Marvel Studios’ 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' marks a long-awaited return of Marvel’s original superhero family to the big screen. The film introduces Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) in a retro-futuristic story set in a parallel universe.
The film quickly sets up the origins of the characters’ superpowers, and their global leadership roles. The story really starts when Reed and Sue find out they’re expecting a long-awaited baby, at the same time that the earth is threatened by an ancient, world-devouring god.
Taking its aesthetic queues from the original cartoon, this version of the Fantastic Four live in a Jetson-esque world. Fashion is mod-cute, eyeshadow is frosted blue, and technology recalls the original 'Pacman'. In other ways, however, they are far more advanced than us. This world building is beautiful, and very nostalgic for older millennials and Gen X audiences.
Pedro Pascal brings intellectual gravitas and quiet vulnerability to Reed Richards, a man burdened by guilt and driven by impossible standards. Kirby’s Sue is the highly intelligent and capable peacemaker, although her frequently expressionless face can be distracting. Johnny, played by Joseph Quinn, is largely forgettable, as is Moss-Bachrach, fresh from his acclaimed work on 'The Bear'. Two highly recognisable women play their love interests. Edgy Indie guru Natasha Lyon swaps tangled curls and a junkie vibe for a sleek '60s bob to play the Thing’s love interest in a handful of scenes. Johnny’s crush in contrast is Julia Garner’s Silver Surfer – who heralds the earth’s doom.
'First Steps' alludes both to this being the first film in a new franchise, but also to the baby at the centre of the story. What powers – or hinderances – will a baby of parents with altered DNA have? What sacrifices should parents be expected to make? These questions fuel the story – including the Silver Surfer’s backstory – and a brief mid-credit scene hints at the sequel.
'First Steps' is visually interesting, and beautiful. It sets up the next chapter of the Avengers story, and the Marvel Universe. While the story is fine, it will be forgotten by the time audiences hit the car park. While they’re in the cinema, however, 'First Steps' is a rollicking good ride.
