Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Stylish but brutal revenge horror includes sexual violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
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Where to Watch
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Revenge
What's the Story?
In REVENGE, Jen (Matilda Lutz) goes on a remote getaway with her wealthy boyfriend, Richard (Kevin Janssens). But when two of Richard's friends arrive, ready for their annual hunting trip, the tone quickly changes. A violent act leads to Jen being left for dead, but the men underestimate her will for survival ... and revenge.
Is It Any Good?
This first feature from French director Coralie Fargeat is an impactful entry into the rape-revenge subgenre that attempts to shift the focus from the male gaze to the female perspective. The sheer audacity of her survival makes the central character of Jen incredibly easy to root for in Revenge. It makes no medical sense for her to be alive beyond the midpoint of the film, yet there's something about her ability to reemerge from the most heinous of injuries that gives Jen an almost superhuman quality. It's not a case of just watching one woman exact revenge on her attackers; there's a spiritual aspect to the way she's reborn through sheer will, a mythic figure gathering strength to fight back against the sexual violence experienced by so many. But this isn't a film that holds its message too obviously in the foreground. As with others in its genre, it still sexualizes its female lead, and much of the enjoyment here comes from an onslaught of bloody, gory violence. That said, it's a strong, stylish debut from the director who would go on to make an impact—and earn a number of Oscar nominations—seven years later with her follow-up feature, The Substance.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the bloody violence and gory injury detail in Revenge. Do you think the level of violence was necessary in the film? Do you think it added to the impact? How does this film compare to other horror movies that rely heavily on violence for their appeal?
How is revenge portrayed in the movie? Does the film make any kind of judgment on whether Jen's actions were warranted? Do you think revenge is ever justified in real life?
The movie fits within the rape-revenge subgenre of horror movies. Many in the past have been labeled exploitative. Do you agree? Do you think this movie feels exploitative, or does it show a different perspective in any way?
Discuss the strong language used in the movie. Does it seem necessary, or excessive? What does it contribute to the movie? Is a certain level of language expected in a film like this?
How does the film depict drinking, drugs, and smoking? Are they glamorized? Does that matter?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 11, 2018
- On DVD or streaming : May 13, 2018
- Cast : Matilda Lutz , Kevin Janssens , Vincent Colombe
- Director : Coralie Fargeat
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Neon , Shudder
- Genre : Thriller
- Run time : 108 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong bloody gruesome violence, a rape, sexuality, graphic nudity, drug use and language
- Last updated : August 13, 2025
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