A sociological gem and one of the most underrated films I've ever encountered. It deserves an A+ for its sharp insights, humorous satire, and compelling storytelling.
A funny and engaging murder mystery that takes a biting look at the American cultural divide. B.J. Novak stars as Ben, a burgeoning writer in New York who finds out that a girl that he hooked up with a few times, Abilene, has tragically died. Abilene’s family in Texas had been led to believe that Ben and Abilene’s relationship was much more serious than it actually was and Ben is guilted into attending her funeral in Texas. So he flies down…..and culture clash ensues.
In addition to starring, Novak is making his feature length debut in directing, writing, and producing. While Novak as a creative force is impressive, Boyd Holbrook nearly steals the show as Abilene’s grieving brother Ty who is convinced his sister was murdered. Also featured is Ashton Kutcher as a wisdom-imparting-guru-slash-enigmatic-music-producer which sounds kind of ridiculous, because it is. However, Kutcher honestly turns in one of the best performances I’ve seen from him, ever. Issa Rae can do no wrong and while she is featured prominently, her role is almost entirely on the phone as Ben’s podcast producer in New York. (It kind of reminded me of how The Rock “stars” in Ballers, yet 90% of his scenes are just singles of him on the phone in his car.) The entire supporting cast was really likable as well. Dove Cameron, J Smith-Cameron and even John Mayer playing a sent up version of himself (or possibly a toned down version?) was good for quite a few laughs in the opening.
Obviously, the subject matter inherently requires the humor and the underlying themes to balance on a razor’s edge. Though, I do think it teeters over that edge in both directions a couple times, it’s easily forgiven for it’s empathic heart. After all, Heart sees heart.
Vengeance is one of those movies that start off looking like they're gonna be awful, and then it twists the plot in a way I can't begin to fathom, and yet can't look away either. So many actions and reactions were either so out of character or downright nonsensical, but the film's pull (just like Texas') keeps tugging at you all the same. I guess heart does see heart.
Entertaining little mystery movie. Maybe trying a bit too hard to be Tarantino esque. A tale of greed and consequence.
Takes a little bit but once the wheels are turning it grows legs. Narrative on the individual and how we see each other.
Reviews
Vengeance
Kevin Ward reviewed
Vengeance
July 6, 2025A funny and engaging murder mystery that takes a biting look at the American cultural divide. B.J. Novak stars as Ben, a burgeoning writer in New York who finds out that a girl that he hooked up with a few times, Abilene, has tragically died. Abilene’s family in Texas had been led to believe that Ben and Abilene’s relationship was much more serious than it actually was and Ben is guilted into attending her funeral in Texas. So he flies down…..and culture clash ensues.
In addition to starring, Novak is making his feature length debut in directing, writing, and producing. While Novak as a creative force is impressive, Boyd Holbrook nearly steals the show as Abilene’s grieving brother Ty who is convinced his sister was murdered. Also featured is Ashton Kutcher as a wisdom-imparting-guru-slash-enigmatic-music-producer which sounds kind of ridiculous, because it is. However, Kutcher honestly turns in one of the best performances I’ve seen from him, ever. Issa Rae can do no wrong and while she is featured prominently, her role is almost entirely on the phone as Ben’s podcast producer in New York. (It kind of reminded me of how The Rock “stars” in Ballers, yet 90% of his scenes are just singles of him on the phone in his car.) The entire supporting cast was really likable as well. Dove Cameron, J Smith-Cameron and even John Mayer playing a sent up version of himself (or possibly a toned down version?) was good for quite a few laughs in the opening.
Obviously, the subject matter inherently requires the humor and the underlying themes to balance on a razor’s edge. Though, I do think it teeters over that edge in both directions a couple times, it’s easily forgiven for it’s empathic heart. After all, Heart sees heart.
MR_BigTime reviewed
Vengeance
3d agoVengeance is one of those movies that start off looking like they're gonna be awful, and then it twists the plot in a way I can't begin to fathom, and yet can't look away either. So many actions and reactions were either so out of character or downright nonsensical, but the film's pull (just like Texas') keeps tugging at you all the same. I guess heart does see heart.
