Do Revenge: A Stylish, Vengeful Teen Thriller With Heart

The opening shot of Do Revenge is a slow zoom into Camila Mendes’ smirking face, her eyes gleaming with mischief—it’s a promise of chaos, and Jennifer Kaytin Robinson’s film delivers on that note. With its glossy Miami setting and a soundtrack brimming with pop anthems, the film is a visual and auditory feast that immediately sets it apart from the typical teen fare. Do Revenge is a love letter to the ’90s and early 2000s teen comedies, but it’s also a fresh take on the genre, blending revenge thriller tropes with romantic undertones.

At its core, Do Revenge is about power dynamics and the lengths people go to reclaim their sense of control. Drea Torres (Mendes), once the queen bee of Rosehill Country Day High School, finds herself ostracized after an intimate video she sent to her boyfriend, Max (Austin Abrams), is leaked online. Enter Eleanor Levetan (Maya Hawke), a shy tomboy from a wealthy background who has also been wronged by someone at Rosehill. The two strike a secret deal to enact revenge on each other’s enemies: Drea targets Carissa Jones (Ava Capri), the girl who spread the rumor that ruined Eleanor’s reputation, while Eleanor sets her sights on Max.

The film’s strength lies in its clever homage to classics like Heathers, Jawbreaker, and Mean Girls. Robinson’s direction is slick and stylish, with a vibrant Miami setting that adds a fresh twist to the familiar trope of high school hierarchy. The soundtrack, filled with upbeat pop tracks, perfectly complements the film’s tone, creating an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and contemporary.

Mendes is a standout as Drea, embodying the character’s conniving nature with a charismatic edge. She effortlessly transitions between vulnerability and ruthlessness, making Drea a compelling protagonist despite her morally questionable actions. Hawke, on the other hand, brings a quiet intensity to Eleanor, portraying the character’s growth from a shy outcast to a confident schemer with subtle nuance. The chemistry between Mendes and Hawke is electric, driving the film’s central narrative with their witty banter and convincing portrayal of an unlikely alliance.

Supporting performances also shine, particularly Sarah Michelle Gellar as the enigmatic headmistress. Gellar brings an air of mystery to her role, adding a layer of intrigue to the story. Rish Shah as Russ Lee, a Rosehill classmate, provides much-needed comic relief and emotional depth.

However, the film’s plot occasionally falters under the weight of its ambitions. While the revenge scheme is engaging, some of the twists feel contrived, and the pacing stumbles in the third act. The resolution of Drea and Eleanor’s plan feels rushed, and the consequences for their actions are somewhat glossed over. Additionally, the film’s attempt to address serious issues like slut-shaming and toxic masculinity sometimes gets lost in its comedic tone.

Thematically, Do Revenge explores the complexities of female friendship and the societal pressures that shape young women’s lives. The film’s portrayal of high school as a microcosm of adult society is sharp and insightful, highlighting the ways in which power dynamics play out in both spheres. However, its handling of these themes can feel uneven at times, with some moments of genuine depth overshadowed by others that prioritize spectacle over substance.

Visually, Robinson’s direction is impressive, with a keen eye for detail that brings the film’s Miami setting to life. The use of color is particularly noteworthy, with vibrant hues that reflect the characters’ emotional states and the film’s overall tone. However, some of the film’s visual choices can feel overly stylized, detracting from the narrative at times.

In terms of genre fit, Do Revenge straddles the line between comedy and thriller with varying degrees of success. While its comedic moments are undeniably entertaining, the film’s thrilling elements sometimes fall flat due to predictable plot developments. That said, the film’s blend of genres makes it a unique addition to the teen comedy landscape.

Ultimately, Do Revenge is a entertaining and stylish addition to the teen comedy genre. While it may not reach the heights of its inspirations, it stands on its own as a fresh and engaging take on the revenge thriller.