WFG RATING: A-

Vertigo Releasing presents a Cork Films production in association with Ashland Hill Media Finance and Lip Sync Inc. Directed by Neil Marshall. Produced by Emily Corcoran and Kristyna Sellnerova. Written by Neil Marshall and Charlotte Kirk. Cinematography by Simon Rowling. Edited by Neil Marshall and Adam Trotman.

Stars Charlotte Kirk, Philip Winchester, Colin Egglesfield, Colm Meaney, Stephanie Beecham, Sean Pertwee, Hoji Fortuna, Ivan Hermes, Harvey Dean, Mellissa Laycy, and David Chevers. 

A woman’s attempt at a new life ends up becoming a fight for survival in the latest film from Neil Marshall.

Scarlett Monaghan is a young woman who came from a broken home. She gets a job as a club girl and is given the nickname “Duchess” from the man who saved her life. However, he hasn’t been exactly treating her right and she has longed wanting to leave. That day finally comes when she meets Rob, an American ex-patriot who works in various spots around the world with his buddies Danny and Baraka. Rob is involved in the diamond smuggling trade and despite what he does, he remains loyal to Duchess, giving her the finest things in life.

It goes as far as when Rob introduces Duchess to his boss, Charlie. When Rob and his boys get into some trouble involving Santiago, a crime lord, Duchess is forced to watch Rob be tortured until he is killed by Santiago’s goons in the desert. Having lost the one person who meant the world to her, Duchess becomes fueled by rage and vengeance. With the full support of Charlie, Duchess gears up for action and sets out to destroy those who stand in her way.

When you hear the name “Neil Marshall”, you know you’re going to be in for a surprise. His horror films Dog Soldiers and The Descent have been hailed as modern horror classics amongst fans of the genre. This time, he delves into the gangster action-drama and together with lead actress Charlotte Kirk, crafted what starts out as a bit of a slow burn thriller that in the third act, unleashes a punch (or two, okay, more than that) to the gut.

Kirk is brilliant in the titular role as we see her go from petty thief to avenging warrior. She also narrates her story, in which we are introduced to those around her. When it comes to Rob, played by Philip Winchester, she is infatuated with him but remains loyal at first to Adam, the man who got her out of her messed up childhood. However, upon seeing Rob in action, it is clear the two have a thing for each other and eventually, their relationship is the crux of the film as we see them together as more than just a tough guy and his moll. He sees the potential in her and clearly sees her as his equal. 

The film has a running time of 113 minutes and it may seem like a lot goes on, and it does. We see Rob and his friends Danny (Gotham’s Sean Pertwee) and Baraka (Hoji Fortuna) constantly attract the ire of rival crime lord Santiago, played by Ivan Hermes. The iconic Stephanie Beacham gives some great support as Charlie, Rob’s boss, who not only supports Duchess’ quest for revenge, but enables her to do so. This leads to some great action where we see Duchess not only unleash some firepower, but show some pretty nifty boxing skills as she goes from underdog (with a sparring scene showing her knocked down constantly) to becoming a force to reckon with, using the environment around her to her advantage. 

There’s a new name for vengeance and her name is Duchess. Charlotte Kirk is aces in this film!

The film will be released in UK theaters on August 9 followed by a Digital release on August 12.