Revenge

Revenge is a gripping and powerful movie that transcends boundaries and traditional narratives, creating a cinematic spectacle that is both daunting and fiercely empowering. Directed by Coralie Fargeat, it's a feature debut that remarkably distinguishes itself in the genre of action and thriller. Revenge was released in 2017 to critical acclaim, with specific praise for its formidable cinematography, unyielding intensity, and subversive approach to the rape-revenge sub-genre.

Written in French but set in the American desert, Revenge circles around the intense, volatile, and grueling saga of a woman named Jen (Matilda Lutz). Defining her character not by her victimhood but by her resilience, the story dignifies Jen on her quest for survival and justice. Jen’s journey capitalizes on Fargeat’s style that doesn't shy away from graphic, provocative imagery and detailed contrast between pristine landscapes and grizzly reality.

The plot sets off during a passionate getaway turned nightmarish. Jen accompanies her married lover, Richard (Kevin Janssens), to his secluded desert villa for a romantic escapade. Their clandestine rendevous is disrupted by Richard's two hunting buddies who arrive unanticipated for an annual man-trip. The movie pivots when Jen becomes a victim of a terrible event, leading Richard and his friends to a sadistic decision that will snowball into life-altering consequences for all involved.

The movie is unflinching in its portrayal of violence and the horror that is unleashed. Still, Fargeat’s meticulous direction ensures that the focus remains on Jen's transformation rather than her victimization. Elements of survival and vengeance serve as defining cornerstones in a plot woven meticulously to avoid clichéd pitfalls and paint a terrifyingly realistic picture of an individual's battle against brutal realms.

Revenge is visually stunning, enhancing the viewer's experience through its contrasting colors, exaggerated landscapes, and precise framing. The film explores the vast, vivid spectacle of the desert contrasted against blood-soaked scenes that defy illusion. The cinematography is so precise that it is almost like a character within the story, emphasizing the immense uphill battle faced by the protagonist. The movie has a somewhat hallucinogenic quality about it, ensuring the viewers are consistently at unease, mirroring the characters’ intense emotions.

Matilda Lutz as Jen delivers a powerhouse performance, her depiction of transformation from a powerless victim to a fiercely independent survivor is a riveting watch. Her portrayal of the character’s pain, desperation, strength, and resilience captivates the audience. Supporting performances from Kevin Jansanns, Guillaume Bouchède, and Vincent Colombe, complete the narrative's brutal yet profound cycle.

Unique within its genre, the movie also voices out against the objectification of women. Fargeat challenges and redefines the male gaze symbolically throughout the film. For instance, the skimpy outfits, which might usually be used to objectify the female form, are adopted as armor in Jen’s case, underlining her incredible transformation and symbolizing her empowerment.

The movie synchronizes pulsating score and intense scenes masterfully to create powerful tension and anticipation, with the continuous suspense running high. The film's score sets the tone for each scene, ranging from evoking thrill and tension in action sequences to encapsulating resilient calm in more intimate scenes.

Audiences should be warned that Revenge is not made for the faint-hearted. The narrative includes grueling, graphic scenes involving violence and blood. However, these scenes don't necessarily take away from the film's moral core, but instead add to the raw, visceral experience it creates.

In its essence, Revenge proves to be more than just a tale of retaliation. It's a thematic exploration of strength, resourcefulness, and triumph, laced with timely commentary on misogyny and female empowerment. The film reshapes common tropes and delivers a narrative that is raw, brutal, and utterly captivating. It's a cutting-edge piece of cinema that leaves audiences reflective and astonished long after the credits roll.