The Marvels (2023) Movie Review: A Cosmic Adventure with Superpowered Heroes
The Marvels (2023) is the latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and serves as a follow-up to Captain Marvel (2019), the Ms. Marvel Disney+ series, and WandaVision. Directed by Nia DaCosta, the film brings together three superpowered heroines—Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel (Brie Larson), Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani), and Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris)—in an intergalactic adventure filled with action, humor, and high stakes. In this review, we’ll break down the plot, cast performances, visual effects, and what makes The Marvels a unique entry in the MCU, along with where to stream it online.
Plot Summary: The Cosmic Collision
The film picks up with Captain Marvel (Brie Larson), who has been spending her time fighting to restore peace in the cosmos following the events of Avengers: Endgame. However, a strange phenomenon begins to occur—whenever Carol uses her powers, she inexplicably swaps places with two other superpowered individuals: Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), a teenage fan-turned-superhero from New Jersey, and Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), an astronaut-turned-superhero who gained her powers during the events of WandaVision.
As the trio tries to understand why they’re linked, they uncover a cosmic threat led by Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton), a Kree warrior seeking revenge against Captain Marvel. The three heroines must work together, harness their unique abilities, and resolve their differences in order to stop Dar-Benn from using a powerful weapon that threatens not only Earth but the entire universe.
The film offers an exciting mix of high-flying action, deep emotional stakes, and cosmic exploration, taking viewers on a journey through space while exploring the evolving relationships between the characters.
Cast and Performances: Three Heroines, Three Dynamic Personalities
One of the highlights of The Marvels is the interplay between its three leads, each bringing something fresh and distinct to the MCU.
- Brie Larson as Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel: Brie Larson reprises her role as the fearless and determined Captain Marvel, showcasing her strength, confidence, and leadership. However, in The Marvels, we see more of Carol’s vulnerabilities, especially as she’s forced to deal with her past mistakes, including her responsibility for Kree suffering. Larson delivers a solid performance, blending her character’s hardened exterior with moments of humor and heart.
- Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel: Iman Vellani steals the show as the young and enthusiastic Kamala Khan. As seen in the Ms. Marvel Disney+ series, Kamala is a charming, relatable superhero-in-training who idolizes Captain Marvel. Vellani’s performance injects the film with much-needed humor and youthful energy, providing comic relief and serving as the heart of the trio.
- Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau: Teyonah Parris reprises her role from WandaVision as Monica Rambeau, who has the power to manipulate energy. Monica is the more grounded and serious of the three, and Parris does an excellent job portraying her character’s inner conflict—especially her unresolved feelings about her mother’s death and her complicated relationship with Carol. Monica’s arc, focused on forgiveness and growth, adds emotional depth to the film.
- Zawe Ashton as Dar-Benn: Zawe Ashton portrays the film’s villain, Dar-Benn, a vengeful Kree warrior seeking to restore her planet by any means necessary. While her motivations are clear and tied to Carol’s past, Dar-Benn’s character could have benefited from more development. However, Ashton delivers a solid performance, making her a formidable and dangerous antagonist.
Direction and Tone: Nia DaCosta’s Approach to a Cosmic Team-Up
Nia DaCosta, known for her work on Candyman (2021), brings a unique vision to The Marvels. She successfully blends action-packed set pieces with humor and character-driven moments, making the film feel light-hearted and fun while also dealing with heavier emotional themes. DaCosta excels at balancing the screen time between the three leads, allowing each heroine to have her moment to shine without the film feeling overcrowded.
The film’s tone is lighter compared to other MCU entries, with Kamala’s playful personality bringing in plenty of laughs. However, The Marvels still retains the MCU’s signature epic action sequences and world-building, particularly during the intergalactic battles and the visual effects-heavy scenes that take place in space.
Action and Visual Effects: A Spectacle of Powers and Cosmic Battles
One of the film’s standout elements is its spectacular visual effects. The space battles, cosmic landscapes, and vibrant powers of the characters are all beautifully realized on screen. From Captain Marvel’s photon blasts to Monica’s energy manipulation and Kamala’s embiggened limbs, the film offers a dazzling display of superhero abilities that complement each other well.
The action sequences are choreographed with precision, particularly the moments where the heroines swap places mid-battle. These body-switching moments are not only visually impressive but also provide comedic relief and creative teamwork. The movie finds inventive ways to showcase how the trio uses their powers together, ultimately culminating in a high-stakes final battle against Dar-Benn.
Themes: Teamwork, Forgiveness, and Growth
At its core, The Marvels is a story about teamwork and personal growth. Each of the heroines has to learn how to trust and rely on one another in order to overcome their shared challenge. Carol, Monica, and Kamala’s dynamics evolve throughout the film as they come to terms with their individual struggles, whether it’s Carol confronting her past, Monica dealing with her grief, or Kamala learning how to control her newfound abilities.
The theme of forgiveness, particularly between Carol and Monica, adds an emotional layer to the movie. Monica’s resentment toward Carol for being absent during her mother’s illness and death becomes a key part of her character arc, and their reconciliation is one of the film’s more touching moments.
Critical Reception: A Fun, If Not Perfect, Marvel Entry
The Marvels received generally positive reviews from fans and critics alike, though it wasn’t without its flaws. Many praised the film’s lighthearted tone, strong performances, and fun action sequences, while some felt that the plot was underdeveloped and the villain’s motivations were not fully explored.
The chemistry between the three leads was universally praised, and many appreciated how the movie brought in Kamala’s youthful enthusiasm to balance out the more serious aspects of the story. However, there were critiques about the film’s pacing and occasional over-reliance on humor at the expense of deeper character development.
Where to Watch The Marvels Online in 2024
If you’re eager to watch The Marvels or catch up on the latest MCU film, here’s where you can stream or purchase it online in 2024:
1. Streaming Services: Subscription-Based Platforms
- Disney+: As a Marvel Studios production, The Marvels will be available for streaming on Disney+ in 2024, following its theatrical release. Disney+ typically adds Marvel films a few months after their theatrical run, so fans will be able to enjoy it as part of their subscription.
2. Rental and Purchase Options
- Amazon Prime Video: After its theatrical release window, The Marvels will likely be available for purchase or rental on Amazon Prime Video. This is a great option for those who want to own a digital copy or stream it without a Disney+ subscription.
- Google Play Movies & TV: You can expect The Marvels to be available for rental or purchase on Google Play Movies & TV, offering options to watch it in HD or 4K.
- Apple iTunes: The Marvels will also be available on iTunes for rent or purchase, making it easy to stream on Apple devices.
- Vudu: For those who prefer Vudu, the movie will be available for rent or purchase here as well, typically offering various viewing options, including UHD.
Conclusion: A Fun, Energetic Entry in the MCU
The Marvels (2023) offers a fun, high-energy addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with standout performances by Brie Larson, Iman Vellani, and Teyonah Parris. Its lighter tone and cosmic setting make it an enjoyable watch, even if some of the plot points feel underdeveloped. The chemistry between the three leads, combined with dazzling visual effects and creative action sequences, make The Marvels a must-see for MCU fans. With its availability on Disney+ and other platforms in 2024, it’s easy to catch up on this cosmic superhero team-up for your next movie night.
