The Fantastic Four: First Steps 

(dir. Matt Shakman)

By: Adam Freed

Now unburdened by the decades-long shackles of the Avengers saga, Marvel Studios is at long last free to explore the comic book universe in brave new directions.  This breath of fresh air is exactly what fans and followers have needed. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a glorious 60’s era exploration of the beauty located at the core of being part of a family, super or otherwise. Director Matt Shakman (The Great, Game of Thrones) and the massive creative team at Marvel Studios have struck gold, building on the creative success of Thunderbolts* (2025) and giving life to a family-friendly origin story in which each one of the four members of the team are given ample opportunity to matter.  There are no throwaway characters, partially because The Fantastic Four boasts such a wonderful cast, that to underwrite any of the central characters would sacrifice the gift of their presence.  The Fantastic Four: First Steps is also the beneficiary of a colossal and creatively rich production design that evokes all of the best details of the post baby-boom era.  In addition, Shakman’s film is a magnificent demonstration of talent by costume designer Alexandra Byrne (Emma, Guardians of the Galaxy) who adorns the cast in chic mid-century couture, so appealing that the turtleneck may be back in fashion this fall.   

After a freak accident in the depths of outer space the dynamic quartet gains a phalanx of super powers, each specific and unique to the individual characters.  The team is fronted by Reed Richards, a brilliant scientist played by the omnipresent Pedro Pascal (Materialists, Eddington). Reed’s wife, Susan Storm, aka The Invisible Woman, is embodied by a perfectly cast Vanessa Kirby (The Crown, Mission Impossible: Fallout) who effortlessly threads the needle of feminine strength and endearing charisma. The quality of performance is often overshadowed in mass budgeted films, but it cannot be overstated just how gravitation Pascal and Kirby are together.  They so perfectly embody the essence of a mid-century family all while carrying the extraordinary weight of their otherworldly purpose.  Rounding out the team is Susan’s brother Johnny Storm, performed by Joseph Quinn (Warfare, Gladiator II) and Ben Grimm, a humanoid rock monster known as “The Thing” captured mostly in an endearing voiceover by rising star Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear).  Make no mistake, the family established within The Fantastic Four is genuine, there is a love and care shared between characters that cannot be faked.

The bond between heroes is inevitably tested with the ominous arrival of The Silver Surfer, an extra terrestrial being acting as a scout for a world devouring giant known as Galactus.  Despite a predictable level of superhero peril, The Fantastic Four remains notably family friendly, free of blood, profanity and violent mayhem.  This may ultimately be the secret to the success of Matt Shakman’s film.  It is exciting enough for the Marvel faithful, yet feels like a suitable starting point for the next generation of thrill-seeking moviegoers.  Ultimately, there is no super power greater than those that can be recognized in the best parts of humanity.  Susan Storm’s maternal instinct weaponized for the benefit of mankind is not only a touching nod to the heroism of mothers everywhere, but a genuinely tear-inducing moment in a genre of film generally devoid of such emotional prowess.  As it turns out, all reports of Marvel Studios’ demise  have been hugely exaggerated, the studio giant simply needed to be unburdened of its past, and move into a bold new direction.  Mission accomplished.  

Target Score 8/10 - The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a glorious new beginning for Marvel Studios. Wielding a perfect cast as well as inspired production and costume design, director Matt Shakman has put his stamp on what is sure to be his first of many contributions to the world of cinematic superhero lore.