Thunderbolts deliver an emotional punch

Marvel romp manages to serve up its popcorn fun with a side of heartbreak as Florence Pugh's performance adds depth to tale of rag-tag heroes

- REVIEWS BY DAMON SMITH

IT takes an army to conjure up a thrilling spectacle in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Florence Pugh is the major general of this irreverent and surprisingly poignant instalment from a hit-and-miss phase five of the comic book-inspired saga.

Reprising her role from Black Widow as Natasha Romanoff’s adopted sister, Pugh delivers a powerhouse performance soaked in grief and guilt that elevates Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo’s knockabout script.

She sensitively shines a light on the timely issue of mental health and provides Jake Schreier’s picture with an unexpected and mighty emotional wallop in moving exchanges with co-star Lewis Pullman.