Marvel’s Fantastic Four: The First Steps is a near-perfect origin story. As a lush, gorgeously shot spectacle with exceptional casting, a profoundly moving narrative, and a compelling story to tell, the film shines as it underscores the significance of empathy. Between Superman and now Fantastic Four, it seems that the only hope humanity can find right now is in our fictional superheroes.
The state of the world at this very moment is bleak. Children are being starved to death in manmade wars, politicians are indescribably cruel, and hope is scarce. We might not have intergalactic villains threatening to state of our world, but humanity is doing it on its own. AI is taking over jobs, and far too many decent things are falling apart. Few things are genuinely “good” right now. Yet, these movies remind us that maybe, just maybe, people can still make a difference someday. Perhaps the next generation of kids can ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself. Maybe they can be better than us.
And that’s the thing, while Fantastic Four: The First Steps is a mostly contained story, it’s achingly universal in all that it represents. As it touches on motherhood in a way the MCU has yet to do as intimately, it tells a family story that’s all about the lengths people will go to protect those they love. And, yes, that’s one of the primary messages in most superhero films, but the spotlight on Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm is incredible. She’s breathtaking. The final few moments of the film, which center on her powers, result in one of the most jaw-dropping moments in the MCU’s history, and the stunning cinematography from Jess Hall is awe-inspiring.
The film glistens as a love letter to humanity and families as a whole, as the core four consistently go above and beyond for one another. How the narrative quietly explores each of their fears and gives them something poignantly heartbreaking to work with before the big moment at the end is no small feat. The decision to ground the story in motherhood and the presence of a child is a brave, beautiful choice that makes the entire beating heart of the movie feel more real. It’s honest. The pain and suffering feel universal, whether we are mothers or not. It becomes a story about something bigger than what we can see—the unknown future that’s vital to protect.
In addition, casting could not be more remarkable for Fantastic Four: The First Steps. Vanessa Kirby, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach are astounding as Sue, Reed, Johnny, and Ben. How they each bring something new yet thoughtfully familiar to the role feels like an accomplishment in and of itself. Like the Avengers, whom we’ve known for years now, it feels like this group has been with us for a long, long time. The familial warmth reverberating from them leaps off the screen with such exceptional ease that it’s impossible not to adore them right from the start.
Rich with incredible personalities from the get-go, it’s going to be beautiful to watch them take the mantle in Avengers: Doomsday. The film is full of empathy and a softness that feels especially relevant today as we explore what’s needed from humanity. Reed’s love for Sue, the brotherhood between Ben and Johnny, the love all four of them have with each other—magic. A real, honest story about a family shines, making it so easy to want more of them, and at all times. Well-paced, directed, and written, it’s one of the best superhero films of the last decade.
The Fantastic Four: First Step is now playing in theaters.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Marvel | Disney