Black Widow is Marvel’s latest cinematic release, but more than that, it’s the first Marvel Cinematic Universe movie since July 2019.
It features Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Rachel Weisz and Ray Winston. Florence Pugh portrays Yelena Belova, the next Black Widow in the comics. Whether this is where the MCU is going is a question for a different time.
While Black Widow‘s solo movie should have happened years before her death in Avengers: Endgame, it’s good the character’s getting to end her tenure on her own terms.
After its release date being repeatedly pushed back, Scarlett Johannson’s last outing as the super-spy is here. The Red Room is mentioned multiple times throughout Natasha’s run in the MCU.
We’ve even seen quick flashbacks but it’s never been explored. That changes with this movie.
Natasha’s past comes back to haunt her when she realises a past target isn’t dead. As she recruits help from past ‘allies’, it’s up to them to take down the Red Room once and for all.
For the most part, the plot is that simple. Yet, that doesn’t lessen its quality. Black Widow works because of its straight-forward, grounded approach. It doesn’t rely on flashiness to be good.
If anything, Black Widow is an allegory for the Me Too movement where abusive men in powerful positions are learning what it’s like to lose. The movie isn’t afraid to delve into this, or the traumatic experiences forced on the young girls.
Giving Scarlett Johansson a solo movie as her last outing is a smart move. She understands this version of the character, and the future looks to be in good hands too. Florence Pugh doesn’t miss a step next to Scarlett. It almost feels as if she’s always been in the universe.
Ray Winstone sends shivers done the spine as one of the film’s antagonists, along with Taskmaster. In lieu of spoilers, I’ll only say Taskmaster is a formiddleable opponent who can give any hero a run for their money.
There isn’t a single actor in the cast who’s not on their a-game, and it’s a shame we’ll only ever see this group of people in a Black Widow movie. (Due to the events in Avengers: Endgame)
If I’m to find issues in Black Widow, it would be with certain technical aspects. There are several CGI issues that could have been polished up, especially given the delays. One particular instance almost seemed too comedic when it probably shouldn’t have been.
And as always, there are some comedic moments the movie would be better without. However this isn’t anything new as nearly every Marvel movie has its issues with too many jokes.
Don’t forget to stay until the end of the credits for a special scene.
Black Widow is in cinemas in the UK now but doesn’t release in the US until Friday 9th July 2021. It also releases on Disney+ on Friday through premier access for $29.99.
If you’re looking for more Marvel content, Loki is currently streaming on Disney+.
