A Vigilante (2018) User Reviews

Tough to Review, tougher to watch

[Brattsy · 7/10 · 29 March 2019]

I think some of the other reviewers were expecting Death Wish or Taken 4. That's not this movie. This story is about abuse survivors. It's about what it takes to break free.

It has some powerful moments that make your stomach drop and your heart ache. They felt real to me. Several times, I found myself wondering if they hadn't cast real victims retelling their stories. That's how good it is in that portion. But this is a slow film, so slow that I almost pulled out my phone to do stuff. That's never a good thing. I dropped my stars to a 6 because of that. If I were more honest, the story is more of a 5, but I bumped it up to a 7 because of the acting. It really is phenomenal, imo.

No, not just another revenge movie. This one grabs you by the throat and it won't let you go.

[peterp-450-298716 · 7/10 · 14 April 2019]

I'm looking out the window, and the trucks won't stop coming.

Anyone saw "John Doe: Vigilante"? No? I hope you're not going to waste your time on that one. Just put that intention aside and watch the movie "A vigilante" instead. The latter is much better, much more intense and at times awfully brutal and cruel to see. Highly recommended. The most disturbing is the fact that in reality, many people are the victims of physical and psychological abuse within a family circle. People who are mistreated daily in an inhumane manner and who can't find a way out of these miserable circumstances. And strange but true, most victims have an immense sense of guilt and sometimes can't bring themselves to turning their back on the abuser.

Sadie (Olivia "Life itself" Wilde) is a female version of Joaquin Phoenix in "You were never really here". Victims call her and first say an agreed phrase and then state their personal details and home situation. And Sadie doesn't let any grass grow under her feet. In no time she appears at the door of the person concerned and she takes care of the situation. The first fragment she makes it clear to an abusive businessman how things will continue from then on. It's quite shocking. One moment Sadie looks at a confident, arrogant person who doesn't tolerate contradiction. Let alone from a woman. The next moment you see the same person beaten up, anxiously agreeing with the requested requirements and leave the house with a clear message. And that message is to never return. I had to fight the urge to start cheering, but I wouldn't mind if there were more ladies like Sadie walking around on this globe.

Sadie, herself a victim of domestic violence, is on a mission. A goal she set for herself with the help of a fellow victim she knows from a support group. The message from that person was quite clear. She was talking about victims that don't make it every day. That cemeteries are full of women and men who didn't survive. And that Sadie wastes her time while she's still alive and doing well. That she must fight back. Even if it kills her. And when Sadie finds a book about combat techniques, her decision is made. In fact, that's the only thing I had questions about. First of all, I thought that the roommate's plea was rather presumptuous. Or was she also a vigilante who beats up perpetrators? And second of all, it seemed a little unlikely to me that a handbook could transform someone into a dreaded revenge machine. Perhaps the survival trips Sadie undertook with her ex, also provided experience.

"A vigilante" is not a pleasant film. It shows the downside of our society. And Sadie tries to turn the tide here like an outright John Wick. The intention is not to kill the targeted persons, but to remove them out of the victim's life. But it's not only the reprisals that demand attention. The most impressive images are those in which you see Sadie languish and how she's still tormented by her own past full of abuse. The moments that she suffers physically and psychologically and crawls around anxiously while grinding her teeth and whimpering about demons torturing her are painful to see. Her inner wounds are probably as horrible as those present on her back. In my eyes, this was a piece of brilliant acting by Olivia Wilde.

"A vigilante" isn't just a revenge movie. It's more realistic and more shocking than other revenge films such as "Revenge". And this mainly because of the realism. The real-life testimonies of victims and Sadie in the support group. At those moments it seemed like a current affairs programme. Sadie also has another goal in mind. Kind of obvious when you see the meticulously filled map of the US. The fact that the revenge will be sweet and a life insurance policy plays a specific role, is something you get from Sarah Daggar-Nickson very slowly. The story itself is an entanglement of the present and the past. It takes a while before you know what's going on. And the highlight is the ultimate confrontation. This section increases the spectacle content of the film and reminds you that it's a feature film. And yet you are left with that uncomfortable feeling and you realize some people live in a hopeless situation. And not only female victims. Also male victims. So ... Help us, Sadies of this world!

More reviews here: movie-freak.be

Olivia Wilde is brilliant in this raw tale of domestic violence.

[mossow92 · 7/10 · 27 May 2019]

Olivia Wilde is brilliant in this raw and unapologetically in your face story of domestic violence. Love how the plot not only progresses but the movie never shies away from the horror that these men, women, and children face on a daily basis. Grips from the opening scene, builds and doesn't let up until the final act. A film that proves you don't need a big budget or a big name studio to produce a quality film with a message.

Great movie. Hard theme.

[brainwerx-1 · 7/10 · 9 April 2019]

I disagree with a couple of the reviews regarding pacing. I think the movie shows what abused women (and in some cases kids and men) go through. You live in silence. You're afraid to tell people. And you have to move carefully around the abuser. That, I think, is what this movie is trying to portray. It's not as straightforward as some reviewers have mentioned. And Olivia Wilde is amazing in this!

Difficult to watch

[nydjames · 6/10 · 18 July 2019]

This is a well done movie and very well acted. It's also discussing a topic we don't talk about enough. But as a movie it's very painful to watch. It's extremely unhappy people being tortured ... you need to know what you're getting into.

Olivia Wilde hyperventilating for 90 minutes

[amyvsings · 5/10 · 3 April 2019]

This film started out interesting, then went to a really weird and random place. It became violent and tedious. The story dissolved, and it was just Olivia Wilde having panic attack after panic attack. Her acting was great on a few parts, but she didn't have much to work with as far as the script goes. Don't waste your time on this.

Why is the rating so low??

[clairemaud · 7/10 · 4 May 2019]

Olivia Wilde plays this kick ass woman who overcomes/ accepts the trauma she's been through and she helps people dealing with trauma. Her acting is this is top notch too. I would have liked some more fighting near the end but apart from that it's solid!

ANNOYING TRIPE

[MadamWarden · 1/10 · 8 June 2020]

Simpering victim suddenly, without explanation, into Super Hero, then, with the opportunity to kill him by surprising him with a knife to his throat, knowing he will kill her violently, she does not. Annoying! Then, with a broken arm, no weapon, and without the element of surprise, she kills him. Oh, but not shown how. OMFG. Silly, silly, annoying!!

Outstanding performances, terrible writing.

[Top_Dawg_Critic · 7/10 · 2 June 2019]

I get that this is writer and director Sarah Daggar-Nickson 4th film-making rodeo, but the mistakes made in this film could have easily been avoided, and thus made this film great, instead of just ok. Major plot issues, timeline confusion, dragged out scenes, terrible editing and a crazy slow pace. The 91 min length felt like 3 hours. I realize her previous films were shorts, but this one also may as well been, had it been edited down and paced appropriately. Stellar performance from Olivia Wilde - which is the only reason I didn't give up on this film half way in, as well from the rest of the cast. The score was also great and very fitting. The camera work and cinematography were good, but I really wish a seasoned writer edited the screenplay to make this film great. Nevertheless, a decent story that deserves my generous 7/10 - primarily due to Wilde's performance.

A missed opportunity

[kuryu-15318 · 3/10 · 29 March 2019]

I've given this a 3 because, while the subject matter and the points being made are important, the methods used are questionable and therefore weak. Some parts of the movie went on far too long. Others were cut short or presented in a way that was confusing. And, I'm sorry to say, the writer/director painted a picture of a world where few males were sympathetic or worthy of any respect, outside of Sadie's 2-dimensional lawyer and the 10 year old "Zach." Abused women do sometimes see all males as predators. I can understand that and I find no fault in it. However, that outlook makes for a bad movie, such as this.

Olivia Wilde was made for this

[lizshotter-19401 · 8/10 · 4 April 2019]

It's great to see a film that deals with such subject matter in such a stark and realistic way. Films like peppermint do little to elevate tired approaches of women fighting back, as they're so unrealistic they're laughable, but this film is so different to that. Olivia Wilde shines in this role, as the wounded healer who helps women and children escape the war zones of "domestic" (hate that phrase) violence, and fleeing her own abusive husband. It's an understated, yet powerful, portrayal of a widely under reported blight on society. It's a shame this film hasn't received the attention and acclaim it deserves, as it's fraught with tension throughout, presents in an empathic and sensitive way and is really engaging. Interpersonal violence is still a misunderstood and under resourced issue that hasn't ever been tackled effectively, certainly not in the uk. We are losing 3 women and 2 children a week to their perpetrators, yet are losing shelters every month that could save lives. Films like this explore the possibility of a world where it could be different.

Got the gist, but...

[Australian1 · 6/10 · 30 March 2019]

The director or story teller wasted an opportunity. The movie is almost boring. I am a man and I feel for these women who are trapped in a situation of abuse both physical and mental. Making a movie where one has no concept of timeline is very annoying, back forth, somewhere in between, no info on what has transpired. I expected some more order to the story and some visual at least of the names and texts this Sadie was getting. It could have been so much better and the ratings, I gave it more than it deserved in cinematic sense, it could have been a movie which sent a strong message and be viewed by many adults, those in a bad place and those who are oblivious to these horror relationships. It's a sad part of our society in almost any country that women have to be treated with such low respect, low value, feel like less than an animal, a possession.... I have read much and I sometime wish I could have been a Vigilante who brought justice for these mistreated women....

Boring and Unbelievable, but Olivia Wilde acts her rear off

[jordan2240 · 4/10 · 16 August 2019]

Not a unique premise, but one that could certainly make for an entertaining action flick. Unfortunately, they show very little action, and we're left to believe that a little girl who does some work on a heavy bag can take down pretty much anyone she wants, with no weapons other than her bare hands. Certainly, Ms. Wilde was exhausted after every scene from the level of emotion she had to display throughout the film, so perhaps adding in some physical action would have been too much, but unfortunately, simply showing her emote for the length of the film makes for a pretty boring viewing experience. Seems like they were basically trying to copy parts of 'Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' without any of the action. Not a great idea.

interesting but

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 9 August 2019]

Sadie (Olivia Wilde) is a survivalist and a vigilante. She survived abuse and comes to the aid of the abused. She leaves behind her number which is passed around to other abuse victims.

Olivia Wilde delivers a loud performance but not in words. This needs words. This needs some expositions. There is a turn in the middle which is a little confused. All in all, it's an interesting movie but a little muddled in its execution.

Dropped the ball

[HonestIndyReviewer · 10 April 2019]

Oh man, could've been something good but my opinion, way too many close ups and way too many "holding on the action" scenes. I had to fast forward the rest half way in. Acting is good and Olivia was solid in this. Everything else was just meh. You can't please everyone.

Great film for what it is

[namstonk · 7/10 · 8 January 2021]

Olivia Wilde is excellent and the supporting cast are spot on. Direction, score and dialogue all work exceedingly well. I'm surprised at the low rating, one assumes the subject matter is not for the masses. Yes the tales, anguish etc are harrowing and you feel for them as any sane minded person would. However this is still a tale of fiction and does feel so in places, if our heroine had used more obvious means of correction then the story would have been more effective.

Tries to be Intense but falls Flat

[skip-98756 · 3/10 · 30 March 2019]

I can imagine that women who have been through abuse would rate this movie higher, but as a male viewer i found the movie to be too slow,and preachy and really devoid of literally any action whatsoever.. there are some moments that build in intensity but it goes nowhere..The movie tires to show the lead as a woman who has developed the skills needed to deliver justice to the abusers of others, but reading a krav maga book and standing in front of a heavy bag just hitting it while standing in place is NOT going to develop such skills..This is plainly evident ,the moment she has to deliver justice, we arent shown her doing it...the reason for this is she hasnt the training, either as the character in the movie, nor as an actress who has trained for the role...its painfully lacking and so the director simply leaves such scenes out...when she has to face her husband , she is easily overwhelmed despite her training...as someone else has commented , she is no "peppermint" nor is she atomic blonde.... was the story interesting? Yes ,enough so that i watched till the end, only fastforwarding thru a few preachy moments that just dragged on and on...it had Atmosphere and I could see how women who had been thru this would empathize and really connect with the character..that part of the story came across well, but those looking for a dark,avenging ,angel type of story with a kickass lead are going to be seriously disappointed....

Great movie could have been better

[carlos-pires · 7/10 · 31 March 2019]

Yes, it a bit slow at times. Yes, there a couple of times we are treated to a bit of Olivia's overacting. She's a great actress, so I don't know why she sometimes falls prey to the desire of overacting. But still this is a great movie. Great restraint and aesthetic sense in direction shows the director is a fan of Anton Corbjin and Peter Greenaway. She manages to pull off great shots and sequences. However, I would say that the style doesn't favour a balance with the overall theme nor with the story arc and ends up kind of hurting the pacing, making for what some of the audience might see as boring movie. I did not think so, but I can see clearly that if you come to this movie expecting an action/revenge flick, then you will be a bit disappointed. The anamnesis in the middle of the movie might also be confusing for some people, though it is very well accomplished and perfectly intelligible to real cinema enthusiasts. Bottom line: this is not a mainstream movie, but it is a powerful take on a very concerning subject and a very well accomplished piece of cinema with a coherent and creative aesthetic, supported by solid acting from all of the cast.

Very bad script and terrible editing!!!

[li0904426 · 4/10 · 23 July 2022]

"The Vigilante" starts with a secure theme and then derails into a nonsensical thriller horror movie. The script is very bad and the editing is even worse, we have a sense that the plot is lost in time and space. The only thing good is Olivia Wilde as Sadie but one still wonders why she accepted to be the producer and actress of this film.

Not recommended!!!

Empowers women

[macfaefan · 7/10 · 4 April 2019]

Low dialogue but you know whats going on. I think Wilde did a top job on the beaten down women and the nothing to lose strong women. This movie was not a fluff piece but something that happens everyday in real life. Good acting.

Worst nightmare for those intent on suppressing women.

[uscmd · 4/10 · 21 August 2019]

An incredibly powerful, and timely subject.

That said, after 20 minutes or so, it became painfully redundant. Mercifully fast forward was not blocked. There was about 30 minutes of lint rolling. On top of that there were glaring plot inconsistencies. Worse yet, a predictable course for the movie to run.

Powerful subject, deserved better

Jaw dropping performance by Olivia Wilde

[carolrubi · 9/10 · 31 March 2019]

When came upon this film I didn't expect Wilde's mind-blowing performance. Her portrayal of Sadie, a domestic abuse survivor, was so raw and vulnerable but at the same time incredibly powerful. It truly showed the truth behind the saying, you don't know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have. Dagger managed to capture moments that didn't stay far away from reality. It showed real and true emotion.

Olivia Wilde's Best Performance

[MinistryofDoom · 7/10 · 21 January 2021]

Olivia Wilde kicks ass in this movie. Plain and Simple. She does such a fantastic job; in fact, through this film she really changed my perception of her as an actress. I'm so used to seeing her in Rom-Coms, that at first, it seemed strange to me to see her in this serious dramatic role. She plays a hardened domestic abuse victim who has suffered tremendous loss and has swore to support other victims by any means necessary. She's sort of like The Punisher or The Equalizer, but without the cartoony super skills. She's not a living weapon with super fast reactions or Bruce Lee martial arts skills. If she punches something, she might break her knuckles. She bleeds. She feels pain. She's not impervious to anything, but she is determined in her mission. Overall the story is great. No complaints whatsoever. The violence is REALISTIC....for the most part. Except for that one part with the razor. You'll know what I'm talking about if you've seen it. I never felt lost or confused. Her character is so well-developed that she just strikes a chord with the viewers. In this day and age, her story is relatable. It's real life. People are actually living like this and experiencing these things. Her weakness is that her heart is too big. She doesn't want others to suffer like she has, and she goes to great lengths to relieve them of their pain sometimes to her own detriment. While her crusade is a noble one, she seeks to resolve her own issues by zeroing in on the source of her suffering and achieving her own brand of closure. In this regard, the film is both inspiring and utterly tragic and sad. There is no good to come out of the film. It's not an uplifting or inspiring tale but rather a study of the gross reality of domestic violence and its consequences on all those involved: the perpetrators, the victims, and their families.

You're not going to come out of this film throwing your fist into the air, and feeling triumphant. This isn't that kind of film. However, it's a very important story to tell, because it casts light on the suffering that we often overlook or ignore in this world. So if you're looking for a superhero-like revenge thriller, go watch something else. If you want a realistic character driven drama about the devastating consequences of domestic violence, a gritty slice of reality, consider watching A Vigilante.

Great Subject Matter HORRIBLE Movie

[dreimer-74068 · 1/10 · 15 June 2020]

There needs to be more movies of this nature to illustrate abuse and domestic abuse.

But this movie, wow. What a horrible movie. Poorly scripted, no point in half the clips and possibly the worst videography I've ever seen.

Do not waste your time with this movie. It amazes me it has a 5.7 on IMDB.

Excellent

[kathmummybear · 7/10 · 20 October 2019]

I don't understand the bad reviews ?! the only thing I can think is that they've been written by people who have never been in a position of abuse or witnessed a friend or family member have their life stripped bare by an abusive partner or loved one ?or have they been written by an abuser or bully themselves ?. This is NOT a film about revenge it's about a woman who's only reason to live is to save others who still have a chance to get out save themselves and their children .This film is heartbreaking well acted you feel the total isolation that abuse causes