Login
The New French Extremity movement in horror cinema brought us minted classics like "High Tension", "Inside", and "Martyrs" and while many struggled to find value among the pronounced visceral elements, others espoused their merits openly. The evolution of the subgenre eventually led to films like "RAW" which cemented its legacy as a legitimate art form rather than violence for violence's sake.
"Revenge" seems poised to join its compatriots as a memorable classic even as it gathers accolade after accolade from critics near and far but is it worthy of that status? The short answer is yes but, like the movie itself, not everything is as simple as it looks.
At first glance "Revenge" may give the impression that it's a beautifully mounted and shot riff on the controversial classic "I Spit On Your Grave";the plot is essentially identical: woman is violated and left for dead, revenge ensues. The gorgeous cinematography and rich, technicolor vibrancy of the picture wouldn't be enough to justify imitation or uncomfortable content, however. While films like the aforementioned seem empowering they really peddle in exploiting an issue for cheap thrills and cash. This is where "Revenge" takes its own distinct creative path.
There is an ulterior motive behind "Revenge" that is almost satirically weaved into the behavior and dialogue of its antagonists, a group of misogynist weekend warriors ranging from the smoothly deceitful, the indifferently complicit, and down to the implicitly violating. These villains are thinly veiled archetypes of rape culture that bare down on our unfortunate heroin even as the film presents her as the societal equivalent of "the girl that asked for it".
With its brazen, but artistic, use of violence, the film successfully takes the viewer from any semblance of social apologetic to an ardent spectator of justifiable retribution. In short, while not every man is guilty of perpetuating rape culture the film shows us how even the least involved can turn the tides by not embodying the attitudes of the villainous trio within the film. This perspective might rub some the wrong way or may be perceived as an SJW agenda (as the modern climate would be prone to dub it) but it's a valid criticism. Generally speaking, "rape bad" would be, folks.
That being said, the film doesn't let it's message or metaphors bog it down. Oh no, make no mistake, "Revenge" is a nasty film. It expertly ropes in dark humor and discomfort with sudden crescendos of spurting grue all while looking absolutely gorgeous. It almost seems incongruous at times. How can something so lush be so ghastly, after all?
The performances are fantastic, especially that of Matilda Lutz as the heroine, Jen. The music is "synth nightmare chic" and really knows when to build up the suspense alongside the visuals. The effects? Brutal and bloody.
All in all, this earns its place in the company of its peers. Do I feel it's as good as, say, "RAW"? No, not by a long shot but, believe me, it's no slouch. Check this one out, you won't regret it. 8/10
