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Vengeance
2022 108 min United States of America R 16+
★6.9
Comedy, Mystery, Thriller
Director: B.J. Novak
Trailers
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Teaser
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Description
Ben, a journalist from New York City, travels to West Texas in order to investigate the death of a girl he was hooking up with while recording a murder mystery podcast along the way.
US Gross:
$4.33M
Worldwide:
$4.23M
Starring
B.J. Novak
Actor
Boyd Holbrook
Actor
Lio Tipton
Actor
Awards
1 win total
Key opinion
Vengeance is a genre-blending directorial debut from B.J. Novak that uses a murder mystery as a vehicle for social commentary on the cultural divide between New York and Texas. While the film is praised for its sharp writing and ability to subvert stereotypes, it is hampered by a messy structure and a polarizing lead performance.
| Culture | The film provides an authentic and observant portrait of small-town Texas culture that effectively challenges coastal stereotypes. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay successfully balances dark humor and suspense to create a compelling, thought-provoking satire of modern media and polarized society. | |
| Score | Finneas O’Connell’s score and the film's quirky, atmospheric setting elevate the investigative narrative. | |
| Acting | B.J. Novak’s lead performance is a point of contention; some find his portrayal of the cynical journalist underwhelming, while others see it as a necessary vessel for the story's themes. | |
| Pacing | The film’s ambitious blend of comedy, thriller, and drama results in an overstuffed, occasionally messy narrative structure. | |
| Ending | Opinions on the final act are split: some viewers find the resolution satisfying and impactful, while others feel the ending is predictable or falls short of the film's buildup. |