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Reflecting on Yelena Belova in Black Widow

A rewatch deepens appreciation for Yelena after viewing Thunderbolts.

May 17, 2025 at 09:00 PM

I Rewatched Black Widow After Seeing Thunderbolts*, And It Has Me A Lot More Emotional Over Florence Pugh's Yelena Belova

A rewatch of Black Widow highlights the emotional depth of Yelena Belova after experiencing Thunderbolts.

Revisiting Black Widow Deepens Connection to Yelena Belova

After watching Thunderbolts, I decided to revisit Black Widow on Disney+. Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova shines brighter than before, reminding me of her complex relationship with the Red Guardian. In Thunderbolts, Yelena shares vulnerable moments that enrich her character's backstory established in Black Widow. The film, which faced hurdles during its release due to the pandemic, adds layers to Yelena's journey, especially in context to her sister relationship with Natasha Romanoff. Despite some nostalgia, there’s a deeper emotional resonance now that I see how these experiences influence Yelena's aspirations to join the Avengers.

Key Takeaways

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Rewatching Black Widow enhances emotional understanding of Yelena Belova.

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Yelena's relationship with Red Guardian deepens in Thunderbolts.

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The connection to Natasha Romanoff is key to Yelena's story arc.

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The pandemic affected the original impact of Black Widow.

"When he looks at her, he doesn't see her mistakes."

This quote from Red Guardian highlights the unconditional support that shapes Yelena's character.

"It was real to me."

Yelena reflects on her attachment to her family, showing her emotional depth and struggle for connection.

"I think the movie does a good job of establishing an older Yelena who has dealt with a lot more life and loss."

This observation underscores the character development presented in Black Widow compared to her role in Thunderbolts.

Florence Pugh's portrayal of Yelena bridges viewers’ connections across two pivotal films. Thunderbolts reinforces the emotional weight felt in Black Widow, transforming the narrative into a journey of growth and loss. As we witness Yelena grappling with her identity and familial ties, it becomes clear that these connections will shape her future as an Avenger. The storytelling cleverly interlaces humor and vulnerability, making Yelena a compelling character in the Marvel universe.