Netflix's newest rom-com Do Revenge is one of the best releases on the streaming service. It is definitely not like any other film, and sets new standards for upcoming teen comedies. This particular film by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson might remind some of the phenomenal 2020 comedy thriller, Promising Young Woman. Even if Do Revenge does contain a certain amount of tropes, like the popular group, the popular girl, and the very cliche makeovers and romantic scenes, it does not let them overshadow the brilliance of the plot.
With Camila Mendes and Maya Hawke taking on the lead roles of Drea Torres and Eleanor (formerly known as Nora) the film ensures the viewer is awed by the whole spectacle. In fact, these two brilliant actors deliver a performance that cannot be forgotten easily. In addition to these two actors, there are so many reasons why the film needs to be watched.
Trickery at its Best
The film starts with some glamorous scenarios as Drea enjoys her party. She seems to be the perfect protagonist living the perfect life with her popular friends and her relationship with the golden boy of their high school. However, everything in her life collapses in an instant. Nonetheless, the cinematography of the film seems to focus on the gorgeous pastel and vibrant colors. In a way, this attracts the audience so much that they might forget the underlying dark themes as well as the dark personalities of both Drea and Eleanor.
With Eleanor's introduction, the story seems to continue like any other rom-com. The friendship between Drea and Eleanor seems to be beautiful until everything is revealed to be a mere facade. Eleanor's revelation of how she has been tricking everyone, including the audience, might come as a shock. However, if one were to re-watch the film, they might be able to notice the hints dropped by the creators. Nevertheless, it is definitely an unexpected plot twist that serves a comforting sense of justice.
Moreover, it is also fascinating to see how the thin line between hero and villain plays out. Both Drea and Eleanor might have tricked the audience into sympathizing with them and into believing they are the heroes of the film. However, as the truths are revealed, the audience is made to question whether they have been the villains from the very beginning. It also seems quite rhetorical, because not a single character in the film seems to have good intentions, except for maybe Russ (Rish Shah) and Gabbi (Talia Ryder).
Reality-Checks
The film's focus on privilege is simply brilliant. Do Revenge uses the character Max (Austin Abrams) to show how this rich white boy uses his power to manipulate everyone around him. In fact, Max can be seen as the ultimate villain. He is filled with misogyny, "fake-woke", narcissism, and everything disturbing about extremely privileged and tone-deaf men.
The way in which the film highlights on the two different experiences that Max and Drea go through when Drea's sex tape is released, makes the viewer think so much about today's society. Not only is Drea's gender prevents her from seeking justice, but her lack of power due to the family background she is from makes her vulnerable to Max's plots and schemes that she loses everything. Also, the patriarchal culture that allows Max to get away with everything and to get support from everyone is yet another reality check.
No Damsel in Distresses, Just Fierce Female Leads
One very common trope that a lot of rom-coms tend to have is a damsel in distress. Fortunately, Do Revenge steps away from this by ensuring that Drea and Eleanor are women or young girls who do not let others take them down. The two fight hard to take revenge on those who've done them injustice. Their master plans and their energy allows them to be portrayed as two strong leads who do not need men to save them. In fact, these two end up revealing Max's true intentions and building an unusual friendship. They might come off as psychopaths, but they are definitely super smart and brilliant women who know what they want and will not allow anyone to stand in their way. It can even be said that when they take down Max, it is as if they strip away the patriarchal culture, at least up to a certain extent.
Sarah Michelle Gellar's character of the Headmaster is yet another fierce female moment. She is definitely no ordinary headmaster. Of course, when she sides with the "golden boy", the viewers might find it discouraging. However, she does redeem herself in the eyes of the viewer at the end of the film during that one final conversation with Drea which shows that she has her back.
Not Too Much Emphasis on Romance
Another huge plus of the film is that it does not fall down the rabbit hole of too much romance. There might be several romantic moments, but they seem to light up the film instead of making it cringe-worthy. The romantic element of the film seems to be a mere side story.