---
title: "The Marvels"
year: 2023
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/the-marvels"
fi1m_id: "the-marvels"
imdb_id: "tt10676048"
tmdb_id: 609681
wikidata_id: "Q89474225"
fi1m_score: 63
critics_score: 61
critics_reviews: 19
published: "2026-09-10"
updated: "2026-09-18T08:38:04.723139+00:00"
region: "US"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# The Marvels (2023)

Directed by Nia DaCosta · 1h 45m · MPA PG-13 · Science Fiction, Adventure, Action

## Identity

The Marvels

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/the-marvels
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** the-marvels
- **IMDb ID:** tt10676048
- **TMDB ID:** 609681
- **Wikidata ID:** Q89474225
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10676048/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/609681, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q89474225

**Fi1m score: 63** · Critics 61 from 19 reviews

*In a sentence:* Three heroines, one bangle, a singing planet and a plot that changes places with itself every time you look at it

> Nia DaCosta’s *Captain Marvel* sequel is short, cheerful and often funny, and Iman Vellani is a delight in it. It is also cut to ribbons in its first half hour and never finds a story to hold its three heroines together.

## Synopsis

Carol Danvers (Brie Larson), the Captain Marvel of the title, has spent years alone in deep space when her powers start to misbehave. Each time she uses them she swaps places with one of two other women: Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), working on Nick Fury’s (Samuel L. Jackson) orbiting station, and Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), a New Jersey teenager who writes fan fiction about Carol and has powers of her own. The cause is Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton), a Kree warrior tearing holes in space to save her dying home world. The three have to learn to fight as one before she reaches the next planet on her list, with Kamala’s family (Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur, Saagar Shaikh) drawn in behind them.

## Review

Nia DaCosta’s *The Marvels* is the sequel to *Captain Marvel* (2019), and two of its three leads were introduced on television, in *WandaVision* and *Ms. Marvel*. It has 105 minutes to catch everyone up and then get on with it, and does the second part better than the first. It is short, bright and good-natured, with a first-rate comic performance, and at the forty-minute mark we could not have told you what anyone was trying to do or why.

The setup is a good one. Carol Danvers (Brie Larson), Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) and Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) find their powers have become tangled, so that whenever one of them uses hers she changes places with another. A fight in Kamala’s bedroom becomes a fight on a Kree ship becomes a fight on Nick Fury’s space station. Evan Schiff and Catrin Hedström cut this so that each swap lands on a matched frame, a fist here finishing a punch begun somewhere else, and for that sequence the film knows what it is. Then it has to explain the villain.

Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton) is a Kree commander whose home planet is dying, and who has a bangle that matches Kamala’s and uses it to rip holes in space. Ashton plays her with a clenched, wounded fury and is given nothing to spend it on. The script, by Megan McDonnell, DaCosta and Elissa Karasik, states her grievance once, sends her to the next planet and leaves it there. Her quarrel with Carol ought to be the film’s spine and gets a flashback and a couple of lines.

The first half hour is the real casualty. The cutting that works so well in the swap fight is applied to everything, so scenes are set up and abandoned in a handful of shots, and Fury and Monica trade exposition while the picture jumps to New Jersey and back. We were properly lost, and not in the way a puzzle film means you to be. Sean Bobbitt lights the station and the Kree ship in the flat, even glow that has become this franchise’s default, and only lets a frame breathe once the film leaves them.

When it leaves them it is often lovely. There is a planet where everyone communicates in song, and the film treats it as a chance rather than a joke. Cara Brower dresses the place in pinks and golds, Lindsay Pugh puts the three heroines in gowns of ascending absurdity, Laura Karpman’s score turns into a full number, and Park Seo-jun’s Prince Yan sings his diplomacy with a straight face. We laughed properly, and we laughed again at a space station full of Flerkens, the cats with tentacles in their mouths, put to work on a logistics problem while the soundtrack does something quite wrong.

Vellani is the other reason. She plays Kamala as a fan who has got inside the film she loves and cannot believe her luck, and delivers every line a half-beat too fast, as though someone might ask her to leave. Larson has been asked to play a woman who is tired and guilty, and the film keeps cutting away from her before either shows. Parris, whose resentment of Carol the script raises and then forgets, is dignified and underused. Kamala’s parents (Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur) and brother (Saagar Shaikh) turn up in the second half and are funnier than anything the plot is doing.

When a planet’s sun was at stake, we found we did not mind, which is a strange thing to report about a film that has spent so much on the sun. Dar-Benn has been given a reason and no interior, and the people she is threatening are extras in matching robes. The film hurries past its own catastrophe to get to the next joke, and the jokes are better, so we can see why.

Against *Captain Marvel*, which was stiff but knew what it was about, this is looser, warmer and a good deal less sure. It runs 105 minutes, which in this series counts as mercy, and it carries a 12A. See it for Vellani and the singing, at home, with somebody who can explain the bangle.

*Fi1m score 63, published 10 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

The reviews split fairly widely, and the middle is crowded. Most critics agree on one thing: Iman Vellani’s Kamala Khan is the main reason to watch, with the easy chemistry among the three leads close behind. Nia DaCosta’s brisk pacing, the short runtime and a handful of odd flourishes, chiefly a visit to a singing planet, draw repeated praise.

The reservations cluster around the plot, which several reviews call scattershot, baffling or over-familiar, and around a villain nobody seems to remember. Even the warmer notices tend to describe the film as slight; the cooler ones call it a mechanical, made-by-committee product that squanders a likeable cast. The outliers sit at both ends. The Times dismisses it as a mess that looks like cheap television, while Deadline hails it as a cosmic triumph. Nobody in between is quite that certain.

## Straight answers

**Is The Marvels worth watching?**

*The Marvels* is worth watching for anyone who wants a short, cheerful superhero film and can forgive a muddled first half hour, and we scored it 63. Iman Vellani and a planet where everyone sings are the reasons to see it; the villain and the plot are not. Watch it at home with someone who knows the earlier films.

**How long is The Marvels, and what is it rated?**

*The Marvels* runs 1h 45m and is rated PG-13 by the MPA in the US. It is a science fiction and adventure film.

**Where can I watch The Marvels in the US?**

*The Marvels* is streaming on Disney+ in the US, and it is also available to rent from Amazon Prime Video from $3.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How violent or frightening is The Marvels, and is it suitable for children?**

*The Marvels* carries a 12A certificate in the UK and is a bright, good-natured film with far more jokes than menace. Its fights are fast, cut-together superhero scraps with little that would trouble a child of ten or over, and the darkest element, a dying planet, is treated so briskly that we found it hard to feel the threat. Younger children may simply be lost by the story.

**How does The Marvels compare to Captain Marvel?**

*The Marvels* is looser, warmer and funnier than [*Captain Marvel*](https://film.one/film/captain-marvel), and a good deal less sure of what it is about. The earlier film is stiffer but clearer, and it is the one to watch first, since the sequel assumes you know Carol Danvers and the bangle already. If you want jokes and Iman Vellani, the sequel; if you want a story that holds together, the original.

**What should I watch after The Marvels?**

After *The Marvels*, try [*Captain Marvel*](https://film.one/film/captain-marvel) (2019, Fi1m 60): Stiffer and clearer; watch it first or the bangle will make no sense at all. Then [*Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse*](https://film.one/film/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse) (2018, Fi1m 87): The team-up this wanted to be, with the swaps done in animation and to a purpose; and [*The Fifth Element*](https://film.one/film/the-fifth-element) (1997, Fi1m 73): An alien diva sings opera, the costumes are absurd and the film knows exactly what it is.

### Reviews we read (24)

- **Empire**, Helen O'Hara (80/100, inferred): The critic praises Nia DaCosta for delivering the zippiest and paciest MCU film in some time, focusing on character dynamics and fun adventure rather than excessive lore. She singles out the energetic team-up elements, the standout performance of Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan, and bold creative swings like a singing planet for praise. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/the-marvels/)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Katie Walsh (75/100, inferred): The Marvels is quite entertaining overall, a freewheeling and feminine MCU entry focused on female friendship and fun that the series needs. It singles out Iman Vellani’s energetic performance as Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel for stealing the show with brightness and levity. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2023-11-08/marvels-review-mcu-nia-dacosta-iman-vellani-brie-larson-teyonah-parris)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Lovia Gyarkye (75/100, inferred): The critic finds it a grounding contribution to the MCU, praising the sincere bond between the three protagonists as the film's strength. The lead performances, especially the chemistry among Larson, Parris, and Vellani, freshen up typical Marvel fare. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/the-marvels-review-brie-larson-nia-dacosta-1235637956/)
- **Slant Magazine**, Jake Cole (70/100, inferred): The review highlights how the film ends far stronger than it starts, praising the warmth, camaraderie, and character depth in the final act that offers promising signposts for the MCU. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/the-marvels-review-brie-larson-nia-dacosta/)
- **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (70/100, inferred): The critic finds the film a lightweight sci-fi superhero action-comedy that pops sweetly and insubstantially like bubblegum, with likable humour and brio from the three leads, especially their visit to a singing planet. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/nov/08/the-marvels-review-captain-marvel-brie-larson)
- **Radio Times**, James Mottram (3/5): The film is described as one that won’t live long in the memory, with fun elements but ultimately slight and not memorable despite cool cameos. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/scifi/the-marvels-review/)
- **Time Out**, Olly Richards (3/5): The review notes the brisk fun and charming trio but criticizes the baffling plot and poor plotting, saying it's hard to relax into due to unclear goals, though the core trio works well. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/the-marvels-2023)
- **The AV Club**, Leigh Monson (C): The critic praises the dream-team chemistry of the leads and some fun, breezy moments but criticizes the hyper-edited first act and confused plotting that makes it feel at odds with being a Marvel movie. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/the-marvels-film-review-mcu-brie-larson-1851001733)
- **Variety**, Laura Radford (50/100, inferred): The scattershot sequel diminishes the power of the first film with skittery plotting and utilitarian tone, though it is short and features some efficient action. It singles out Zawe Ashton’s go-for-broke performance as the villain Dar-Benn for injecting lyrical anger. [Read](https://variety.com/2023/film/reviews/the-marvels-review-brie-larson-tayonah-paris-iman-vellani-1235782585/)
- **IndieWire**, Kate Erbland (45/100, inferred): The review notes moments of originality and charm in the superhero sequel but concludes that scattered elements and the need for an MCU reset make it feel like a baffling waste overall. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/the-marvels-movie-review-1234923772/)
- **The New York Times**, Manohla Dargis (40/100, inferred): The film delivers exactly what is expected but nothing more, resulting in a bland and familiar MCU entry despite the appealing cast and director's talent. It singles out a lightly gonzo scene as a highlight of what the rest of the movie could have been. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/09/movies/the-marvels-review-brie-larson.html)
- **Vulture** (35/100, inferred): The critic calls the adventure disappointingly dinky in scope and stakes despite its budget, faulting underdeveloped characters, lack of momentum, and its feel as a crossover episode rather than a must-see event. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/the-marvels-review-a-disappointingly-dinky-adventure.html)
- **Screen Daily**: It has an appealing modesty and playful moments but feels insubstantial, with likeable performances but lacking fresh ideas, a mediocre villain and listless supporting turns. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/the-marvels-review/5187680.article)
- **Sight and Sound**, Kim Newman: The critic praises Nia DaCosta for blending action and farce in a good-natured fantasy adventure, highlighting the fun, verve, and emotion brought by the director and cast, using the viewpoint of the teenager Kamala for grounded comedy and idealism. [Read](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/marvels-nia-dacosta-blends-action-farce-this-good-natured-fantasy-adventure)
- **The Times**, Kevin Maher (★☆☆☆☆): The critic calls the film a mess and a deadening hotchpotch of pre-existing Marvel styles that looks like cheap TV, with bad dialogue and the dead hand of television all over it. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/the-marvels-review-hollywoods-superhero-factory-reaches-its-nadir-fdvnh50d7)
- **Polygon**, Joshua Rivera (80/100, inferred): The critic calls the film a fun, confident action-comedy that overcomes heavy MCU baggage through inventive set pieces and strong cast chemistry, especially Iman Vellani's delightful Kamala Khan. They single out the brisk pacing and imaginative moments like the cat-filled space station for making it a highlight amid the franchise's weaker year. [Read](https://www.polygon.com/reviews/23952209/the-marvels-review-kamala-khan-captain-marvel/)
- **Collider**, Ross Bonaime (B): The critic praises the fun, playful tone Nia DaCosta brings to the MCU and the joyful chemistry among the three leads, noting how the film refreshes dense backstory without overwhelming viewers. They single out the short runtime and energetic performances for making it one of the most enjoyable recent Marvel entries. [Read](https://collider.com/the-marvels-review/)
- **Consequence** (B): The critic highlights the film's effervescent silliness, transcendent comedic moments, and Iman Vellani's charming energy as Kamala Khan as major strengths. They single out confusing plot holes, dropped narratives, and an unsatisfying ending as key weaknesses that undermine the fun. [Read](https://consequence.net/2023/11/the-marvels-review-mcu/)
- **The Playlist**, Jeff Ewing (B): The critic finds the film a largely successful and entertaining MCU entry that explores revenge and forgiveness through Captain Marvel's arc, with strong performances especially from Iman Vellani as the scene-stealing Kamala Khan. It is let down by a nagging sense of over-familiarity, a forgettable villain, and a narrative that echoes previous installments too closely. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/the-marvels-review-nia-dacostas-superhero-adventure-explores-revenge-in-a-successful-but-naggingly-familiar-lark-20231108/)
- **Den of Geek**, David Crow (2.5/5): The film has moments that work, especially Iman Vellani’s Ms. Marvel and an inventive musical sequence on an alien planet, but overall it feels like a mechanical, formulaic MCU product that fails to commit fully to its ideas or characters. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-marvels-review-no-cure-superhero-fatigue/)
- **/Film**, Jeremy Mathai (5/10): The critic praises Iman Vellani's standout performance as the element that makes the film worth watching but deems the overall effort a disjointed and rushed cosmic disappointment that feels like a made-by-committee product. Director Nia DaCosta's intentions are visible but little of the intended vision remains on screen. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/1441678/the-marvels-review/)
- **NME**, James Mottram (45/100, inferred): Nia DaCosta’s Marvel debut is one of the quirkier MCU entries with charming moments from Iman Vellani and some fun cosmic elements, but it lacks engagement and punch overall, feeling more meh than marvellous despite good lines and willing performers. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/film-reviews/the-marvels-review-brie-larson-3532201)
- **Deadline**, Valerie Complex: The critic hails the film as a cosmic triumph that grounds its spectacle in emotional sincerity and character depth. DaCosta’s nuanced direction and the trio of heroines’ compelling performances are singled out for bringing humanity to the MCU. [Read](https://deadline.com/2023/11/the-marvels-review-cosmic-triumph-grounded-in-sincerity-humanity-1235596559/)
- **The Wrap**: The critic finds the film fun and colorful but with a thin plot and underdeveloped character relationships. Iman Vellani’s exuberant performance as Ms. Marvel is singled out for praise as the standout element that makes the movie enjoyable. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/the-marvels-review-brie-larson/)

## Details

- **Director:** Nia DaCosta
- **Director:** Nia DaCosta
- **Writer:** Elissa Karasik, Nia DaCosta, Megan McDonnell
- **Cinematography:** Sean Bobbitt
- **Editor:** Catrin Hedström, Evan Schiff
- **Music:** Laura Karpman
- **Production design:** Cara Brower
- **Costume design:** Lindsay Pugh
- **Producer:** Kevin Feige
- **Cast:** Brie Larson as Carol Danvers / Captain Marvel; Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau; Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan / Ms. Marvel; Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury; Zawe Ashton as Dar-Benn; Gary Lewis as Emperor Dro'ge; Park Seo-joon as Prince Yan; Zenobia Shroff as Muneeba Khan
- **Runtime:** 1h 45m
- **Certificate (MPA):** PG-13
- **Release (the US):** 10 November 2023
- **Genres:** Science Fiction, Adventure, Action
- **Budget:** $275 million
- **Box office:** $206 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwmDH12MAA4

## Where to watch in the US

- Disney+: streaming, uhd
- Amazon Prime Video: rent $3.99, uhd
- Amazon Prime Video: buy $19.99, uhd

*Checked 2026-09-10.*

Also available in: AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, US. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie 2024: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie (nominated)

## If you liked this

- *Captain Marvel* (2019), Fi1m 60: Stiffer and clearer; watch it first or the bangle will make no sense at all — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/captain-marvel.md)
- *Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse* (2018), Fi1m 87: The team-up this wanted to be, with the swaps done in animation and to a purpose — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse.md)
- *The Fifth Element* (1997), Fi1m 73: An alien diva sings opera, the costumes are absurd and the film knows exactly what it is — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-fifth-element.md)
- *Everything Everywhere All at Once* (2022), Fi1m 77: Bodies flung across realities, a mother and daughter at the centre, the mess deliberate — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/everything-everywhere-all-at-once.md)
- *Galaxy Quest* (1999): Fans who end up inside the thing they love; funnier and kinder about it than most

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/the-marvels