REVIEW: Do Revenge Pays Homage to Your Favorite Teen Movies
There is something about a good teen movie that keeps us coming back for more. It might be the obvious tropes or the fact that they all seem to only get into Ivy League colleges. Either way, we keep coming back for more. And, Netflix’s new movie, Do Revenge will have you coming back for more. When Drea’s (Camila Mendes) life is ruined after a video intended from her boyfriend Max (Austin Abrams) is leaked to her school, she teams up with the new girl, Eleanor (Maya Hawke) to enact revenge on all that have done her wrong. However she isn’t the only one looking for revenge. Eleanor is looking for a little revenge of her own and, with the two of them working together, their bullies better watch their backs.
The movie plays homage to the 90s teen movies that came before it and does it in a way that doesn’t feel repetitive. Whether it be Eleanor’s drastic makeover or the explaining of the school’s hierarchy, Director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson manages to put a fun, modern spin on the teen movie tropes. Filled with bright colors and bold characters, nothing about this movie is as it seems. Writers Celeste Ballard and Robinson have crafted a story that is not only tantalizing but is encased by a number of twists and turns you don’t see coming. Add in the amazing soundtrack, fantastic costumes, and lavish settings and you are guaranteed a good time with this movie.
Mendes and Hawke carry this movie on their shoulders and do it with ease. Hawke’s Eleanor is a little reminiscent of her Stranger Things character, Robin at the beginning of the movie, but hold on tight. Hawke takes the character in a way that is pretty amazing and extremely enjoyable to watch. Mendes, on the other hand, is nothing but great from start to finish. Drea will become everyone’s new favorite mean girl when all is said and done. Abrams, Rish Shah, Talia Ryder, Ava Capri, Jonathan Daviss, Maia Reficco, Paris Berelc, Alisha Boe, and Sophie Turner round out the cast, but they don’t hold a candle to Hawke and Mendes.
Do Revenge is one of the better teen movies to be released this decade and will be one many will tune back in for when all is said and done. From Drea’s amazing one-liners to Eleanor’s ever-changing demeanor, there is nothing to not like about this movie. I highly recommend watching this movie. Whether it be with your friends or by yourself, this is a movie you will definitely want to check out again and again.
Grade: A