Superhero movies are not my favorites, but I can appreciate a good one.  Black Widow is a good one, I think, because it functions on multiple levels.  First, it is an origin story for the massively popular Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson), filling in her background and how she became the lethal lady of the Avengers.  Second, it works on its own as a large-scale action movie and companion piece to the Avenger movies, although it is long enough and dry enough to bore some action fans.  Third, it is very much a feminist movie about empowerment, which may be its greatest accomplishment.

Cate Shortland’s action film begins with a sleeper cell in Ohio, winds its way to Soviet Cuba, lonely and desolate Norway, downtown Budapest and eventually somewhere hidden in plain sight.  Natasha’s childhood and family life is explored, and eventually deconstructed, when strange circumstances force her to reconnect with her father (David Harbour), mother (Rachel Weisz) and sister (Florence Pugh).  Family secrets are spilled and the most dangerous mission of their lives begins.

The action is compressed into three major sequences, but those eye-popping sequences comprise about one-third of the film, I think.  The other two-thirds is family drama and plot machination, traveling around to different places and having skirmishes with an armor-suited figure of mystery.  Of most interest are the family scenes, in which people who lived together for a short time rehash their shared past, try to accept who they have become on their own, and wonder how to move forward.  Sibling rivalries and jealousies are painted with clear understanding, and everyone is surprised by what the others remember and feel about their time together.  It is compelling and even powerful drama.

Not everything works — how was Dreykov (Ray Winstone) able to hide in plain sight for years? — it makes no sense.  And Dreykov’s worldwide plot seems very reminiscent of Red Sparrow, a non-Marvel title.  But this film has a great deal of power, most of it linked to these remarkable female characters, and the talented actresses who portray them.  Whoever believed that women couldn’t headline action movies, or that female character stories wouldn’t relate to male moviegoers, was seriously stupid.  This movie proves it.  ☆ ☆ ☆.  1 August 2021.