Marvel’s latest film, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” plunges audiences into a universe-ending threat where Vanessa Kirby’s portrayal of Susan Storm shines, despite a surprisingly subdued performance from Pedro Pascal.
Facing a Cosmic Devourer
The movie presents an incredibly ambitious, world-destruction event centered around Galactus, the planet-eating entity also known as ‘The Devourer’. Our heroes, the Fantastic Four, must rely on all their scientific ingenuity, from black holes to rare earth materials, to counter this immense threat.
While the premise might feel familiar to recent superhero flicks, “First Steps” offers a comforting, almost nostalgic feel. It provides a sense of safety and warmth, a stark contrast to some of the more chaotic superhero narratives out there.
Welcome to Earth-828
The film is set in an alternative Marvel reality, Earth-828, which mirrors the retro-futuristic aesthetic of the 1960s. Everything from the small, round-edged TVs to the characters’ perfectly turned-out appearances reflects an optimistic vision of the future from that era.
The people are depicted as good-natured, ready to cheer on their heroes. This setting helps ground the cosmic stakes in a visually distinct and charming world.
Vanessa Kirby’s Stellar Performance
At the heart of the film is the Fantastic Four family, whose chemistry is a highlight. Vanessa Kirby, in particular, delivers an outstanding performance as Susan Storm. Starting the film pregnant and becoming a mother midway, her superpowers extend beyond force fields and invisibility.
Kirby brilliantly portrays Susan’s fierce strength and vulnerability as a mother. Crucially, the film avoids traditional tropes, showing Susan heading into space heavily pregnant without concerns about her efficiency, celebrating her ability to balance motherhood with heroism.
The Baby Factor
The storyline introduces Susan and Reed’s cosmically altered child, Franklin, who is undeniably cute and expressive. However, the use of the baby as a plot device can sometimes feel gratuitous.
Franklin is repeatedly put in harm’s way, even being used as bait in Times Square for an intergalactic battle. While Kirby expertly navigates the emotional complexities of this situation, it occasionally feels forced.
Pedro Pascal’s Disappointing Turn
In contrast to Kirby’s impactful performance, Pedro Pascal, typically a reliable actor, seems to struggle as Reed Richards. He appears torn between portraying Reed as a cold, rational scientist, known as ‘Mister Fantastic’ for his intellect and stretchability, and a warm, irrational father.
Pascal’s performance lands unconvincingly in between these two personas, feeling surprisingly subdued and at times, downbeat. Unlike his teammates, Reed doesn’t seem to experience that burst of exhilaration often associated with new superpowers.
Rounding Out the Team
Joseph Quinn keeps Johnny Storm, the Human Torch and resident joker, light and simple, though he doesn’t quite hit the comedic mark he aims for. Ebon Moss-Bachrach brings genuine pathos and gravitas to Ben Grimm, The Thing, a significant achievement given his limited screen time without the character’s signature orange rock form.
Director Matt Shakman, relatively new to big-ticket franchises, also manages to make Julia Garner’s Shalla-Ball, a character composed mostly of shimmery liquid metal, feel like a living, hurting woman. This demonstrates a solid directorial touch within the ambitious narrative.
- Vanessa Kirby’s portrayal of Susan Storm is a standout, balancing fierce strength with vulnerability.
- Pedro Pascal delivers a surprisingly subdued and at times, inconsistent performance as Reed Richards.
- The film successfully creates a comforting, retro-futuristic 1960s Marvel universe.
- The storyline’s use of the child, Franklin, can feel gratuitous despite Kirby’s strong acting.
“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” sets the stage for Marvel’s First Family, and while not every element takes off, it certainly lays the groundwork for future adventures.
