Original Title: Vendetta
- Release Year: 2022
- Director & Writer: Jared Cohn
- Main Cast: Clive Standen, Theo Rossi, Thomas Jane, Bruce Willis, Mike Tyson, Cabot Basden, Lauren Buglioli, Maddie Nichols
Vendetta
is a 2022 American action-thriller film written and directed by Jared Cohn, known
for his work on genre-driven revenge and crime movies. The film stars a mix of
seasoned action performers and recognizable names including Clive Standen, Theo
Rossi, Thomas Jane, Bruce Willis, and Mike Tyson. It was released on May 17,
2022, in limited theaters and on digital platforms via Redbox Entertainment,
making it accessible to audiences who enjoy gritty revenge tales.
Story Summary
The
film opens with William Duncan (Clive Standen), a former Marine and devoted
father, celebrating a major milestone in his teenage daughter Kat’s life — her
big softball game and promising future. After the game, William leaves Kat
waiting in the car to grab a meal for the family. In a tragic twist of fate, a
gang initiation ritual leads to Kat being forcefully taken from the vehicle and
shot dead in cold blood.
Devastated
by the loss and frustrated by the legal system’s inability to deliver justice,
William finds himself unable to accept a plea deal that would let his
daughter’s killer walk free with a minimal sentence. Determined that the law
won’t protect his family or punish his daughter’s murderer appropriately,
William decides to take matters into his own hands, launching a relentless
quest for vengeance.
William’s
decision sets off a spiral of violence and retribution that pulls him into a
bloody conflict with the killer’s family — including his father Donnie Fetter
(Bruce Willis) and brother Rory Fetter (Theo Rossi) — and their gang. As the
vendetta intensifies, so does the body count, with each confrontation pushing
William deeper into moral ambiguity as he pays an increasingly high price for
revenge.
The
movie follows William on this brutal pathway, showing not only his physical
battles with gang members and hired muscle but also the emotional toll of
watching his once-stable life crumble in the aftermath of grief. Along the way,
he encounters allies and adversaries, including gang enforcer Roach (Mike
Tyson) and Dante (Thomas Jane), all of whom play roles in escalating the stakes
and expanding the cycle of violence.
Film Review
Vendetta
is a revenge-driven action thriller that leans heavily into the familiar
revenge genre formula: a grieving protagonist pushed to extremes, violent
confrontations, and moral fallout from taking justice into one’s own hands.
Critically,
the film received mixed to negative reviews. On review aggregator sites,
Vendetta holds a modest rating, with critics noting that while the revenge
theme is a classic and engaging premise, the execution often lacks depth and
originality. Critics such as Rene Rodriguez of Variety described the escalation
of violence in the film as predictable and lacking compelling novelty, noting
that the story leans on familiar tropes without adding strong new twists.
Common
Sense Media points out that the film centers on graphic violence and intense
revenge sequences, often pushing the action beyond what casual viewers might
expect, with frequent use of strong language and brutal confrontations. The
depiction of gang violence, shootings, and deaths is frequent and unflinching,
which some viewers may find excessive.
Performances
also received varied reactions. While the presence of actors like Bruce Willis
and Mike Tyson drew attention, some critics and viewers felt performances were
uneven, with some cast members appearing miscast or underutilized. This is
particularly noted in reviews that comment on the lack of emotional depth in
certain dramatic scenes.
Despite
these criticisms, some audience members appreciate the film for delivering
straightforward genre entertainment — a tale of a father pushed to his limits
and willing to go to extreme lengths for vengeance, relying on heavy action and
confrontations rather than nuanced storytelling.
Commentary
Vendetta
clearly draws inspiration from classic revenge films where a personal tragedy
triggers a lone protagonist’s transformation into a vigilante. Stories such as
Taken and other revenge thrillers have made this narrative archetype familiar
to audiences, and Vendetta taps into this emotional trigger of a parent’s bond
with a child — a potent motivator for many action movie fans.
Yet
the film’s execution — while energetic — often highlights challenges in
sustaining the tension and meaningful character development throughout. Some
plot points, such as the motivations of secondary characters and the
plausibility of certain confrontations, have been criticized by viewers for
lacking clarity or emotional resonance, making some action beats feel less
impactful than intended.
Behind the Scenes
Vendetta
was both written and directed by Jared Cohn, a filmmaker known for crafting
genre films that blend action with thriller elements. Production wrapped in
September 2021, and shortly afterward, Redbox Entertainment acquired U.S.
distribution rights for the film. One of the notable aspects surrounding
Vendetta is that it is considered to be one of the final films featuring Bruce
Willis before his retirement due to health issues — making it significant in
the context of his long career.
Director
Cohn referenced in interviews that working with Bruce Willis was a “special
honor,” particularly given the actor’s legendary status in action cinema and
the context of this being among his last screen appearances. The production
also expanded the role of Mike Tyson — originally intended as a smaller part —
once Tyson agreed to join, adding a unique casting twist that drew additional
interest.
The
choice of familiar action themes, paired with the casting of recognizable
performers like Clive Standen (Vikings, Doctor Who) and Thomas Jane (The
Punisher), highlights the film’s positioning as a straightforward action
thriller with a mix of veteran talent.
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