Avengement

Avengement is a 2019 British action thriller film that tells the story of Mark "Lefty" Lamb (played by Ross McCall), a lowly but skilled criminal who has been locked up for a string of violent robberies. Lamb is known for his cunning and unapologetic attitude throughout his time in prison. With his impending release date looming, he is granted a brief furlough, a period of temporary leave, to attend to his personal affairs. During this time, Lamb carefully escapes from his guards and returns to his old neighborhood, a place where he has left a trail of blood and chaos in his wake. His goal is to seek revenge on the people who had wronged him in the past, turning him into the cold-blooded killer he is today. The film takes its title from the word "avengement," which is not commonly used in modern English language. However, the context in which it appears, referring to Lamb's desire for revenge, suggests that the filmmakers drew inspiration from Shakespeare's play, "The Revenger's Tragedy," which features a similar plot. Lamb's quest for revenge is not driven by a sense of injustice or a need for closure but rather by his own twisted desire for validation and a desire to inflict pain on those who he perceives as having wronged him. His actions are calculated and ruthless, with each new victim suffering a brutal and merciless fate. Upon his return to the streets, Lamb encounters various characters from his past, some of whom are still reeling from the trauma he had inflicted upon them. His actions serve as a reminder that his victims have not forgotten their experiences and are still haunted by the memories of his brutality. One of the key targets on his list is a young gangster, known as Smiley (played by Andrew Hawley), who was a key player in the robbery that led to Lamb's imprisonment. Smiley's cocky demeanor and perceived betrayal of Lamb serves as a catalyst for his descent into madness and a desperate bid for revenge. As Lamb navigates the familiar streets, he is confronted by his own demons, including the possibility of reuniting with his lost love, Emma (played by Angela Dixon), who was once a love interest before he turned to a life of crime. Her return serves as a poignant reminder of Lamb's lost humanity and the choices that led him down a path of violence and destruction. The film's narrative is driven by Lamb's single-minded pursuit of revenge, which serves as a catalyst for the unfolding events. Each new victim adds to the growing sense of chaos and disorder, mirroring Lamb's own downward spiral into madness and despair. Throughout the film, the cinematography and direction effectively convey the gritty and unforgiving world in which Lamb operates. The bleak landscapes and dingy, run-down buildings serve to underscore the desolate and hopeless atmosphere that pervades the narrative. In the climactic final act, Lamb's actions become increasingly erratic and violent, culminating in a final confrontation with Smiley and his associates. The film's conclusion serves as a commentary on the cyclical nature of violence and the destructive power of unchecked revenge. Avengement offers a gripping and intense portrayal of a man consumed by his own desire for revenge, with the action unfolding like a Shakespearean drama set in modern-day Britain. Through the character of Mark "Lefty" Lamb, the film raises questions about the consequences of a life of violence and the devastating impact it can have on those who are caught in the crossfire. Ultimately, the film serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of revenge and the devastating consequences that can arise when unchecked passions and desires are allowed to consume us.