Black Widow: First reactions praise Natasha's long-awaited solo adventure

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

And just like that, the social media embargo for Marvel's Black Widow has been lifted. Fans that have been waiting patiently for Natasha Romanoff's long-overdue solo adventure, it's time to get hyped! First reactions to Marvel's latest tentpole are making the rounds online, with many praising the film as an action-packed, character-driven thrill ride that launches Marvel's Phase 4 with a bang. Oh, who am I kidding? People are going nuts for this movie, so far. I have yet to see one negative reaction to the film, which leads me to believe that the rest of us are in for one hell of a treat on July 9th.

Directed by Cate Shortland (Lore, Berlin Syndrome), Black Widow takes us to the time when Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises. Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, Natasha must deal with her history as a spy and the broken relationships left in her wake long before she became an Avenger.

As a point of note, JoBlo's reaction is coming later this evening, so be sure to check back to see what we thought.

You can check out some of the early reactions to Black Widow below:

#BlackWidow is one of Marvel's best solo films.

Start to finish, the movie is great. Excellent surprises, emotional character moments, bad-ass action, and Scarlett Johansson finally gets to pour everything into the role.

Director Cate Shortland nailed it. Bravo. pic.twitter.com/sgEkUW63cT

— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) June 17, 2021

#BlackWidow was better than I thought it would be!

Although there’s some excellent action, what pulled me in was the really powerful themes & character moments the film presented.

Easily Scarlett’s best performance as Nat, and Florence Pugh is brilliant as Yelena. pic.twitter.com/CDjKJm4nVq

— Jacob (@JacobDFilm) June 17, 2021

Scarlett Johansson and Florence Pugh are brilliant as Natasha Romanoff and Yelena Belova (especially when they are together!) in #BlackWidow. Epic spy thriller.

The relationship is so fun to watch develop and fits into the MCU history really well. You're gonna feel things. pic.twitter.com/GQiRcjvTeX

— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) June 17, 2021

Marvel movies are back! #BlackWidow is a tense, action-packed spy thriller that truly completes Natasha’s story in a visceral & emotional way. Florence Pugh CRUSHES it & is an instant MCU icon. This is like the MCU's Bond movie w/ shades of MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE & THELMA & LOUISE. pic.twitter.com/bauc2XVQlF

— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) June 17, 2021

I got to see #BlackWidow last night, and as someone who has been waiting since 2010 to see Natasha Romanoff get her own movie, it was well worth the wait.

The actions rips, the emotion hits and the new characters joining the MCU are standouts. MORE BLACK WIDOW MOVIES PLEASE! pic.twitter.com/R0JUHThSiF

— Hector Navarro (@Hectorisfunny) June 17, 2021

Marvel movies are back and Phase 4 kicks off with the very entertaining and action-packed #BlackWidow. Giving us a long-overdue look at Natasha's backstory, with solid performances throughout and thrilling set pieces that demand you see this movie on the biggest screen possible. pic.twitter.com/Pr6qeBlSGQ

— Umberto Gonzalez (@elmayimbe) June 17, 2021

Although #BlackWidow feels very much like MCU films of the past with its Marvel-patented tone and lackluster villain, it’s bolstered by well-directed action and great leading performances from Johansson and Pugh, whose chemistry is the highlight. Review coming to @DiscussingFilm pic.twitter.com/yWAp8W7e4d

— jeremiah (@thespeedforces) June 17, 2021

I watched #BlackWidow yesterday and it's as refreshingly different to other Marvel Studios releases as it is to just have these big movies back. The leads are awesome and the story does some unexpected things. It's the most adult MCU release yet, but still offers a few laughs. pic.twitter.com/ib9F0rX09t

— Rob Keyes (@rob_keyes) June 17, 2021

Dug #BlackWidow a good deal! Was kinda worried about watching this story unfold knowing what’s to come in Endgame, that it might diminish the stakes, but that wasn’t the case. In fact, this is the kind of prequel story that feels bound to enhance other installments of the MCU. pic.twitter.com/sFcwHzW30Y

— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) June 17, 2021

#BlackWidow is excellent. An exhilarating shot of adrenaline. Scarlett Johansson & Florence Pugh nail the banter & ballet-like stunts. David Harbour is absolutely terrific. Big action set pieces are thrilling, propulsive & capably constructed. Multi-layered thematic resonance. pic.twitter.com/ew9r1NXvfL

— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) June 17, 2021

Cate Shortland had the difficult job trying to fill in Natasha Romanoff’s backstory, but she nailed it in #BlackWidow. While entire cast was great both @Florence_Pugh and @DavidKHarbour hit home-runs with their performances. No way audiences don’t want more of both characters. pic.twitter.com/CIJTV4oxR6

— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) June 17, 2021

#BlackWidow pays a beautiful and long overdue tribute to Natasha Romanoff. It’s also the spy thriller fans of the character have been asking for all these years. It’s funny, thrilling and very emotional. Florence Pugh is fantastic as Yelena Belova, who is definitely here to stay. pic.twitter.com/i0jimxIJG0

— Lando (@orlandoenelcine) June 17, 2021

#BlackWidow might be one of my favorite solo origin movies in the MCU. There's something about seeing Natasha finally get her story that made me emotional in all the best ways. Also, Florence Pugh was born for the MCU, and her dynamic with Scarlett is a triumph

— Nora Dominick (@noradominick) June 17, 2021

Also, the thing that hit me the most was the action. There are several BIG action sequences in #BlackWidow & it immediately separates itself from the TV shows, which are softer on action & heavier on character. I missed big Marvel action. It's a fun ride. pic.twitter.com/JCMIOhQjGh

— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) June 17, 2021

Also the action is non-stop in #BlackWidow and so well done. And if you like it, you can thank 2nd unit director Darrin Prescott. You know his work from the ‘John Wick’ movies, ‘Black Panther,’ and ‘Captain America: Civil War.’ Don’t watch on Disney+. See this in a movie theater. pic.twitter.com/SiCuL66llR

— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) June 17, 2021

Early review for #BlackWidow — Wow. What a journey. Brilliant film with high emotional moments, crazy good action scenes, simple twists that shock but aren’t forced. Most importantly — it knows what kind of film it wants to be and it leans into it. pic.twitter.com/aZdLIWvqpc

— Herb Scribner (@HerbScribner) June 17, 2021

Remember, if you live in an area where theaters are still shuttered – I'm looking at you, London, Ontario – you can rent Black Widow for $29.99 on Disney+ via Premium Access. I know it's not the same as seeing it on the big screen, but beggars can't be choosers, right?

How do these early reactions make you feel? Are you more hyped than ever to experience the first film in Marvel's Phase 4 plan? Let us know if you're seeing Black Widow in theaters or at home in the comments section below.