Fantastic Four: First Steps picks up four years into the team’s existence — no long-winded origin story here, thank Galactus. The film gives us a quick, slick recap of how the team got their powers, then jets off into a heartfelt and high-stakes cosmic rollercoaster that blends family drama, explosive action, and lava-surfing silver elegance. It’s a superhero movie that finally remembers why we love the Fantastic Four — because beneath the stretchy arms and invisible forcefields, they’re a family first.
Pedro Pascal brings gravitas and geek-chic energy to Reed Richards, nailing the balance between brainy brilliance and soft-spoken emotional depth. And yes, he still has his signature chalkboard scene — it’s basically tradition at this point.
Sue Storm, played with grace and power by Vanessa Kirby, delivers one of the most human superhuman performances in the film. There’s a genius moment where she performs an ultrasound on herself using her powers. It’s smart, subtle, and strangely moving. 
Joseph Quinn’s Johnny Storm is fiery (literally and emotionally), serving chaotic good energy that never overpowers the heart of the story. Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm is all soul beneath the rock, anchoring the team with big brother tenderness and comedic timing. Oh, and shoutout to Auntie Sarah Niles, because we love seeing her booked and busy — she brings a warmth and no-nonsense energy that grounds the film.
Visually, this film is a feast. From shimmering force fields to space-chasing set pieces, the camera work doesn’t just follow the action — it feels it. One standout montage? Baby-proofing the Baxter Building. It’s equal parts hilarious, heartwarming, and incredibly on-brand.
The VFX team went wild with the Silver Surfer. Surfing across lava? Yes. Every scene she glides into is a moment, and she makes aura farming look like an Olympic sport. The score subtly swells with emotion, especially during the family-centric scenes, and the sound design never lets the action drown out the characters.
Without spoiling anything, the story hinges on three core themes: family, love, and sacrifice. It’s not just talk — each character embodies those themes through key choices and high-stakes moments. There’s a thrilling sequence where contractions, cosmic powers, and a high-speed chase all collide in one perfect, chaotic cocktail of tension.
The emotional exchanges between Sue and Reed are a standout. Their dynamic is equal parts inspiring and grounded — you believe they’re married, you believe they’re superheroes, and you believe they’d save the universe and each other in a heartbeat.
And then there’s Galactus. Spectacle? Check. Giant, terrifying, cosmic force of destruction? Double check. While his appearance is jaw-dropping, we wish he’d had a Thanos-level multi-movie buildup. Still, he left his mark — Godzilla-style.
Fantastic Four: First Steps may not be flawless, but it nails what so many other iterations missed — heart. This isn’t just a superhero team, it’s a family navigating the impossible. It’s fun, clever, visually stunning, and filled with the kind of character moments that make you care between the chaos.
Here’s hoping these first steps are just the beginning of a longer, cosmic journey.
