Vengeance DVD and Blu-ray Review

4 star clever and compelling black comedy.

Vengeance is a 2022 American black comedy written and directed by B.J. Novak The Office: An American Workplace) in his very impressive directorial feature debut. He also takes te lead role in the film.

It is presented here on Blu-ray and DVD courtesy of Mediumrare.

“Even with all his success, he always respected our girl for who she was. Momma, she said, you know how he has me saved in his phone? Texas.”

As the film opens, we see Ben Manalowitz (B. J. Novak – Inglourious Basterds, The Founder), struggling journalist and podcaster, hanging out with his mate at a party, discussing their views on dating. They are both players, hooking up wirth as many women as possible and avoiding commitment.

Imagin Ben’s surprise then when he recieves a phonecall in the middle of the night from Ty Shaw (Boyd Holbrook – The Host, The Sandman), brother of his girlfriend Abilene Shaw (Lio Tipton – Warm Bodies) who had sadly passed away in her home town in Texas. Derailed by the concept that he was considered to be someone’s girlfriend, he reluctantly agrees to travel to Texas to attend the funeral.

Here he meets the rest of the family, her mother Sharon (J. Smith-Cameron – Man on a Ledge), sisters Paris (Isabella Amara – Avengers: Infinity War) and Kansas City (Dove Cameron – Descendants), little brother El Stupido (Eli Bickel) and Granny Carole (Louanne Stephens – What Josiah Saw)./ Following a heart to heart with Ty, he learns that he believes his sister was murdered and wants his help to take revenge.

Ben spots an opportunity for a podcast so agrees to help and sets it all up with producer Eloise (Issa Rae – The Lovebirds). He tries to learn more about Abilene from local record producer Quentin Sellars (Ashton Kutcher – The Butterfly Effect, Jobs) as well as investigating the number one suspect, local drug dealer Sancholo (Zach Villa – Hypochandriac). Can he get to the bottom of this mystery?

“She loved music. I know that. I know that. And she’ll always be a song in her heart.”

Vengeance is a very enjoyable film, well thought out and with lots of laugh out loud moments. There is perhaps a little too much going on, but for a debut it is still impressive.

The acting is good, Ashton Kutcher is excellent, and the story holds your attention all the way to the surprising twist at the end of the film. Although Vengeance is mentioned in the title, this is not an action film, rather taking a look at the American way of thinking and as such is interesting.

An exciting new take on the comedy mystery film, this one is well worth adding to your collection.

“Ben, asking why you like Whata Burger is like asking why you love Christmas, or a summer night, or why you love your dog. I mean, you could point to the reasons, but the reasons aren’t really the point.”