top of page

Black Widow - 2021

Black Widow - 2021
Movie Info

Rating: PG-13


Age-appropriateness: intense sequences, violence/action, some language


Overview: A film about Natasha Romanoff in her quests between the films Civil War and Infinity War.


Themes: superheroes, teamwork, bravery, courage, pain, family, freedom, friendship, trust, death/grieving, identity, vulnerable children, expressing emotions, vulnerability

The Quick 3

Ask these quick questions to hit the major themes of the film.

1. Vulnerable children. How can you protect people who are vulnerable? Do you know of anyone who needs protection and help?

  • Natasha, Yelena, and countless other girls were raised to be soldiers and spies in the Red Room. Dreykov used mind control techniques to create soldiers that were completely obedient and weren't able to fully control their own actions. Yelena said that Dreykov took children that "had no one to protect them". Isaiah 1:17  tells us to protect those that are vulnerable: "Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows."

  • Here's an article about How to Talk to Your Kids About Vulnerable Children (Adoption/Foster Care)


2. Identity. How would you describe your identity - who you really are? Do you ever feel like you don't know who you really are?

  • Yelena not only experienced psychological conditioning, but also people chemically altering her brain functions. She said that it feels like she's fully conscious but she doesn't know which part is her. And she said that she's still not sure who she really is. Your identity is the truest thing about you - it's who you are down deep inside.

  • Check out this article about How to Talk to Your Kids about Their Identity.


3. Family. How would you describe the relationship you have with your family? What makes your family unique and special?

  • Alexei thinks his "family is back together again". The other three recognize that they aren't truly a family, just people that were organized together for a specific mission for a short period of time. Natasha points out that "it wasn't real", and Yelena says that "the best part of her life was fake." Yelena considered Melina her real mother.

After The Movie Discussion Guide

Follow this 5-10 minute discussion guide to drive an in-depth conversation.

1. Check out this article on the Strengths and weaknesses of all of the heroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.


2. Natasha, Yelena, and countless other girls were raised to be soldiers and spies in the Red Room. Dreykov used mind control techniques to create soldiers that were completely obedient and weren't able to fully control their own actions. Yelena said that Dreykov took children that "had no one to protect them". Isaiah 1:17  tells us to protect those that are vulnerable: "Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows." How can you protect people who are vulnerable? Do you know of anyone who needs protection and help?


3. Oksana freed Yelena with the red smoke and then sent her on a mission to "free the others". Oksana used an antidote to mind control, freeing Yelena from being manipulated by others who took control of her brain's neuro-pathways. The Red Room was a place where Dreykov took away a person's free will. Galatians 5:13 says, "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love." Why does taking away someone's freedom go against the heart of God? How "free" do you feel in your life?


4. Yelena not only experienced psychological conditioning, but also people chemically altering her brain functions. She said that it feels like she's fully conscious but she doesn't know which part is her. And she said that she's still not sure who she really is. Your identity is the truest thing about you - it's who you are down deep inside. How would you describe your identity - who you really are? Do you ever feel like you don't know who you really are?


5. Natasha always thought her mother gave her up as a baby. Natasha thought she was abandoned. Later on, she learns that she was taken from her original family. Melina described Natasha's mother as "relentlessly" looking for her daughter. In the same way, God relentlessly pursues all of His children that have drifted away or have gotten lost. God loves you more than you'll ever know and He'll never stop loving you. Have you ever felt abandoned? Did you realize that God relentlessly pursues you?


6. As a young girl, Yelena was taught that her "pain only makes her stronger". Do you agree with that statement? Have you ever experienced pain that made you weaker?


7. Natasha has trouble expressing her emotions in a healthy way. She preferred not to deal with her emotions, choosing to suppress them and not feel the pain that comes alongside negative feelings. She also points out that Dreykov doesn't feel anything. He does terrible things without any sort of regret. How often do you express how you are truly feeling, including the difficult and sad emotions? What do you think Natasha should've done to handle her emotions in a healthier way?


8. Both Natasha and Yelena tried to spend their lives working to make up for the pain they caused others. This is an act of repentance. They recognized they made mistakes and hurt people, so they work hard to make things right and turn the other way, choosing to do good instead. Acts 3:19 says, "Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away." Who is someone that you've recently hurt with your actions? What would it look like to repent and make things right with that person?

Minute By Minute Guide

Use this break down of the entire movie in addition to the “After the Movie” discussion guide. Great for repeat viewings.

:10 As children, Natasha and Yelena went through a very difficult experience of leaving their home. They were forced to leave the place they knew and loved. Have you ever had a difficult experience that felt similar? What are some of your favorite and least favorite memories growing up?


:23 After the Avengers broke up as a team and were divided, Natasha says she's "better off on her own". Some people were worried that she didn't have many friends. She pretended to be okay, but she was likely struggling with being on her own. She later says that she doesn't "let herself be alone enough to think about" the painful things in her life. How do you handle the difficult things in life? Do you think it's better to openly feel and discuss your emotions? What would be the downside of keeping everything inside and refusing to address your pain?


:31 When Natasha and Yelena reunite, they don't know if they can trust one another. Trust is to believe that someone is honest and sincere. How do you know if you can trust someone? What makes it hard to trust others sometimes?


:38 Natasha and Yelena witnessed the termination of a spy from the Red Room. The spy wasn't able to control her actions and ended up getting hurt. How do you think Natasha and Yelena are feeling right now? What do you think there are thinking?


:44 Natasha thought she defeated Dreykov and made the decision to allow others to be hurt in the process. She said it was "collateral damage" for the greater good. Do you think it's okay to hurt someone in the process of helping someone else? Why or why not?


:51 Yelena brags about her vest, saying it's the first thing she's ever bought for herself. She had never had control of her life and now she feels great knowing that she can make her own decisions. Do you feel like you are in control of your life and have the freedom to make your own decisions? What's something you'd really like to buy for yourself?


1:03 Natasha and Yelena help Alexei escape from prison. They have a complicated relationship, because Alexei lied to them and pretended to be like their family. Both Natasha and Yelena are incredibly angry at Alexei for all that he put them through. What else do you think Natasha and Yelena are feeling? How do you think they should treat Alexei?


1:17 Alexei thinks his "family is back together again". The other three recognize that they aren't truly a family, just people that were organized together for a specific mission for a short period of time. Natasha points out that "it wasn't real", and Yelena says that "the best part of her life was fake." Yelena considered Melina her real mother. How would you describe the relationship you have with your family? What makes your family unique and special?


1:22 Yelena expresses how much Melina and Alexei meant to her as a child. She thought they were her real parents, and she says they "were everything" to her. In this moment, Yelena shows a lot of vulnerability. Vulnerability is sharing openly and honestly with someone knowing you are risking being hurt. How easy is it for you to be vulnerable? Do you feel like you can be vulnerable and share your true feelings with your parents?


1:31 Alexei admits that he wasn't being brave. He admits that he was being a coward. Bravery is having the courage to make good choices, even when you’re afraid. Joshua 1:9 says, "This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Knowing that God is with you all of the time, do you think you can always be brave? When would it be most difficult to act courageously?


1:40 Dreykov tries to impress Natasha with the world he's built. He says that he will control the world powers. He acts as if what he's doing is a noble cause. In the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were tempted to "be like God themselves" (Genesis 3:5). One of the biggest sin struggles people have is wanting to be like a god themselves, having limitless power and control. Have you ever wanted to be completely in control and in charge? Why is it important that we should act like Jesus, but still remember that we cannot be an all-powerful god?


1:48 Yelena gave the antidote to the widows. With the antidote, the widows were finally set free to make their own choices. At times, our sin has a way of controlling us. Jesus Christ came to Earth to set us free. Galatians 5:1 says, "So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law." How might someone be a "slave" to their sin? How can someone experience true freedom in Christ?


1:54 Yelena is willing to sacrifice herself in order to save the world from Dreykov. Jesus did something very similar when He gave up His life on the cross so that our sins could be forgiven and we could be reunited with God forever! Jesus willingly gave up His life so that yours could be saved. How much must Jesus love you, knowing that He was willing to die for you? Why do you think that we deserved such a severe punishment for our sins?

bottom of page