Do Revenge

Inside the Darkly Playful World of Do Revenge

Netflix’s Do Revenge (2022) is a glossy, revenge-fueled black comedy that blends high school drama with a wink to classic teen movies. Directed and co-written by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, the film stars Camila Mendes and Maya Hawke as two unlikely allies who team up to settle scores with their respective tormentors. But behind the stylish veneer and sharp dialogue, latestnetflix.com argues, the production had its own share of playful energy—and a few deliberate creative choices that set it apart from typical teen fare.

A Director’s Vision: Revenge with a Feminist Twist

Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, known for her work on Someone Great and Sweet/Vicious, brought a distinct voice to Do Revenge. The film’s darkly comedic tone and subversive take on teen revenge tropes were intentional, with Robinson crafting a villain who doubles as a "performative-feminist man-child" . This choice wasn’t just for laughs—it reflected a broader commentary on how even well-meaning allies can weaponize social justice rhetoric for personal gain. The director’s approach leaned into satire, making the film’s over-the-top scenarios feel both absurd and pointed.

Robinson’s involvement extended beyond the script. She co-wrote the film and helmed its vibrant, candy-colored aesthetic, which contrasted sharply with its cutthroat themes. The result was a movie that felt like a love letter to 90s teen classics (think Clueless meets Cruel Intentions) but with a modern, Gen Z edge .

Cast Chemistry: From Script to Screen

The dynamic between Camila Mendes (Riverdale) and Maya Hawke (Stranger Things) was central to Do Revenge’s appeal. Their characters, Drea and Eleanor, start as strangers but form a fast friendship built on mutual vengeance. Off-screen, the cast’s chemistry was just as electric. Behind-the-scenes clips and interviews revealed a playful, tight-knit group, with Mendes and Hawke often gushing over each other’s performances .

• Mendes’ Fashion Obsession: In a Netflix featurette, Mendes broke down Drea’s bold, Y2K-inspired wardrobe, calling it a "visual representation of her confidence and chaos" . The looks—think mini skirts, chunky jewelry, and statement sunglasses—were as much a character as Drea herself.
• Hawke’s Quiet Intensity: Hawke’s Eleanor, the new girl with a mysterious past, brought a quieter, more calculated energy to the film. Her performance balanced vulnerability with razor-sharp wit, making her revenge schemes all the more satisfying.
• Supporting Cast Shine: The ensemble—including Rish Shah, Austin Abrams, and a scene-stealing Sarah Michelle Gellar—added depth to the film’s high school hierarchy. Gellar, in particular, embraced her role as the school’s ruthless headmaster with campy relish, a nod to her iconic Cruel Intentions past .

Behind the Scenes: Fun, ASMR, and Trailer Hype

The promotional push for Do Revenge leaned into the film’s playful, meta tone. Netflix released a series of behind-the-scenes clips that highlighted the cast’s camaraderie, including an ASMR-style video where Mendes and Hawke whispered about revenge fantasies . The trailer, too, was a masterclass in teasing the film’s dark humor and over-the-top drama, with quick cuts of betrayals, makeovers, and a killer pool party showdown .

One standout moment came when the cast played a game of "superlatives" in a Netflix featurette, revealing their on-set dynamics. Hawke jokingly called Mendes "most likely to start a cult," while Abrams admitted he was "most likely to be the villain’s henchman" . These lighthearted moments underscored the film’s balance of humor and menace.

The Verdict: Style Over Substance?

Critically, Do Revenge received mixed reviews. While some praised its stylish execution and sharp performances, others found its plot convoluted or its satire uneven. On SensCritique, the film holds a 5.3/10 rating, with viewers noting its visual flair but questioning its depth . Still, its cult following has grown, thanks in part to its unapologetic embrace of camp and its nostalgic nods to teen revenge classics.

For fans of dark comedies and high school drama, Do Revenge delivers exactly what it promises: a deliciously wicked ride with two leads who make revenge look way too fun.