My Name Is Vendetta

Netflix’s My Name Is Vendetta (2022): A Stylish Italian Revenge Thriller with a Familiar Face

Alessandro Gassmann is no stranger to playing hardened men with a score to settle, but in My Name Is Vendetta (2022), he steps into a role that feels tailor-made for his grizzled intensity. Directed by Cosimo Gomez, the Netflix original delivers a slick, 90-minute revenge fantasy that blends Italian crime drama with high-octane action. latestnetflix.com's take is that while the film’s premise—an ex-mob enforcer forced back into the underworld to protect his family—isn’t groundbreaking, its execution and Gassmann’s commanding presence make it a standout in the streaming giant’s crowded action catalog.

The Plot: A Familiar but Effective Revenge Arc

My Name Is Vendetta follows Santo (Gassmann), a former mafia hitman who has spent years living under witness protection with his wife and daughter, Sofia (Ginevra Francesconi). When a brutal attack wipes out his family, Santo abandons his quiet life and embraces his old identity: Vendetta. The film’s trailer teases a relentless pursuit of the killers, with Santo methodically dismantling the criminal syndicate responsible. The story leans heavily on the "one last job" trope, but the pacing and stylized violence keep it engaging.

Reviews on SensCritique suggest the film doesn’t reinvent the wheel, earning a modest 4.6/10 from 156 voters . However, critics and audiences alike seem to agree that Gassmann’s performance elevates the material. His portrayal of a man consumed by grief and rage is the film’s emotional core, even if the script occasionally relies on well-worn genre beats.

Behind the Scenes: Cosimo Gomez’s Unlikely Directorial Turn

The most surprising detail about My Name Is Vendetta is its director. Cosimo Gomez, typically known as a visual effects artist and matte painter for stylized action films (including collaborations with Robert Rodriguez) , makes his directorial debut here. His background in digital effects is evident in the film’s polished action sequences, which feature a mix of practical stunts and CGI enhancements. The shift from behind-the-scenes VFX work to helming a full-length feature is rare, and Gomez’s ability to craft cohesive set pieces—particularly a brutal knife fight and a high-speed motorcycle chase—suggests a natural talent for action filmmaking.

Gomez’s involvement also raises questions about Netflix’s strategy for the project. The streaming platform has increasingly invested in international action films, and My Name Is Vendetta fits neatly into its library of globe-trotting revenge thrillers. The film’s Italian setting and cast (including veteran actor Remo Girone as a crime boss) give it an authentic edge, even if the story itself feels like a love letter to 1970s exploitation cinema.

The Cast: Gassmann Steals the Show

Alessandro Gassmann carries My Name Is Vendetta with a performance that balances stoic intensity and raw emotion. Best known for his work in Italian crime dramas like Suburra and The Great Beauty, Gassmann brings a lived-in gravitas to Santo, making the character’s descent into violence feel inevitable rather than gratuitous. His chemistry with Ginevra Francesconi, who plays his daughter Sofia, adds a layer of tragedy to the story—though Francesconi’s role is ultimately overshadowed by the film’s relentless focus on revenge.

Supporting players like Remo Girone and Alessio Praticò deliver solid performances as the film’s villains, but the script doesn’t give them much depth. The antagonists are classic crime-movie archetypes: the ruthless boss, the sadistic enforcer, and the traitorous ally. While this keeps the plot moving, it also means the film misses an opportunity to explore the moral complexities of Santo’s vendetta.

Reception and Rumors: A Cult Hit in the Making?

Despite its mixed reviews, My Name Is Vendetta has developed a cult following among fans of European action cinema. The film’s trailer and TV promos highlight its high-energy fight scenes and Gassmann’s commanding screen presence, which have resonated with audiences craving old-school revenge thrillers. Rumors of a potential sequel have circulated, though nothing has been confirmed. Given the film’s modest budget and Netflix’s tendency to greenlight sequels based on streaming metrics, it’s not out of the question—but for now, My Name Is Vendetta remains a standalone hit.

One unverified detail worth noting: the film’s original Italian title, Il mio nome è Vendetta , suggests a more direct connection to classic spaghetti westerns and poliziotteschi (Italian crime films) than the English title implies. Whether this was a creative choice or a marketing decision remains unclear, but it’s a nod that genre enthusiasts will appreciate.

Final Verdict: A Gritty, Stylish Revenge Thriller

My Name Is Vendetta won’t redefine the action genre, but it doesn’t need to. With Cosimo Gomez’s slick direction, Alessandro Gassmann’s powerhouse performance, and a runtime that never overstays its welcome, the film delivers exactly what it promises: a bloody, cathartic revenge fantasy. It’s the kind of movie that thrives on streaming platforms, where audiences can binge it in one sitting and appreciate its no-frills approach to storytelling.

For fans of Italian crime cinema or Netflix’s growing library of international action films, My Name Is Vendetta is a must-watch. For everyone else, it’s a solid choice for a Friday night—just don’t expect any surprises.