In his feature film directorial debut, B.J. Novak has penned a rich, dark comedy that explores myth, misunderstandings and murder. VENGEANCE, from Focus Features and Blumhouse Productions has been recognized as an AMC Artisan Film for its original story that balances comedy with an investigative eye on the American society and culture that will spark conversation from a cast of layered and complex characters.
AMC Artisan Films is a curated gallery that encompasses a broad range of themes, styles and genres. Though films within the banner may be vastly different from each other, they all have one thing in common: they advance the art of making movies. Here are the reasons why VENGEANCE has received our seal and we encourage you to experience it at an AMC theatre near you.
Pushes Boundaries and Sparks Conversation
There are several factors we consider before we recognize a film as an AMC Artisan Film, in the case of VENGEANCE B.J. Novak delivers a story that is innovative, fresh and insightful that will spark conversation about misconception and understanding. Novak plays Ben Manalowitz, an aspiring reporter and podcaster in search of his breakthrough story, when he unexpectedly receives a phone call from the brother of a woman he’d been hooking up, who informs him that she was discovered dead. Traveling from New York to West Texas, the over-confident, fish-out-of-water Ben quickly discovers that he is in over his head attempting to navigate a wildly unfamiliar culture and the deceased woman’s eccentric family. As Ben confronts his own shortcomings and preconceptions, he’s also drawn into an ill-considered plot to avenge her death in this true-crime tale.
Brings a Unique Vision and Perspective
Novak and cinematographer Lyn Moncrief create a striking vision when we first meet Ben, living in his flashy, fast-paced New York lifestyle compared to the barren, empty West Texas landscape. Although the desolate plains of Texas may appear empty, you will discover with Ben during his investigation, that not only is everything bigger in Texas, it is also more layered and complex. With a film centered around one character, VENGEANCE utilizes a unique perspective and focus that immerses you into the awkward and uncomfortable moments as Ben investigates while opening the door and inviting you into the eccentric family's home.
Stretches Actors Outside Their Comfort Zones
Even though the film is centered around Novak’s character Ben, it is the performances from Ashton Kutcher and Boyd Holbrook that will resonate with you. In VENGEANCE, we get to experience the actors in different roles than we have become accustomed to seeing them portray on the big and small screen. different ends of the spectrum, the characters push Ben to look deep inside himself to discover his true intentions and purpose in life. Kutcher's performance as the methodical and Zen-like music producer Quentin Sellers, can be described as the soothing, calm before the storm. While Holbrook, who is the wild, funny conspiracy-theorist Ty Shaw, is the tornado whirling around Ben during his investigation.
Unites Acclaimed Casts
In addition to Kutcher and Boyd Holbrook, the Emmy Award®-nominee B.J. Novak is surrounded by an ensemble cast that includes Issa Rae as podcast producer Eloise and Lio Tipton as the mysterious, deceased Abilene Shaw. The group of actors playing Abiline's family includes, J. Smith Cameron as the accepting mother. Isabella Amara and Dove Cameron play the wild and outspoken sisters, Paris and Jasmine.
Find the story, before it finds you. Get your tickets now and see VENGEANCE from Focus Features and Blumhouse Productions, opening July 29th at an AMC theatre near you.
VENGEANCE | AMC Artisan Film
