Based on the Marvel Comics characters of the same name, The Fantastic Four: First Steps tells the story of the iconic superhero team—the Invisible Woman, played by Vanessa Kirby; Mr. Fantastic, played by Pedro Pascal; The Thing, played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach; and the Human Torch, played by Joseph Quinn. The Fantastic Four are faced with an enemy unlike any they’ve encountered before. When Galactus, an intergalactic devourer of worlds, threatens to destroy Earth, the team must find a way to save humanity—without making the ultimate sacrifice.

The film’s setting is an intriguing futuristic take on the 1960s United States. Its visual effects are overall impressive, with standout CGI for both The Thing and the Silver Surfer. Visually captivating and emotionally resonant, the film is an enjoyable watch for viewers of all ages, presenting a surprisingly thoughtful story that doesn’t talk down to its audience.

With excellent performances across the board, the standout is undoubtedly Pedro Pascal as Mr. Fantastic, a.k.a. Reed Richards. Pascal brings a quiet dissonance to a character traditionally portrayed as obsessively scientific. It’s a new interpretation—but a welcome one. The chemistry between Kirby and Pascal is also palpable throughout, grounding the high-stakes action in personal connection.

Another performance highlight comes from Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer. She brings a bereaved elegance to the character, whose name is revealed to be Shalla-Bal—connecting directly to the comics, where Shalla-Bal is the love interest of the original Silver Surfer. Whether Garner’s Silver Surfer will return in future MCU projects remains to be seen.

Ralph Ineson delivers an intimidating performance as Galactus. His voice and presence effectively convey the power of a cosmic threat, though his screen time is limited. While Ineson transforms into a terrifying figure, much of Galactus’s destruction is told rather than shown—a missed opportunity for visual storytelling.

One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in how it balances showcasing the Fantastic Four as both a cohesive team and as individuals. The characters are more than just superhumans; they are people the audience can truly root for. This is most evident in the portrayal of The Thing, formerly known as Ben Grimm. For the first time on screen, we see his Jewish heritage meaningfully represented, particularly in his efforts to give back to the Jewish community where he was raised. It’s a grounded and emotional touch that deepens the character beyond the rocky exterior.

However, the film’s biggest shortcoming is its somewhat rushed pacing. Several storylines feel underdeveloped, leaving a noticeable gap in what could have been a more fleshed-out narrative. Some character arcs and plot points are left unfulfilled, creating a sense that more time was needed.

Overall, the film tells an uplifting story about the power of family and unity. It offers an interesting and heartfelt new take on a beloved set of characters, breathing new life into the MCU’s next phase.