The Fantastic Four: First Steps Review
Led by Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby, The Fantastic Four: First Steps offers a restrained and heartfelt reboot that breathes new life into a classic formula by focusing on intimacy rather than scale.
When traditional superhero films push for ever-larger spectacles, this movie chooses to scale down. Although the threats faced are significant, the story unfolds on a smaller, more personal level. Director Matt Shakman applies a clear visual style, limits the character roster, embraces an unusually dramatic tone for the genre, and follows a straightforward narrative.
A Fresh Approach to Marvel Storytelling
Unlike typical Marvel blockbusters marked by nonstop explosions and special effects, First Steps delivers a coherent vision with emotional depth. For the first time in a while, it feels like a Marvel movie has both a distinct creative vision and succeeds in entertaining its audience.
“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 for directing hundreds of prestigious TV episodes—including Mad Men, Game of Thrones, Fargo, and Succession—had directed only one feature film before this, the 2014 thriller Cut Bank.
“If you look at Shakman’s career, you’ll find he has directed only one previous feature (the little-seen Cut Bank, from 2014), but hundreds of TV episodes.”
Summary
The Fantastic Four: First Steps proves that smaller-scale storytelling can restore emotional resonance to superhero movies, showcasing a clear vision and genuine character focus under Matt Shakman’s direction.
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