VENGEANCE (2022)

From left: Boyd Holbrook as Ty Shaw and B.J. Novak as Ben Manalowitz in "Vengeance," written and directed by Novak. (PATTI PERRET/FOCUS FEATURES)

This past weekend, I did an unplanned vengeance double feature with a pair of new films, “Vengeance” and “Do Revenge.” While those are probably more apt titles for direct-to-DVD action movies starring Steven Seagal or Jean-Claude Van Damme, these films are each biting satires that are hilarious and thoughtful, albeit in entirely different ways.

“Vengeance,” which received a limited theatrical release in July and is currently available on-demand and streaming exclusively on Peacock, centers on Ben Manalowitz (B.J. Novak), a New York writer who goes to a funeral in Texas for a girl he hooked up with a few times because her family was convinced they were in a committed relationship.

Vengeance Poster

"Vengeance" stars and is written and directed by B.J. Novak in his feature film directorial debut. (COURTESY OF FOCUS FEAUTRES)

Vengeance-2

Ashton Kutcher and B.J. Novak in "Vengeance," written and directed by B.J. Novak. (PATTI PERRET/FOCUS FEATURES)

Do Revenge-1

Maya Hawke (left) and Camila Mendes in "Do Revenge." (KIM SIMMS/NETFLIX)

Do Revenge Poster

Maya Hawke (left) and Camila Mendes star in the dark teen comedy "Do Revenge." (KIM SIMMS/NETFLIX)

Do Revenge-2

Rish Shah (left) and Camila Mendes in "Do Revenge." (KIM SIMMS/NETFLIX)

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