Retaliation

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Retaliation
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Retaliation (also known as Romans) is a troubling drama about child sexual abuse within the church. It features strong violence and language, and detailed descriptions of sex abuse. Malky (Orlando Bloom) is forced to face his traumatic past when he sees the priest that abused him as a child. Struggling to deal with his emotions, Malky is prone to violent outbursts. One involves him smashing a car window and brutally assaulting a stranger with a hammer. He also punches his friend unconscious, landing him in hospital. He abuses himself both sexually and physically. In one graphic scene, he repeatedly stabs the back of his hand with a pair of scissors. In another, he repeatedly inserts a pole anally while bent over in front of a mirror. Malky has casual sex with on/off girlfriend, Emma (Janet Montgomery) who he struggles to emotionally open up to. Though the sex scenes are brief, there is female nudity. Despite his flaws, Malky is shown to be a loving son and a loyal friend. There is a strong profanity throughout -- including "f--king" and "c-- t." Spoiler alert: In the movie's climatic scene, a character pours gasoline on himself and sets himself on fire. This is witnessed by a young girl. Due to the adult themes, violence, and strong graphic language, this movie is for older teens only.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
RETALIATION centers around demolition worker Malky (Orlando Bloom) whose painful memories resurface after he sees the priest who sexually abused him as a child. Overcome with a desire for revenge, Malky is forced to face his past and is left with a decision as to what to do next.
Is It Any Good?
A movie about historical sexual abuse within the church is never going to be an easy watch, nor should it be. Malky is a man whose sexual abuse when he was just 12 years old impacts every aspect of his life. It's led to him self-harming -- both physically and sexually -- and being unable to maintain any emotional relationships. But then -- after over 20 years -- he sees the priest who abused him. Malky's world starts to crumble, mirroring the churches he demolishes with his sledgehammer as part of his laboring job -- one of the many examples of symbolism used in Retaliation.
The title is somewhat misleading (in some markets it's called Romans). It's far more character study than revenge thriller. Written by a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, there is an authenticity to the film. However, while the writer is perfectly placed to recount the feelings of anger, shame, and ultimately forgiveness, the material does not naturally lend itself to a cinematic experience. The movie starts in one vein but becomes something else entirely, as Malky begins to make peace with himself. Bloom gives a committed performance in a role that perhaps you wouldn't immediately associate him with. The scene in the confession booth is particularly powerful. This is a hard-hitting movie about a serious subject matter. It just may not take you in the direction you thought it would.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Retaliation. What are Malky's motivations, and are you sympathetic to them? What scenes did you find most troublesome to watch?
The movie is about the sexual abuse of a child within the church. Why is it important to tell stories like this movie? How did what happened to Malky as a child impact him as an adult?
There is a lot of strong and sexual language in the movie. Does it seem necessary to the story? What does it contribute to the movie?
How is sex portrayed in the movie? Is it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: September 8, 2020
- Cast: Orlando Bloom, Janet Montgomery, Charlie Creed-Miles
- Directors: Ludwig Shammasian, Paul Shammasian
- Studio: Saban Films
- Genre: Drama
- Run time: 91 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: disturbing violent/sexual content, language throughout, and some nudity
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love dramas
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate