The Marvels hits theaters this weekend, the 33rd movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The movie will be the long-awaited sequel to the 2019 billion-dollar hit Captain Marvel, starring Brie Larson as the titular character, Carol Danvers. It also acts as follow-ups for Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) since her debut in WandaVision and new fan favorite Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani), aka Ms. Marvel, after her debut in her own Disney+ series just last year. The movie follows the trio thrust into an unlikely partnership when their powers become entangled, causing them to switch places every time they use their powers at the same time. This isn’t the only thing they have in common. Carol was best friends with Monica’s mother, Maria Rambeau, as well as both pilots for the Air Force. Kamala is an Avengers superfan, with her favorite hero being Captain Marvel.
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Whether they like it or not, the three need to team up to protect the universe against a new threat, a Kree warrior named Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton). Carol was formerly a part of the Kree army, only to realize she was abducted by them to be made into their personal weapon. She seemingly destroyed the Kree leader, the Supreme Intelligence, making Dar-Benn’s path for vengeance very personal.
To add to the universal crisis, another reality is bleeding into the MCU’s main universe, threatening both involved. Alternate universes bring endless possibilities. Possibilities that are completely different from the ones we know.
Let’s dive straight into this alternate reality and see what a universe would look like if the soundtrack for The Marvels was composed of emo tunes. Since the three leads all grew up in different decades, it gives us the opportunity to include emo from varying eras. Let’s break it down between these leading women.
Carol Danvers – 1990s
Since flying off into space in 1995, she’s been isolated and alone. Trying to make the cosmos a better place for everyone. Being a hero comes with a price, sometimes, that is leaving the ones you love behind for the greater good. But while she was trying to prove that she was worthy of these powers, she ended up neglecting her loved ones back home.
American Football – “Never Meant”
Let’s start this soundtrack off with the pioneers of Midwest emo. A song about moving on and forgetting, even if that wasn’t her intention to do so. Nothing captures that more effortlessly than American Football’s “Never Meant.”
Sunny Day Real Estate – “In Circles”
Sunny Day Real Estate’s “In Circles” is about being stuck in place and trying to make up for mistakes. A perfect window into the perspective of Captain Marvel at the beginning of this movie. Giving us a more human look at this extremely powerful character.
This isolation has weighed heavily on Carol. This team-up was exactly what she needed. To stand tall among others rather than on her own. To rise up to the challenge of becoming a leader and mentor figure, escaping the endless cycle of trying to save the day on her own. No more nights of blasting Sunday Day Real Estate floating through space.
Monica Rambeau – 2000s
Monica lost her mother while she was blipped after Thanos’ snap in Avengers: Infinity War— a truly traumatic experience. When she came back from the blip, she was alone. Her mother was gone, and her Aunt Carol was deep in space.
Yellowcard – “Back Home”
Let’s take it back to the days of MySpace and Fuse TV. The closing track off Ocean Avenue is the perfect fit, “But they don’t know that what you love is ripped away before you get a chance to feel it.”
Paramore – “Pressure”
What was a normal space mission turned into a fight to save the universe? Still not totally mastering her powers, the weight of the world is on her shoulders to step up. A Hayley Williams/Paramore lead anthem can help with some motivation.
Overcoming this loss sent Monica on a path to prove herself and land herself a spot in the stars, just like her Aunt Carol. But she learned to be her own hero and write her own story. One that would make her mother proud.
Kamala Khan – 2020s
This Avengers-obsessed hero is only sixteen years old. The current bands rising up in the scene are the ones molding her music taste. Standing next to her hero, trying to save the universe, can create a massive case of imposter syndrome.
Hot Mulligan – “How Do You Know It’s Not Armadillo Shells”
Picture this: Kamala sitting in her room writing Captain Marvel fan fiction with Hot Mulligan at full volume, drowning in self-doubt.
Terra – “Confidence”
This single from Terra brings out the exact opposite of self-doubt. A realization that your mentors have flaws, too, but that doesn’t mean they can’t lift you up to new heights.
In reality, Kamala was made for this. She is the glue that brings this trio together. Standing next to her hero gave her the confidence she needed that she belonged in the same company as an Avenger. Ms. Marvel is the heart of the movie. A true shining light of pure optimism and joy that will create the biggest smile on your face. Ms. Marvel’s big screen debut solidified her as a major player for the future of the MCU.
At the end of the day, The Marvels is a story about family and discovery. Discovery doesn’t always need to be a path walked alone. When you surround yourself with the right people, it can truly unlock your full potential. While we travel back to our normal universe and leave behind a world of emo soundtracks, always remember you’re never alone, and blood doesn’t always have to be family.
The Marvels flies higher, further, and faster into theaters on November 10.
