Collider argues that a brief appearance by Yelena Belova in Spider-Man: Brand New Day reinforces the lasting emotional consequences of Black Widow. The article says Yelena’s unresolved trauma, despite limited screen time, supports the view that the 2021 film was underappreciated and that its story still matters within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Brand New Day reportedly centres on loneliness, with Peter Parker living in isolation and seeking to reconnect with MJ after four years. The article contrasts Peter’s and Frank Castle’s moments of catharsis with Yelena’s continuing pain, linking it to Black Widow’s depiction of Natasha Romanoff, the Red Room and Natasha’s separation from her foster sister. It describes Black Widow as more of an espionage film than a conventional superhero release and argues it did not receive sufficient recognition.