Reel Therapy

243: Thunderbolts* - SPOILER Review

241 Studios

In episode 243 of Reel Therapy, Daniel and Donavon dive into Marvel Studios' Thunderbolts — exploring where it fits in the broader MCU, how it handles themes of trauma and redemption, and what the film says about mental health in today’s culture.
They also take a step back to examine Hollywood’s responsibility in telling stories about mental health, and how films like Thunderbolts can either help or harm the conversation.
A thoughtful breakdown packed with insight, emotion, and a little chaos — just like the Thunderbolts themselves.

TABLE OF CONTENTS --

00:00:00 - About the Episode
00:00:41 - Thunderbolts*
00:45:00 - Final Thoughts
00:54:31 - Before We Go

ABOUT THE MOVIE --

Thunderbolts brings together a team of morally complex anti-heroes and reformed villains from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, U.S. Agent, and more. Tasked with carrying out covert missions too messy for the Avengers, the group must confront their own inner demons while learning to trust one another.
Directed by Jake Schreier, with a script by Eric Pearson, Thunderbolts explores themes of trauma, redemption, and identity against the backdrop of high-stakes action and espionage. The film continues Marvel’s Phase 5 and dives deeper into the gray areas of heroism — where not every mission has a clean ending, and not every hero wears a cape.
FIND US --

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