How Thunderbolts redefines the MCU with its most deeply human movie yet

In many comic book adaptations, darkness takes on a significant role – not just because movie sets sometimes have trouble with proper lighting, but also because it symbolizes internal emotions such as desolation, moral uncertainty, and emotional distress.

The emotional and visual impact is what sets the tone for many comic adaptations, like Marvel’s recent film “Thunderbolts,” where director Jake Schreier guides the MCU into uncharted narrative territories, revealing a world where superheroes are no longer just stereotypes, but complex, flawed individuals struggling under immense burdens.

Yelena Belova (portrayed by Florence Pugh) serves as the main illustration of this concept. Following the demise of her sister Natasha Romanoff in Avengers: Endgame, she becomes a shattered individual. The agony doesn’t strike her all at once; instead, it creeps up on her subtly and silently, much like a wave that catches you off guard, enveloping you in an overpowering gloom that seems impossible to escape.

Instead of openly mourning, she diverts herself by accepting tasks from the enigmatic government operative Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (portrayed by Julia Louis-Dreyfus), and unwittingly carries out her underhanded duties. Initially, this behavior may seem like loyalty, but it’s actually a struggle to regain control over her life – a strategy often employed by many people in real life as a means to avoid confronting their emotions: functioning to escape the pain.

Primarily, Yelena finds herself in a detached mental state, a coping mechanism that activates when she experiences intense overwhelm. However, this internal detachment brings about its own consequences as her daily life becomes routine and devoid of purpose. Essentially, Yelena is stuck in a loop. On the surface, she seems busy, but inside, she’s hollow. She turns to alcohol to alleviate her pain and attempts to suppress the past memories.

The remainder of the team, too, find themselves in a state of ambiguous emotions, since they rally around Val, cooperating beyond what was anticipated, even though she had secretly intended for everyone else to turn against one another.

As a gamer, I find myself stepping into the shoes of three distinct characters in this game: Red Guardian (David Harbour), who’s yearning for a return to past glory; Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), who grapples with her artificial existence and the constant dread of incompleteness; and John Walker (Wyatt Russell), who carries the burden of having disappointed his family, not being the husband and father he believes they deserved.

Not only Val’s former workers are grappling with difficulties. Bucky Barnes, formerly known as the Winter Soldier, now serves as a congressman, aiming to bring Val down if impeachment occurs. However, he also experiences turmoil related to guilt, loyalty, and embarking on a fresh start.

Among all characters, Bob (played by Lewis Pullman), stands out as exceptionally intriguing. Later, he transforms into Sentry, representing the enigmatic Void.

Bob, portrayed by Lewis Pullman, is particularly captivating in this group. He later assumes the role of Sentry, personifying the enigma known as The Void.

As a fellow admirer, I’d describe Bob as an enigmatic figure who, at first glance, seems almost ethereal due to his reserved nature. Beneath the tranquility, however, lies a profound complexity that’s reminiscent of a hidden treasure map. His quietude conceals not just moments etched in memory, but also a myriad of thoughts and emotional wounds that carry a weight as heavy as an anchor beneath the calm waters. In psychological terms, this is referred to as internalized trauma – a silent, introspective life marked by tacit stress and unhealed hurts.

As Sentry, I’m not just a character with superhuman might; I embody a truth that often goes unnoticed – the quiet ones can bear the most. I’m more than a hero; I symbolize the Void, a representation of depression, fear, inner turmoil, and even thoughts of giving up. When I teeter on the brink, darkness consumes me.

In the film, Sentry stands out as the character with the greatest depth of psychological complexity. He embodies a unique duality, being at once a protector and a victim, constantly balancing his inner fortitude and fragility.

In essence, heroes are individuals who respond to life’s occurrences, be it instinctively or thoughtfully, and their actions are often influenced by their past experiences. These experiences, which can range from traumatic events to losses, feelings of guilt, and suppressed memories, significantly impact our behavior and leave an indelible imprint on us.

Psychologically speaking, deep-rooted memory imprints, often referred to as engrammatic patterns, are formed within the neural system. These memories have such a profound impact that they unconsciously shape our perceptions and actions. The challenge, whether in real life or in films, is to identify these patterns, challenge them, and forge new paths.

In its latest storyline, Marvel presents characters struggling under the burden of their history, yet they bravely strive to rise again despite the odds.

At the core, Thunderbolts presents a profoundly human dilemma: to what extent do things deteriorate if we continue suppressing our discontent rather than addressing it? It’s not merely a storytelling tactic; it encapsulates a universal fight for significance, connection, and recovery.

Consequently, this stage signifies a significant shift in the MCU, as it transitions from portraying polished hero stereotypes to developing emotionally intricate characters who resonate with our personal struggles. These characters are no longer distant ideals but reflections, serving as reminders that while our past influences us, it does not dictate our identity.

After a clap of thunder, lightning appears swiftly, and in its wake, the silence recedes ever so slightly. Real recovery doesn’t stem from erasing the past, but rather acknowledging it and continually deciding, instant by instant, stride by stride, to advance.

For more on Thunderbolts, check out:

1. Review of Thunderbolts

2. Explanation of the credit scenes for Thunderbolts

3. What is the running time of Thunderbolts?

4. Explanation of Thunderbolts’ ending

5. When does Thunderbolts get released on Disney+?

Thunderbolts* is out now in cinemas.

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2025-05-02 19:20