Spoiler Warning: This piece discusses major plot points from ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’
For decades, ‘Fantastic Four’ adaptations have struggled to find their footing on the big screen – oscillating between forgettable attempts and critically panned efforts. In its first iteration under Marvel, ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ delivers a much-needed breath of fresh air with an ‘origin story’ that isn’t quite an origin story. While the film puts the iconic foursome back on solid ground, it still falls short of the giant leap Marvel was hoping for.
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Breathing Life Into A Retro-Future World
One of ‘First Steps’’ biggest wins is its brilliantly executed world-building – a retro-future vision that fuses nostalgic sci-fi aesthetics with fresh visual storytelling. It’s a sharp departure from the sleek, high-tech gloss typical of other Marvel films. This bold stylistic pivot instantly sets the tone and signals that this world is playing by a new set of rules. But the design isn’t just eye candy; it deepens the narrative, revealing how these heroes operate in a space far removed from everything audiences know.
Though not without flaws, the film makes an audacious move by situating Marvel’s beloved ‘first family’ in Earth-828 – rather than the main timeline of Earth-616. By breaking away from the established MCU continuity, ‘First Steps’ gives its story breathing room to evolve organically, allowing the characters to stand on their own instead of feeling tethered to previously explored arcs.
Chemistry Turns A Team Into A Family
‘First Steps’ truly hits its stride in establishing authentic relationships among its core team – a foundation every Fantastic Four story needs to succeed. The spark between Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) is electric, layered with genuine warmth, simmering tension, and the weight of a partnership intertwined with larger-than-life responsibilities.
Vanessa Kirby’s portrayal of Sue serves as the film’s emotional anchor, balancing her role as the group’s humanitarian and political force with raw, personal stakes that resonate deeply. Her climactic showdown with Galactus (Ralph Ineson) isn’t just thrilling – it cements Sue as the undeniable heartbeat of this family. Beyond the leads, the ensemble chemistry rings true, illustrating why they’re more than just heroes working side by side – they’re a family bound by loyalty, sacrifice, and something far deeper than superpowers alone.
Uneven Beginnings, Triumphant Endings
The narrative at the core of ‘First Steps’ occasionally stumbles – largely due to its ambitious balancing act of introducing key franchise figures while setting the stage for the larger MCU chessboard – but patience pays off. The film’s ambition means the pacing isn’t always seamless. Yet if you push through the slower stretches, the payoff is worth it. As ‘First Steps’ barrels toward its climax, the tension sharpens, the stakes soar, and the film flips the script on what makes the Fantastic Four truly powerful.
It’s not just about brute strength or cosmic abilities; there’s a cerebral edge at play that adds fresh depth, underscoring that this team’s greatest power goes beyond superhuman might. The emotionally charged finale leans on the classic ‘might of motherhood’ archetype to pull everything together – culminating in the defeat of Galactus and the first hints of baby Franklin Richards’ almighty potential. Sure, a few beats teeter on the edge of cheesiness, but by the end, the story cashes in on the audience’s investment in Sue and the rest of the team, delivering a finale that lands with satisfying impact.
A Rocky Start With A Brighter Future
‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ isn’t without its flaws, but it accomplishes its most important goal: breathing new life into a franchise that has long struggled to stick the landing. With its richly imagined retro-future setting, authentic team chemistry, and a fresh exploration of the team’s powers, the film lays a strong foundation for what could become an exciting new era in the MCU.
‘First Steps’ walks a delicate tightrope, delivering a standalone story that still feels emotionally resonant and impactful. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this film extends a hopeful, inviting hand – welcoming audiences to join Marvel’s ‘first family’ as they take their inaugural, and most promising, steps.
Born in Korea and raised in Hong Kong, Min Ji has combined her degree in anthropology and creative writing with her passion for going on unsolicited tangents as an editor at Friday Club. In between watching an endless amount of movies, she enjoys trying new cocktails and pastas while occasionally snapping a few pictures.
