In the world of revenge films, there are many stories about vengeance, but Revenge (2017) by female director Coralie Fargeat offers a different and emotionally impactful approach. The film follows Jen, a young woman left for dead in the desert after being brutally assaulted, but she rises to hunt down her perpetrators with burning vengeance.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Jen, a young woman, travels with Richard, a wealthy man, to his desert vacation home. But when Richard's two hunting friends arrive, the fun turns into a nightmare. Jen is physically assaulted and left for dead. However, driven by survival instinct and vengeance, she comes back to life and begins hunting the three men across the vast desert. The film is intense, with no breathing room.
Acting and Characters
Matilda Lutz as Jen delivers a stunning performance. She conveys pain, fear, and determination naturally, transforming from a vulnerable woman into a formidable hunter. Kevin Janssens as Richard portrays coldness and arrogance that easily makes the audience hate him. Vincent Colombe and Guillaume Bouchède as the hunting friends add to the gripping story. Although dialogue is sparse, the actors' body language and eyes communicate effectively.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Director Coralie Fargeat creates beautiful visuals and clever symbolism. The scorching, endless desert becomes a perfect battleground. The use of bold colors, especially red appearing in many scenes, clearly symbolizes blood, violence, and rebirth. The score by Robin Coudert enhances the tense and emotional atmosphere. Some moments use silence to create discomfort, keeping the audience on edge.
Editorial Analysis
Revenge is not just a typical revenge film; it reflects women's struggle in a male-dominated world. The film uses violence as a storytelling tool but does not glorify it; instead, it highlights the pain caused by human actions. Jen's journey is a transformation from victim to hunter, which may evoke both shock and excitement. However, some gory scenes may not suit sensitive viewers, and certain unrealistic elements may be questioned, but that is part of the film's bold style.
Verdict
<p>If you are a fan of revenge films that unflinchingly present violence along with clear gender symbolism, <strong>Revenge</strong> is a must-watch. But be prepared for gory scenes and brutality that may make you look away.</p>
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Excellent performance by Matilda Lutz
- +Beautiful cinematography and sharp symbolism
- +Tense and thrilling atmosphere throughout
👎 Cons
- −Brutal violence may not suit everyone
- −Some plot points are somewhat fantastical and unrealistic
Top Cast
FAQ
Revenge (2017) was previously released in theaters in Thailand, but now it can be found on streaming platforms like Netflix or Prime Video.
The film has been praised by critics for its intensity and storytelling style. It suits those who like brutal revenge films and aren't afraid of blood.
Both are revenge films with female protagonists, but The Nightingale is set in a historical context, while Revenge is a contemporary thriller.
No, Revenge is a standalone film with a conclusive ending.
