Revenge is a movie by female director Coralie Fargeat it is her feature debut and it certainly got a lot of people talking about it after numerous screenings at festivals.
Rich, arrogant and married, Richard has invited his lover Jen to his luxury retreat for a secluded romantic getaway. Their plans are interrupted, however, by the sudden early arrival of his two sleazy associates for their hunting trip. Their initial leering advances turn much uglier, culminating in a brutal assault and Jen left for dead in the desert. But she somehow recovers and sets out on a tale of brutal revenge.
This film will divide people for sure, if you take it dead seriously then you will not get much enjoyment from the movie, but taken as a fantasy gory revenge thriller it works very well. Beautifully shot and edited the story does not hold back after the first act and this is certainly one of the bloodiest films i have seen in a very long time. It starts off in predictable fashion, with the beautiful woman being leered at as a sex object but soon turns the perspective around with a no holds barred strong woman giving her all just to survive and get even. Some have said if it was directed by a man it would have been much more criticised for being misogynistic, but i disagree, this is an extremely well made movie and i look forward to the directors next film with great interest.
Taken as a gory fantasy genre film, it is well worth a look with great music and sound editing which adds a lot to the atmosphere. There have been many controversial so-called rape/revenge movies over the years such as I Spit on Your Grave and Irreversible, but this is not like those, It’s more a sort of Kill Bill meets Deliverance and certainly lives up to all the hype.
The Blu ray released by Second Sight has a superb 1080p transfer, it looks fantastic with very bright palette and bold colours. Sound is another big factor with a choice of 5.1 or 2.0 stereo. As mentioned the music and effects mix are excellent and really add to the feeling of the film. Extras are also good with interesting interviews with the director Coralie Fargeat, actors Matilda Lutz and Guillaume Bouchede. Cinematographer Robrecht Heyvaert, composer Robin Coudert and finally an audio commentary by Kat Ellinger. You also get a poster and softback book thrown is as well.
I recommend you check it out, but be warned its certainly not for the faint-hearted.
FILM – 8 PICTURE – 9 AUDIO – 9 EXTRAS – 8
