Captain Marvel’s trauma is constantly on my mind.

I Can’t Stop Thinking About the Trauma Portrayed in Captain Marvel
To begin with, the portrayal of trauma in Captain Marvel feels authentic. While watching one of the high-energy fight scenes on screen, I am captivated. Carol Danvers (played by Brie Larson) finally embraces her full powers and defeats her enemies, after struggling throughout the movie to understand herself and her capabilities. As I watch her experience this empowering moment, I feel a sense of pride.
Captain Marvel has undoubtedly been a successful addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, earning $455 million worldwide in its opening weekend. Women on my social media feeds have been celebrating the film for its relatable themes of gender equality. However, there is another aspect of the movie that deserves recognition: its portrayal of trauma and how we can support survivors.
The film acknowledges Carol Danvers’ traumatic origin story, treating it as a genuinely traumatic experience. As someone who has personally experienced trauma, I deeply relate to this portrayal. After being diagnosed with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder last year, I underwent months of therapy. During this time, learning about trauma was crucial in helping me understand and overcome it. One invaluable resource that aided my healing was Trauma and Recovery, written by Dr. Judith L. Herman, a psychiatrist who specializes in the study of traumatic stress. She defines trauma as the psychological response to violence and abuse, where our humanity is devalued and exploited by another person seeking power and dominance.
Captain Marvel showcases different forms of trauma and emphasizes that its effects do not simply disappear; it is something survivors carry with them for the rest of their lives. Set in the midst of an intergalactic war, where power becomes the ultimate goal, it is not surprising that trauma plays a significant role in Carol Danvers’ character development. Seeing her journey mirror my own experiences was immensely powerful. Like Danvers, violence and harassment had silenced my voice and diminished my personality. I became a mere shell of my former self, struggling with loss of appetite and disrupted sleep patterns.
Although violence and trauma are not new concepts in the Marvel Cinematic Universe or mainstream media, the depiction of Danvers’ struggle in Captain Marvel is refreshing. It begins with Yon-Rogg (played by Jude Law), a Kree Starforce Commander, shooting down her plane and murdering her mentor. He then attempts to kill Danvers but realizes she has absorbed the very source of power he sought, leading him to kidnap her. In doing so, he dehumanizes her, using her body as a tool to advance his own agenda, much like real-life abusers and oppressors.
Furthermore, Yon-Rogg separates Danvers from her Earth identity and manipulates her memories to make her believe she is weak and subservient. He effectively grooms her to become a Kree soldier, gaslighting her into thinking she is nothing without him. When she displays symptoms of PTSD, such as recurring nightmares of the accident, Yon-Rogg further manipulates her by suggesting she cannot control her emotions. This manipulation tactic is all too familiar, as the dismissal of our experiences and the discouragement from speaking our truths is often done by discrediting our emotions.
Danvers’ narrative arc mirrors a realistic journey of recovery from trauma. Survivors are tasked with reconciling their pre-trauma identity with the person they have become in the aftermath. Dr. Herman outlines a three-step process in her book, which revolves around coming to terms with the narrative of our trauma. In Captain Marvel, the Skrulls restore Danvers’ memory of her life on Earth, allowing her to virtually relive her past using their technology. This helps her understand her personal narrative and encourages her to delve deeper into what truly happened to her.
Another significant aspect of recovering from trauma is re-establishing trust in our communities and loved ones, recognizing that we are valued as individuals. Danvers only fully reclaims her identity when she reunites with her family, Maria and Monica Rambeau (played by Lashana Lynch and Akira Akbar). Rediscovering these relationships reconnects her with her humanity, validating her belief in her own strength, capabilities, and power.
Finally, Danvers confronts Yon-Rogg and embraces the full extent of her powers. This can be seen as a metaphor for dismantling oppressive systems, as she uses her superhuman abilities to destroy Kree fighter jets and nuclear missiles, ultimately saving the world from destruction by her oppressors. She firmly rejects Yon-Rogg’s mind games, declaring, “I have nothing to prove to you.”
By the end of the movie, I felt seen and empowered. Captain Marvel tells a compelling story of a survivor, a heroine who embraces her newfound identity. Despite the exploitation of her humanity by power-hungry warmongers, what sets this film apart is Danvers’ refusal to view her victimization as a weakness. Instead, she uses this opportunity to break the cycle of violence and war.
As I engage with storytelling, both as an audience member and as an artist, I am reminded of my commitment to justice. Captain Marvel provides the example I needed to regain my strength. Danvers chooses to wield her powers with empathy and compassion, fighting for a better and kinder world. After a year of healing and recovery, I realize I am ready to face my own battles.