The Fantastic Four: First Steps Review
With Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby leading a restrained, heartfelt reboot, First Steps breathes new life into a familiar formula by focusing on smaller, more intimate storytelling rather than grand spectacle.
Going Smaller, Not Bigger
When blockbuster movies struggle to make the enormous feel even bigger, Marvel appears to have embraced a different approach in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The story’s threat is significant, yet the scale of the narrative remains personal and contained.
A Clear Visual Style and Focused Narrative
Directed by Matt Shakman, the film stands out among superhero movies by committing to a distinct visual style, a limited cast, and a more dramatic tone. The narrative is direct and straightforward, giving the movie a unique coherence and emotional depth rarely seen in recent Marvel entries.
"For the first time in a long while, you get the sense that a Marvel movie has a personal vision, a coherent one—and that it also fulfills its mission to entertain."
About the Director
Matt Shakman, known mainly for his extensive TV directing work—including episodes of Mad Men, Game of Thrones, Fargo, and Succession—has directed only one prior feature film, Cut Bank (2014), which received limited attention.
Author’s summary: By shrinking the scope and focusing on character-driven storytelling, Matt Shakman revitalizes the Fantastic Four franchise with a clear personal vision and emotional depth rarely seen in Marvel films.