Florence Pugh Steals the Show in Thunderbolts: Why Her Performance Is Electrifying Fans and Critics

Florence Pugh’s return as Yelena Belova in Thunderbolts has set the internet ablaze, with critics and fans alike buzzing about her captivating performance. As the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) gears up for the release of Thunderbolts on May 2, 2025, the spotlight is firmly on Pugh, whose emotional depth and magnetic charisma are being hailed as the heart of the film.

From early reactions to in-depth reviews, here’s everything you need to know about why Pugh’s portrayal is generating Oscar-worthy buzz and redefining the MCU’s antihero narrative.

Why Is Florence Pugh’s Performance in Thunderbolts So Praised?

Critics are unanimous: In Thunderbolts, Florence Pugh delivers a performance that’s both emotionally raw and effortlessly charismatic. Reviews highlight her ability to balance Yelena Belova’s sardonic humor with a profound sense of melancholy, making her the emotional anchor of the film.

The New York Times notes that Pugh gives Yelena “an ironic sensibility that deepens the formulaic Thunderbolts,” while the BBC praises her for delivering a performance that “would win her awards if it weren’t in a superhero film.”

Her ability to convey pain, guilt, and wry humor has drawn comparisons to indie cinema, with some reviews suggesting influences from A24 films like Midsommar.

Pugh’s opening scene, where Yelena stands atop Kuala Lumpur’s Merdeka 118 skyscraper, sets the tone for her character’s existential crisis. “There’s something wrong with me,” she says, before leaping off—a stunt that Pugh performed with Tom Cruise-level bravado.

This moment, paired with her nuanced narration, has been singled out as a highlight, showcasing her as a “vibrantly alive presence” in a film steeped in themes of death and redemption.

What Makes Yelena Belova’s Arc in Thunderbolts Unique?

In Thunderbolts, Florence Pugh reportedly brings a fresh dimension to Yelena, a character first introduced in Black Widow (2021) and later seen in Hawkeye. Unlike her earlier appearances, where she charmed audiences with her wit and confidence, Yelena in Thunderbolts is grappling with depression and loneliness.

Pugh herself told Collider that she loved exploring this darker side, noting, “She’s lost that excitement, and I loved that I was allowed to do that.” This shift has resonated with audiences, with early reactions on X calling her portrayal “stellar” and “heart-wrenching.”

The film’s ensemble of antiheroes—including Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes and David Harbour’s Red Guardian—relies on Pugh’s Yelena to tie their stories together. Her interactions, particularly her bickering with Harbour’s Red Guardian, are both hilarious and heartfelt, showcasing her impeccable comedic timing.

Critics from Variety and Empire Magazine have dubbed her the “intensely magnetic center” of the film, with Total Film’s Emily Murray tweeting that Pugh “walks away with it.”

How Does Pugh’s Performance Elevate the MCU’s Phase Five?

Thunderbolts marks the final film of the MCU’s Phase Five, and the film is being credited with revitalizing the franchise after a string of uneven releases. Reviews from Bloomberg and Radio Times call the film a “return to form” for Marvel, largely due to Pugh’s ability to ground the chaotic narrative.

Pugh performance is seen as a bridge between the MCU’s blockbuster roots and a more character-driven, indie-inspired approach, with The Guardian noting that the film borrows “trendy touches” from A24’s cinematic style.

Pugh’s emotional tangibility has also earned her a Fresh 89% Rotten Tomatoes score, with fans and critics celebrating her as the standout in a star-studded cast.

Posts on X, including from @MarvelStudios and @HollywoodHandle, emphasize her as the “star that shines the brightest,” with some users claiming Thunderbolts is “the best MCU film in a long while” because of her.

Her ability to command both action-packed sequences and quiet, introspective moments has positioned her as a potential awards contender, even in the superhero genre.

What Are Critics Saying About Pugh’s Chemistry with the Cast?

The ensemble nature of Thunderbolts means Pugh shares the screen with heavyweights like Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Hannah John-Kamen, and Wyatt Russell. Yet, Florence Pugh consistently stole the spotlight.

The Daily Beast praises her for anchoring the “ramshackle maelstrom” of the film, while The Wrap calls her “perfection” in a story about “forgotten characters from forgotten movies.” Her chemistry with Harbour’s Red Guardian, in particular, has been a fan favorite, with their banter described as “expertly timed” by the BBC.

Pugh’s ability to elevate her co-stars is evident in reviews that highlight the cast’s “genuine chemistry.” Sortiraparis.com notes that she adds “depth” to Yelena, making her a “really well-written and interesting character” amidst a dynamic ensemble. Even in a film with a “clumsily forced narrative” (The Guardian), Pugh’s performance remains a saving grace, with critics agreeing that she makes the film feel “realms more solid” than recent MCU entries.

Why Should You Watch Thunderbolts for Florence Pugh?

As Thunderbolts hits theaters, the consensus is clear: Florence Pugh’s performance is not to be missed. Whether you’re a Marvel diehard or a casual viewer, her portrayal of Yelena Belova offers a compelling mix of action, humor, and heartache that transcends the superhero genre.

Some Closing Thoughts:

With Thunderbolts, Florence Pugh has supposedly proven once again why she’s one of Hollywood’s brightest stars, delivering a performance that’s both a love letter to MCU fans and a bold step forward for the franchise.

Grab your tickets for Thunderbolts starting May 2, 2025, and witness Pugh light up the screen in a way that’s already sparking awards buzz.

With critics calling her “superb” and fans vibrating with excitement, this is one performance that’s sure to leave a lasting impact on the MCU and beyond.