Black Widow

Story: Placed between the events of Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War, this instalment dedicated to Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow, reunites her with her younger sister and surrogate parents. She discovers that the evil Dreykov is alive and his dreaded Red Room is still functional. Will she be able to rescue the other Black Widows and the world, before they destroy her and everyone she has ever loved?

Review: Finally, Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) gets a story that is dedicated entirely to her and the one that takes us back to her childhood and the make-believe world that she called family. And she is not alone. Her younger sister Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), a Black Widow herself is still with the Red Room, but now she wants out and it’s her elder sister to the rescue. In their quest to destroy a common enemy, they end up with their faux parents, Alexei Shostakov (David Harbour) and Melina Vostokoff (Rachel Weisz). This ‘family reunion’ is marked by double-crosses and an inevitable danger that could be the end of the road for Romanoff.

Director Cate Shortland goes for the human story behind Black Widow’s past and present and drives it well with all the action, peppered throughout. This is the reason why the film’s high-tech and complex narrative feels relatable. Amidst all the mumbo-jumbo about the mind-controlling gadgetry and elite technology, capable of bringing in the new world order, what really hits home, is the simple connection between the two sisters and the longing they feel for a family that never was.

While Scarlett Johansson plays her part with seasoned finesse, giving us a protagonist that is always easy to root for, Florence Pugh is extremely adorable. Pugh is a perfect fit as a slightly brash and spoilt younger sister, who despite all the elite training to become a Black Widow, retains her child-like innocence and charm. She also brings in plenty of sass and comedy, delivering effective punches, both comical and actual. David Harbour is a bit of a drag, thanks to his annoying character – a loose cannon, you know will spell trouble. Much unlike his onscreen partner Rachel Weisz, who is classy and understated as the unpredictable Melina Vostokoff. But collectively, it’s their chemistry and the performances that work. Action wise, there is enough to hold genre fans and MCU followers and most of the chase scenes are edge-of-the seat. The action is slick and comes at opportune times. And all of this in a film led by women is even more commendable. Although the special effects, at times, don’t match up to the standards we expect from this affluent franchise.

Overall, Black Widow justifies its place in the MCU with an entertaining story that has drama, action and comedy, making it a Hollywood potboiler worth your time, all the way to the post end-credits scene that cannot be missed.