For the last couple of weeks, I’ve been living at the movie theatre (figuratively), but seriously, so many good movies are coming out, especially horror.

Not a fan

On May 1st, my husband and I went to see Thunderbolts* (on freaking Labor’s Day), which I later felt bad about and told him that I would never do again because that is my way of rebelling against our capitalistic society; he laughed by the way). I wouldn’t say I’m a Marvel fan, but my husband is (and I usually tag along ever since I can remember dating him, I guess, in a way, I’m too invested, so I must watch to see what happens in the endless universe of Marvel. 

Blank space

I’m not going to lie. Florence Pugh (but so is Julia Louis Dreyfus) is a babe (a girl is allowed to admire another one’s beauty, right?) I’ve loved everything I’ve seen her in ever since I saw Midsommar. It was no surprise that Thunderbolt* got my attention more amongst all the trailers during previews. However, during the premiere, my mind was completely blank, and I didn’t even remember what the trailer was about, only that it was good (perhaps it was the two-hour hike from that morning).

What to expect when you forgot what you were expecting

I can’t tell you what I expected, but I can tell you what I didn’t expect. I’m not here to tell you how great the movie is, because you should watch it yourself. Was it good? Yes. Did I expect to hear people (myself included) sob? No (but it happened). Don’t you hate when your throat closes up in a place where you can’t conventionally cry, so you try to hold it back so much till it hurts, but you keep trying, fighting, till you can’t? And then the tears fall.

A crybaby

Those reading my blogs for a while may recall me writing about crying my face off in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. That was the last time I cried at The Movies (because with Barbie, I cried in the car, okay? Not at the movies). The first time was in Coco. It was refreshing that I wasn’t the only one crying in Thunderbolts* though. So why were we crying?

It turns out Thunderbolts* wasn’t going to be another action-packed Marvel movie. They add some layers to their regular stuff (even though it’s not their first time touching, should I say darker (Moon Knight is heavily underrated and misunderstood), more emotional themes?).

Who’s Bob?

This article is not spoiler-proof for those who haven’t watched the film yet (sorry in advance). So, what is this “dark theme” I keep referring to? Those familiar with the Marvel Universe (or just people who saw the trailer) expected to see Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, John Walker, Ava Starr, and Red Guardian (aka Red Santa). And probably their usual action-packed film, with flashy costumes and goofy jokes (thank goodness for the comic relief in this one). Even though we got a glimpse of Bob/ Sentry/ Void in the trailer, mostly in villain form, we don’t see much of Bob until he pops up at the movie’s beginning (correct me if I’m wrong on this, peeps). He turns out to be very likable (and mysterious). 

The New Avengerz (only those who’ve seen the movie will get this) quickly catch up on Bob’s mystery, too. He can take you back in time so that you can see the worst version of yourself. Let’s fast forward a bit; Bob will become a complete villain with the help of Valentina de Fontaine (don’t forget the ‘de’).

Darkness falls

The void goes all dark, making people disappear in the darkness (they were popping like big, juicy thicks). Yelena, who was struggling with mental health herself, managed, with her strength and bravery (and a bit of encouragement of her dad), to help Bob escape the darkness, thus saving humanity. How did she manage to do that? By talking, by accompanying, by supporting. It’s probably a coincidence, but I wasn’t expecting themes regarding mental health and trauma in Thunderbolts*. May is mental health awareness month. I want to think that it’s not pure coincidence, that it’s intentional to make people more aware of trauma and its consequences. 

Tell somebody

My final take: talk. Even if it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient, even if it doesn’t lead to all the fantastic solutions you wanted, peeps, I’m saying all that, knowing damn well that Respaldo has a long waiting list for adults (tell your suicidal thought to wait a year or two). But talk to be heard, talk to move forward. The smallest of talk may have a positive impact, something/ someone to hold on to. You’ll find a way together. Like Bob, you’re not alone. 

Did you see this movie already? What were your thoughts? Or are you planning on watching it after reading this story?