Director: Pierre Morel
Writer: Chad St. John
Stars: Jennifer Garner, John Gallagher Jr., John Ortiz 

Five years have passed since Riley North (Jennifer Garner) endured the tragic loss of her husband and daughter in a mindless act of violence. Now, she resurfaces from her self-imposed exile, driven by an unquenchable thirst for revenge against those responsible, as well as the system that allowed them to escape justice.

In my perspective, “Peppermint” is a gratifying 101-minute action and revenge film that surprisingly garnered a few negative reviews before I ventured to see it on its first day in the UK. While not without its flaws, if you’re a fan of the “Death Wish” or “Punisher” narrative, you’re likely to derive enjoyment from this movie. One potential drawback for some viewers might be the underdeveloped villains, who essentially embody the archetype of ‘bad guys.’ I understand that today’s audiences often seek the intricate workings of both heroes and villains, but here, the focus is more on Riley North’s point of view. I, personally, had no qualms with this approach, as I believe the story needed to showcase her pain and character evolution.

Jennifer Garner’s portrayal of Riley North is nothing short of fantastic. The first 30 minutes meticulously construct her character as a devoted mother and wife, establishing the importance of the relationships between Garner, Jeff Hephner as Chris North, and Cailey Fleming as Carly North. These relationships are crucial to making the audience feel the magnitude of Riley’s loss and to evoke sympathy for her character, as well as to accept the dramatic transformation she undergoes. Jennifer Garner’s metamorphosis is executed brilliantly. If you’re familiar with the plot or have watched a fair share of vigilante films, the transformation may not come as a surprise, but it’s how the character is written and how Garner brings it to life that truly shines. Riley North has lost everything, betrayed by the justice system, and this backstory sets the stage for her relentless pursuit of justice, showcasing her impressive skills and tactics.

The relationship between John Gallagher Jr.’s Detective Stan Carmichael and John Ortiz’s Detective Moises Beltran is another aspect of the film that I would have liked to see further developed. As partners, their connection feels somewhat forced, with little depth to their relationship. John Gallagher Jr. is a formidable actor, and I fondly remember his role as Emmett in “10 Cloverfield Lane” in 2016. His portrayal of Carmichael reflects a good cop constrained by fear of the Cartel and the repercussions of challenging them, a theme touched upon early in the film. Ortiz, another talented actor, seemingly plays second fiddle to Gallagher Jr.’s character. Without delving into spoilers, I’ll only say that these characters are not what they initially appear to be.

I was pleased to see Pierre Morel directing this film, given my appreciation for his directorial style in “Taken.” The French director adeptly blends action with concise dialogue and emotion without over-dramatizing scenes. The opening scene depicting the husband and daughter’s murder is swift and effective in conveying the narrative. While some might argue it lacked emotional depth, I found it to be an appropriate choice from a storytelling standpoint. The audience understands that they are dead, killed in front of the mother and wife, and a prolonged emotional montage wasn’t necessary at this stage. Moments of grief and remembrance are woven into the narrative at suitable intervals throughout the film, and Morel’s direction strikes a fine balance between maintaining pacing and capturing the essence of these moments.

In conclusion, “Peppermint” stands as a solid film. Jennifer Garner delivers a remarkable performance, and it’s refreshing to see her take the lead in a film of this genre. Throughout the story, her character’s range of emotions is palpable and constitutes the film’s strongest element. The pacing is dynamic, and the action sequences are executed effectively thanks to Morel’s direction. While the villains may seem somewhat one-dimensional if scrutinized, it doesn’t significantly detract from the overall experience, given the thorough development of the protagonist, Riley. “Peppermint” comes recommended for those seeking an engaging action and revenge narrative.

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