Revenge (2019)

Revenge (2019), directed by Jesse V. Johnson, is a raw and relentless action thriller that offers some of the best hand-to-hand combat sequences in recent years. Starring Scott Adkins, the film follows Cain Burgess, a once-lowly fighter who, after being betrayed and abandoned to his fate in prison, emerges as a hardened and vengeful force of nature. After escaping custody, Cain returns to his old stomping grounds to settle the score with those who wronged him.

Scott Adkins gives the best performance of his career, combining physical brutality with surprisingly strong emotional depth. Unlike the flashy martial arts of his Undisputed films, Revenge favors raw, devastating brawls that feel painfully real. The fight choreography is raw, fast, and relentless, and every punch, kick, and stab carries real weight. What distinguishes Avengement from typical revenge films is its sharp storytelling and solid character development. The narrative jumps between Cain’s past and present, gradually revealing the extent of his suffering and transformation. The film also benefits from a fantastic supporting cast, including Craig Fairbrass as a menacing mob boss.

Visually, the sordid barroom confrontations and prison flashbacks create an intense atmosphere that immerses the viewer in his world of betrayal, survival, and revenge. The dialogue is witty, the pacing never drags, and the final act is a bloody and thrilling adventure.