Written by Melly Merida
The Fantastic Four: First Steps marks an “O.K.” start to Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, containing the usual MCU mix of comedy, emotions, found family, and, of course, superheroic action.
It takes place in a technologically advanced world with a ‘60s aesthetic, where the Fantastic Four are already the world’s beloved heroes. The team is a happy family preparing to introduce a new member: the child of Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby). However, the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) arrives as the herald of Galactus (Ralph Ineson), announcing that Galactus will come to consume the Earth unless the team gives up Sue and Reed’s child.
The cast does a ‘fantastic’ job in portraying the MCU’s Fantastic Four. The dynamic between Reed and Sue reflects a loving couple, thanks to excellent performances and chemistry between Pascal and Kirby. They shine—especially during more dire moments—when they desperately try to find a solution to save the world without sacrificing their son. By contrast, the brotherly bond between Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) and Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn) is hilarious, and the two make a great comedic duo thanks to Johnny’s witty quips and Ben just being done with this immature fireball.
In every scene where all four heroes are together, the audience can feel their love for one another, like in the dinner scene, where Ben immediately figures out Sue is pregnant. Johnny rejoices about him and Ben becoming uncles, while Sue and Reed are excited yet nervous about parenthood. It’s a heartwarming scene that proves how strong the bond between the four is and reminds us of the beauty of being in a family.
Together, the Fantastic Four have strong qualities, but they lack as individuals. Reed’s use of his physical powers is minimal; he stretches his body to get from place to place or extends his arm to grab an item or reach up high. The film could’ve been far more creative with his powers besides simple stretching. Sue lacks emotional connections with her brother, Johnny. She occasionally banters with him, but her most memorable moment with only Johnny is when he’s analyzing an alien dialect, and she comes to check in briefly. But that’s it and there’s an absence of moments where she could confide in him or treat him like a little brother.
Concerning Johnny and Ben, both of their characters are under-explored. For Johnny, it would’ve been great to get more insight into how he feels about a huge space god threatening his nephew’s life and his interests and desires of going back into space. In Ben’s case, he begins to have an arc where he reminisces about the time before his mutation and having a romantic connection with a teacher, but it doesn’t go anywhere.
Within the film, there’s a tonal shift from a ‘60s, slice-of-life, superhero family sitcom to borderline cosmic horror and suspense when the antagonists arrive. When Galactus stares down the Fantastic Four from his throne, he explains his chilling curse with a booming voice, and the audience can feel the immense power that radiates from him. With the Silver Surfer by his side, both antagonists raise the stakes by consistently thwarting any plans that Mr. Fantastic creates to stop Galactus from consuming the planet, placing him and the rest of his team in a desperate position and leading them to enact multiple Hail Marys.
There’s also a shift in how the city views the Fantastic Four, first with adoration, then with doubt once the Four return from Galactus’ ship and tell the world they refuse to give up their child. Unfortunately, that significant build-up of tension is resolved too easily when Sue gives a speech about the importance of family—which is undoubtedly the story’s theme. Still, the city places the Four on a high pedestal, and if there were more scenes of people slowly tearing down that pedestal, it would not only increase the pressure on our heroes but also cause Sue’s speech to feel more impactful.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps leaves much room for improvement for future films with Marvel’s first family. However, if you’re a diehard MCU fan waiting for an “O.K.” Marvel movie after multiple mediocre films/TV shows, then certainly give it a watch. On the other hand, I look forward to the MCU further improving itself in the upcoming Phase 6 films.
