Revenge

Written and directed by France's Coralie Fargea, 2017's Revenge is a refreshing international grind house/horror/and yes, revenge film. It's as straightforward in plot as the title would suggest and it's feminist lean is perfectly on point and on time in this "me too" era. Yet, there are nuanced layers in this simplicity. Think Lady Snowblood crossed with Mad Max and helpings of Sergio Leone, Quentin Tarantino, and Luc Besson. It's star, Italian actress Matilda Lutz, has the appeal of a young Natalie Portman in Leon: The Professional. There is not a dull moment in the film, as the desolate landscape, rich and visceral cinematography, and really efficient and creative use of soundtrack to match all; contribute enormously to making this film more than just your dime a dozen revenge film. The story unfolds rather than seeming to be pushed along in a gimmicky way. There is a careful craft to Fargea's work here, the symbolic images and foreshadowing, the juxtaposing use of nature, bloody mayhem, pop culture, and modernity. Misogyny is turned on its head here even in the efficient use of little details, without any of it taking away from the pace of the film, the crafted chases, the handheld camera work, the saturated color shots, etc. It really captures old school, traditional film making with an empowering and progressive modern theme. Revenge is generic in title, but a rough diamond in execution.