Black Widow | Film Review

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I'm a huge fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, so I was always going to review this movie. Black Widow has never been my absolute favourite Avenger, but I'm really glad that she finally has her solo movie - it's long overdue!

In the wake of Captain America: Civil War, Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) is on the run. While in hiding, she becomes embroiled in a conspiracy linked to the darkest parts of her life. Now Natasha must reconnect with the people who she once knew as her family, to defeat a long-time enemy. 

I loved this movie. I was actually surprised by how much I loved it, because Natasha has never been my favourite character, but this film made me love her so much more than I did before.

The opening scene of the film is great. It's exciting, powerful and sets up the character of Natasha, both throughout the MCU and in this film, really well.

I loved the dynamic between Natasha and Yelena (Florence Pugh). They were the heart of the film and completely carried the story. In fact, even if the plot of the film was different, it would probably still be good based on the relationship of these two characters.

Having said that, the plot was great. I liked the fact that we got to know more about the Red Room, and how this actually affected the girls involved. I would have liked to see more of this, but I can understand that it wouldn't have moved the plot forward.

All of the actors in the film are amazing. The film completely belongs to both Scarlett Johansson and Florence Pugh, but it also stars: David Harbour, Rachel Weisz and Ray Winstone, and each actor brings something unique to this story. Because the story is so character driven, it is essential that all of the characters work as well as they do.

I found the film a lot more emotional than I expected it to be. Even as a standalone movie, without knowing what happens in the future, I was emotionally affected by the story and the characters.

But speaking of the other MCU movies, this film makes Natasha's final ending really bittersweet, because we have only just gotten to know and love her.

The main criticism I have of the movie is that this shouldn't be the first Black Widow movie, and it doesn't feel like it is. It feels like the sequel to a bigger story. I think Marvel really lost something by not giving Natasha an origin story. They could have delved into the Red Room, shown the full extent of what happened at Budapest, and the decisions that led Natasha to become an Avenger. I think we needed a lot more background to truly appreciate what this story is trying to do.

Overall, I did really enjoy this movie. It was exciting, engaging, heartfelt, funny, and (almost) everything I wanted from a Black Widow movie. Now I only wish I had loved Natasha this much from the beginning!

7.5/10


         

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