Teen movies are a genre of great variety. Throughout film history (at least as long as teenagers have been “a thing”), teen movies have symbolized some of the best and worst of cinema. However, shoving quality aside, they are always some of the most fun. In their new film, Do Revenge, Camila Mendes and Maya Hawke step out from their respective homes in ensemble television and grab the spotlight for themselves. Will this loose remake of Strangers on a Train show the feisty and delightful face we see in the Do Revenge trailer? Or will it fall as flat as some of Netflix’s most recent fare?
Do Revenge follows a pair of high school seniors (Hawke and Mendes) at a posh private school. Struggling through the drama and trauma of being teenagers in the 21st century, they’re tired of feeling like the metaphorical punching bag for all the popular kids. They’re going to get revenge. However, they also want to get into the Ivy League, so they aren’t going to jeopardize their futures. To do this, they come up with a cunning plan. They’re going to swap revenge plots. Criss-cross! Austin Abrams, Sophie Turner and Alisha Boe co-star in Do Revenge. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson directs the film from a script she co-wrote with Celeste Ballard.
Do Revenge delightfully demonstrates just how creative writers can be if they set their minds to it. As mentioned, Do Revenge is (at some level) Strangers on a Train with high school girls. However, what they didn’t do is a straight remake of the 1951 Alfred Hitchcock classic. This is a fun and witty modernization of a classic theme that shows both works able to stand on their own.
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Ballard and Robinson’s script gels smoothly with Hawke and Mendes’ performances to craft a fun and memorable tone. Both women thrive in the breezy quippy environment, resulting in career performances (granted, their careers are still incredibly young.) Their confidence leaps off the screen, and both are having a blast in these roles.
Camila Mendes dives head first into her portrayal of Drea and sells this complex and layered character. It is fascinating to watch her tackle this performance. We learn early that Drea is a scholarship student who clawed her way into a revered place among the popular kids. However, it’s clear that kids are horrible and girls, in particular, are evil. So, as a result, she’s built layers into her persona as a means of self-preservation. No one knows the real Drea. It’s easier that way.
Mendes takes Drea through a complicated arc and doesn’t shy away from all the complexity. Drea is not always likable. However, in the scary world that is high school, it makes her far more real. Throughout all of this, though, a sense of fun in her portrayal stands out. Her charisma is undeniable, and she absolutely smashes this opportunity to step out from the ensemble. As she gets the chance to tackle more adult roles, it will be exciting to see where she goes.
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Meanwhile, Maya Hawke takes on the role of Elenore, having most recently come off her work in Stranger Things. She’s very much still an up-and-comer (despite her famous parentage). Do Revenge is her first feature, non-ensemble starring role. Like Mendes, Hawke’s charisma and wit in her performance establish her solidly as an up-and-coming talent.
Ultimately, Do Revenge’s narrative strength revolves around Drea and Eleanore’s friendship. Their chemistry and charisma fuels the plot. This remains the case for much of the first two acts.
It isn’t until late in the second act that Max (Abrams) has anything to do. For much of the film, he’s drastically lacking in any development. He’s played mainly as a joke for much of the story. So, when the narrative shifts into the third act and his true colors are seen, it feels abrupt and sudden. That said, though, Abrams thrives with the comic material he’s handed in the first two acts.
At the same time, Do Revenge struggles to maintain its pace as it speeds through its second act. As mentioned, the narrative strength is the Eleanore/Drea relationship. So, while both actresses shine when given more to do after the plot takes a sharp left toward the end of the second act, the changes are to the film’s detriment. The movie ends up dragging through this portion and feeling about 15 minutes too long.
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Ultimately, the structural similarities with Strangers on a Train ensure that Do Revenge feels like a rarity. A unique teen movie. It’s not an over-simplification (or a knock) to mention the genre can often struggle with feeling formulaic. However, this certainly isn’t the case with Do Revenge.
As the film continues, it does lapse into a slightly more formulaic vibe. However, this isn’t always a bad thing. Ballard and Robinson’s script is incredibly contemporary. At the same time, though, it takes a look back at teen movie history with some reverence. This story is fully and wholly rooted in social media culture, but the script takes glee in acknowledging and playing with the teen movie tropes we’re all familiar with. It’s even more enjoyable to see them subvert these tropes. This happens in references, casting choices and even moments of sly writing. The high school clique: “The Instagram Witches” is a personal favorite.
All in all, Do Revenge is a teen movie that isn’t afraid to take some delightful chances. As a genre, teen movies can often be so formulaic and rigid. However, this up-and-coming team comes at this story with not only a look into the future but an eye for the past. They subvert old ideas to make them new and, in that, make an incredibly unique and fun teen movie. Fans of this young cast, teen movie fans young and old and those looking for something fresh and witty should find plenty to like with Do Revenge.
Do Revenge is available on Netflix starting September 16, 2022.
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