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Characters & Themes

Revenge (2018) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2018 · 108 min · Chinese
Echo score 85
JustWatch #821 46
Directed by
Coralie Fargeat
Starring
Kevin Janssens, Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz, Avant Strangel, Guillaume Bouchède, Vincent Colombe
Budget
$3M

A romantic getaway takes a dark turn when a group of friends unexpectedly invades the couple's secluded retreat, leading to escalating tension and shocking violence. After suffering a devastating betrayal that leaves her for dead, one woman resurfaces with a burning desire for retribution. She embarks on a relentless quest to exact a bloody revenge on those who wronged her, determined to ensure they pay for their actions.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (4)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like Revenge
  8. 8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Revenge (2018)

Where can you watch Revenge? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Philo, Shudder and Apple TV Store: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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4 main characters · contains spoilers

Revenge Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Revenge (2018), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Jen

    played by Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz

    Jen is a wealthy American socialite with an underlying strength that emerges during her harrowing ordeal. Initially portrayed as carefree and luxurious, she transforms into a fierce survivor who defies odds and fights for her life against those who have wronged her.

    • 💪 Survivor
    • 👩‍🎤 Socialite
    • 🚨 Victim
  • Richard

    played by Kevin Janssens

    Richard is a French millionaire whose facade of charm and sophistication conceals his darker, selfish nature. His betrayal of Jen signifies his moral failure, transforming him from a lover to an antagonist in the eyes of both Jen and the audience.

    • 💔 Betrayer
    • 🔫 Antagonist
  • Stan

    played by Vincent Colombe

    Stan is a troubling character who embodies aggression and entitlement. His coercive behavior towards Jen marks him as a clear villain, revealing societal issues with toxic masculinity and the dangers posed by those who abuse power.

    • 🚫 Harasser
    • ⚔️ Villain
  • Dimitri

    played by Guillaume Bouchède

    Dimitri is portrayed as apathetic and complicit, observing the violence without intervening. His character adds to the film's tension, representing those who fail to act against wrongdoing, further complicating the moral landscape of the story.

    • 😶 Bystander
    • 🕵️‍♂️ Complicit

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:10

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Setting

Where and When Does Revenge Take Place?

The setting of Revenge (2018): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

The events of the movie take place in contemporary times, where modern technology such as helicopters and smartphones coexist with more primitive wilderness survival tactics. This setting underscores the clash between opulent lifestyles and primal instincts.

Location

Morocco, Desert Villa

The movie is set in a remote desert villa in Morocco, known for its isolation and luxurious ambiance. This villa becomes a backdrop for both intimate moments and brutal confrontations, highlighting the stark contrast between the idyllic setting and the dark events that unfold within its walls.

  • 🏜️ Desert
  • 🏰 Villa

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:10

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3 major themes

Revenge Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Revenge (2018) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Survival

    Survival is a central theme in the movie as Jen fights against overwhelming odds to escape a brutal situation. Her transformation from a victim to a fierce survivor showcases the resilience of the human spirit when faced with life-threatening challenges.

  • Betrayal

    Betrayal runs deep in the narrative, as Jen's trust in Richard is shattered by his cruel actions. This theme highlights the consequences of deceit and the moral decay of relationships when loyalty is discarded.

  • Revenge

    The theme of revenge is prominent, driving Jen's actions throughout the film. After suffering unimaginable trauma, her quest for vengeance transforms her into a relentless force, seeking justice against her attackers.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:10

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Character & theme questions

Revenge Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Revenge (2018): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is the movie set and why is the location significant?

The film takes place in a remote desert villa in Morocco. This isolated, luxurious setting creates a stark contrast between the opulent backdrop and the brutal events that unfold, emphasizing how violence can invade even the most secluded paradises.

  • morocco desert villa
  • setting
  • isolation
  • moroccan location
Q2

When does the movie take place?

The story is set in contemporary times, where modern technology like smartphones and helicopters exists alongside wilderness survival tactics, highlighting the clash between civilized luxury and primal survival.

  • time period
  • contemporary
  • modern era
Q3

Who is Jen and what role does she play?

Jen is a wealthy American socialite whose underlying strength emerges during her ordeal. She transforms from a carefree, luxurious character into a fierce survivor and avenger, defying overwhelming odds to fight back against those who wronged her.

  • jen
  • protagonist
  • socialite
  • survivor
Q4

Who is Richard and what motivates him?

Richard is a French millionaire whose charming facade hides a selfish, morally corrupt nature. His betrayal of Jen represents the central act of deceit that shatters her trust and propels the revenge narrative forward.

  • richard
  • antagonist
  • betrayal
  • millionaire
Q5

Who is Stan and why is he a villain?

Stan embodies aggression and entitlement, using coercion against Jen. His character represents toxic masculinity and the dangers of those who abuse power, serving as a clear antagonist in the story.

  • stan
  • villain
  • toxic masculinity
  • aggression
Q6

What role does Dimitri play in the story?

Dimitri is an apathetic character who witnesses violence but chooses not to intervene. He represents moral complicity and those who fail to act against wrongdoing, adding complexity to the film's ethical landscape.

  • dimitri
  • complicity
  • witness
  • inaction
Q7

What does the movie say about survival?

Survival is a central theme as Jen faces overwhelming odds to escape brutal circumstances. Her transformation from victim to fierce survivor showcases the resilience of the human spirit when confronted with life-threatening challenges.

  • survival
  • resilience
  • transformation
  • human spirit
Q8

How does betrayal drive the story?

Betrayal runs deep when Richard's cruelty shatters Jen's trust. This theme explores the consequences of deceit and how moral decay in relationships can destroy loyalty, serving as the inciting trauma that fuels Jen's journey.

  • betrayal
  • deceit
  • trust
  • relationship decay
Q9

What is the film's message about revenge?

Revenge drives Jen's entire arc as she transforms into a relentless force seeking justice after suffering trauma. The film examines how vengeance can empower a victim while also exploring its cost on personal identity and healing.

  • revenge
  • justice
  • vengeance
  • retribution
Q10

How does the luxurious setting affect the story's tone?

The remote Moroccan villa's beauty and isolation initially suggest romance and escape, but the violent events that unfold within these elegant walls create a disturbing contrast that heightens the story's dark, unsettling tone.

  • luxury
  • villa
  • contrast
  • tone
  • dark
Q11

What makes the film's moral landscape complex?

The film presents a morally complex world where Richard's betrayal, Stan's aggression, and Dimitri's inaction all represent different forms of moral failure. Jen's revenge exists within this landscape, raising questions about justice and moral judgment.

  • morality
  • complexity
  • ethics
  • justice

Movie threads

More Movies Like Revenge, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Revenge tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Transformed Avenger Stories like Revenge

Stories where trauma transforms victims into relentless, hyper-competent agents of vengeance. Explore movies like Revenge where a character undergoes a brutal transformation from victim to hunter. These films focus on survival-fueled vengeance, often featuring intense violence and a protagonist who becomes an unstoppable force against their tormentors.

  • vengeful
  • relentless
  • brutal
  • visceral
  • survivalist
  • grim
  • Tone: dark, vengeful
  • Pacing: steady, relentless
Why these movies?

The story pattern: A traumatic event, often involving betrayal or assault, serves as the catalyst. The protagonist is pushed to their absolute limit, sometimes left for dead. Their recovery is not about healing but about honing new skills and a singular purpose: exacting revenge. The story unfolds as a methodical hunt, culminating in a confrontation where the avenger's newfound competence is tested.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their shared character arc of radical transformation driven by trauma. They share a dark tone, high intensity, and a focus on the physical and psychological process of becoming an avenger, creating a cohesive and visceral viewing experience.

Isolated Survival Thrillers like Revenge

Tense battles for life set against vast, unforgiving, and isolated environments. Find survival thriller movies similar to Revenge, where characters are pitted against attackers and a harsh, remote environment. These films use isolation to heighten tension and create a gritty, visceral fight for survival against overwhelming odds.

  • tense
  • survivalist
  • isolated
  • visceral
  • desperate
  • gritty
  • Tone: tense, grim
  • Pacing: steady, methodical
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative typically begins with a false sense of security in a secluded paradise that quickly turns into a trap. The conflict is not just against human antagonists but also against the elements—extreme heat, lack of water, treacherous terrain. The struggle is physical, gritty, and emphasizes the raw will to live, often blurring the line between hunter and prey.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread share a core setup of isolation in a hostile environment, which amplifies the stakes and tension. They are united by a visceral, survivalist mood, steady pacing that builds dread, and a focus on the physical ordeal of the protagonist.

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Movies Like Revenge

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Every angle

Revenge (2018) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Revenge in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning, the ending explained and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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