Not perfect, but surprising. After so many MCU projects that feel mechanical, Ironheart offers something different. Maybe it’s because it doesn’t try to be another epic story about saving the world, but instead a portrait of a young genius who still doesn’t fully know who she wants to be.
Riri Williams doesn’t fall into the usual “misunderstood genius” cliché. She has charisma, flaws, contradictions — and that’s refreshing. Dominique Thorne carries the series with a mix of youthful energy and believable doubts, even if she sometimes lacks natural flow. The supporting cast has some great moments, especially in episodes focused on her local environment. What works best is that amid all the tech and action, the series still finds time for emotions and personal conflict.
The mix of science and magic doesn’t always land. Some episodes shift tone abruptly or show budget limits in visual effects. At times, the story tries to juggle too many ideas without prioritizing. But it also offers meaningful themes: Riri’s moral dilemmas, underlying social tensions, and some creative narrative choices that break from the Marvel mold.
Some may not connect with Ironheart, and others may unfairly compare it to bigger MCU titles. But in its modesty, and its attempt to focus on one girl from Chicago trying to build something greater than herself, there’s honesty. And that’s already more than what most superhero series offer lately.
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