t need ‘help’ from anyone, it’s just them trying to save the day and trying to figure out how to solve the problems they are in. And we love them for it.
Florence Pugh, as always, is a knockout. She’s never missed a beat, and once again, she’s phenomenal here. Her accent might not be perfect, but who cares? She’s a powerhouse, carrying the weight of a character struggling with identity and searching for meaning. She’s the voice of so many who feel lost or stuck, and Pugh brings that to life with so much heart. She’s a beacon of hope, a reminder that even when it feels impossible, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. The rest of the cast? Stellar too. Lewis Pullman deserves a special shoutout. He proves here that he’s a force to be reckoned with. Forget the early skepticism about his casting. He owns it completely, and Hollywood seriously needs to give this guy more credit.
And yes, Malaysia plays a huge role in this film and the Menara Merdeka 118 shot is breathtaking. Instead of the usual sunny, warm tones we often see, the film opts for a moodier palette blue, dark, and cloudy which beautifully matches the film’s somber, reflective theme. It just fits.
The third act really dives deep into the mental health themes, in a way that feels raw and personal. The true villain here isn’t a monster or alien, it’s the demons we all battle inside. It emphasizes this theme in a way that feels plausible, personable and relatable. A villain that lives within all of us. A villain that everyone of us has battled against in some way and some parts in our lives. How much you connect with the film might depend on how you view your life and how much experience you’ve dealt with but one thing’s for sure, it’ll leave you thinking long after the credits roll.
Was anything wasted in this film? There is one. One character didn’t get nearly the spotlight they deserved. Everyone else got their moment to shine except for one and that felt like a missed opportunity.
As for the comedy, it’s hit and miss. Some of it lands really well. The belly-laugh kind of good while other moments fall flat or feel a bit forced. Some jokes could’ve used a little more setup, and a few felt repetitive, but overall, there’s enough good humor sprinkled in.
We did feel like the third act could have fleshed out more. It could have used more breathing room. It moves fast, too fast at times and some moments feel rushed or a bit disjointed. If they’d let things simmer just a bit longer, it could have been even more impactful.
And yes, Thunderbolts* has 2 credits scene. The first one is simply light and funny which is bearable enough but the second one will hype everyone up for what’s to come. Not that it’s important to reveal it at the end credits but with audience losing hope for the future of MCU, this will get everyone back on their feet, cheering and hoping that Phase 6 will be the same with what Phase 3 had to offer…or at least almost.
Verdict: Thunderbolts* is the anti-hero film we didn’t know we needed. It delivers a story rooted in something we all face: mental health. This is raw. It’s personal. And it feels relatable and real. It explores themes of isolation, trauma, and the power of asking for help, making it one of the MCU’s most personal stories yet. It ditches the nostalgia bait and focuses on characters wrestling with their own demons, making their journeys relatable and impactful. The action is tight, but it’s the emotional weight that truly lands (Yes, we did cry a bit). Florence Pugh leads with power and vulnerability, backed by a stellar cast and the famous Malaysia’s Menara Merdeka 118 isn’t just cinematic, it symbolizes the towering weight these characters carry. Thank you, Marvel.
