The Fantastic Four First Steps Review: A Generic Superhero Film Saved by Eye-Popping Retrofuturism

A Visual Journey with a Formulaic Plot

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a visually stunning film that showcases eye-popping retrofuturistic aesthetics. However, it ultimately falls short as a generic and formulaic superhero movie with low stakes and minimal dramatic tension. This is the second reboot of the Marvel Comics characters, following the 2005 and 2015 versions, which were not well-received. The film follows a similar plot to 2007's Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, with some changes, such as gender-swapping the Silver Surfer and omitting Dr. Doom entirely.

The story begins in an already established world where the superhero quartet is celebrating four years since the cosmic incident that granted them their powers. The plot essentially boils down to the trolley problem—sacrificing one person to save many or saving one and letting many die. In this case, the dilemma involves a baby and the planet. Regardless of the choice, the outcome is predictable.

Directed by Matt Shakman, who also directed the hit Marvel series WandaVision, the film features a stellar cast including Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm / Invisible Woman, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, and Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, alongside Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer.

Retro-Futuristic Aesthetics

Set in an alternate reality on Earth-828 in 1964, the movie is a fever dream of retro-futuristic aesthetics, which is likely the most captivating aspect of the entire film. The technicolor world, with its Pan Am blue hues, Jetsons-style technology, and mid-century modern architecture, is visually stimulating and pleasing. Shakman has cited Stanley Kubrick's 1968 masterpiece 2001: A Space Odyssey as inspiration for the set design and cinematography.

However, one element that clashes with the 60s aesthetic is the heavy-handed CGI, which feels like a missed opportunity. The filmmakers could have used part of the $200 million budget to incorporate practical effects that would align better with the mid-century aesthetic. Even if the effects are "bad" by today's standards, they would be in line with the movie's overall style.

The CGI has an uncanny valley effect that is unpleasing to the eye. While it may be an unpopular opinion, the prosthetic costume for The Thing is more appealing than the motion capture used. H.E.R.B.I.E., a combination of R2D2 and Rosie the Robot, was brought to life using practical effects, making the robot endearing.

Plot and Themes

The plot revolves around Sue's pregnancy and the birth of her and Reed's baby, Franklin. It includes some half-baked metaphors about motherhood and sacrifice that fail to resonate. Sue becomes a mother, but the realities of motherhood are not explored—she isn't shown breastfeeding or dealing with postpartum sleep deprivation, and she miraculously loses all her baby weight within weeks of giving birth. Additionally, the movie does not pass the Bechdel Test, which is surprising given its focus on a uniquely feminine experience.

Galactus, a planet-devouring being predating the universe, is aided by his subjugated henchwoman Shalla-Bal, the Silver Surfer, in finding his next meal. Galactus wants Franklin in exchange for sparing the planet, believing the baby possesses cosmic powers that could free him from his insatiable hunger.

Knowing the filmmakers won't actually kill a baby makes the stakes feel low, and the action is formulaic. Every problem is quickly solved, and the villain is taken down without much effort. This lack of tension makes the film boring and predictable.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is just another superhero movie with standard stakes and action. The movie's most redeeming quality is capturing the nostalgia of mid-century aesthetics and the whimsy of retrofuturism, which made it bearable to watch. The film is now playing in theaters.