Among all of Marvel’s superheroes and teams, the Fantastic Four remain one of the most culturally influential. Their comics have been fan favorites for decades, but it was the 2005 Fantastic Four film that brought them into mainstream pop culture. Their signature themes of family and their retro 1960s vibe even helped shape the tone of Pixar’s The Incredibles. After years on the sidelines, Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox finally allowed the team to join the ever-expanding MCU. First teased in a Thunderbolts* post-credit scene, the superhero family made their official debut in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. While the film has a few uneven beats and a plot that sometimes feels more stitched than seamless, First Steps delivers a bold, heartfelt introduction that stays true to the team’s roots in family and togetherness.

 

Four years after Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) journeyed into space and returned forever changed by cosmic forces, the world has embraced them as heroes. Their powers have reshaped science, politics, and culture, leaving a lasting mark on the planet. But that progress is shaken to its core with the sudden arrival of the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), the mysterious herald of Galactus (Ralph Ineson), who comes bearing a chilling message: the planet devourer is on his way.

 

The Fantastic Four have always been known as the superhero family, and First Steps fully embraces that identity. One of the film’s strongest moments is the birth of Sue and Reed’s son, Franklin, whose arrival instantly becomes the team’s emotional anchor. The four function not just as a team, but as a deeply connected, blended family. Their bond runs through the heart of the story, with each member willing to go to great lengths to protect the others. Whether their personalities clash or click, their love remains constant, unmistakable, and fiercely protective.

 

Although Franklin’s birth is clearly a major catalyst for the story, it doesn’t stop the film from feeling like four or five short stories stitched together into a single feature. That patchwork structure might stem from director Matt Shakman’s previous MCU project, the critically acclaimed WandaVision, which thrived in an episodic format. As a result, the film often feels more assembled than seamless, with the team bouncing from one adventure or mission to the next rather than following a smooth, organic flow. While this structure is noticeable, it’s never overly distracting, and it certainly doesn’t take away from the emotional core that audiences will carry with them after the credits roll.

 

Alongside the film’s strong emotional foundation, its technical elements shine as some of Marvel’s most impressive in this new era. The cinematography is consistently striking, with visuals that are both polished and captivating. And the score, especially the instantly memorable theme, has been stuck in my head since it debuted in the first trailer. In the film, it’s woven in with effortless impact. Oscar nominee Vanessa Kirby delivers a standout performance as the fiercely protective Sue Storm, while Pedro Pascal’s take on Reed Richards cements his evolution into a true movie star, building on his signature slow-burn charm with a powerful payoff.

 

Of course, even with its many strengths, the film isn’t without flaws. The most noticeable issue lies in the visual effects. Some elements are impressively executed, with Johnny Storm’s Human Torch and the Silver Surfer standing out as visual highlights. Others feel more typical of what we've come to expect from Marvel, including CGI-heavy sets and the depiction of Galactus. But a few choices are harder to overlook. The Thing’s photo-capture visual effects are inconsistent, shifting between natural human movement and unbelievable puppet-like motion. Most distracting is baby Franklin, whose CGI appearance feels artificial in nearly every scene. Since both characters play major roles, their unrealistic movements can be jarring and take the viewer out of the experience.

Despite some uneven elements, The Fantastic Four: First Steps stands as a strong addition to the MCU and ends with an exciting cliffhanger ahead of their next major team-up in Avengers: Doomsday. The heart of the film lies in the team itself, whose chemistry and emotional depth make it a thrilling and memorable watch, even when the plot falters or the CGI feels off. While The Fantastic Four: First Steps definitely has its missteps, that doesn’t stop it from being, overall, nothing short of fantastic.