By Romey Norton - October 9, 2024
Revenge of the Gwelio is the 2020 action-thriller indie film by Australian director and actor Nathan Hill. In this dramatic thriller, ex-cop Joseph Lucky goes on a revenge rampage to take down the triad who has brutally killed his fiancé. The film is available to watch on Prime Video, and Plex.
As an independent film, Revenge of the Gwelio fits into the drama-action genre well. The film is filled with fights, sex and a thirst for revenge - but don’t expect too much, it is just an average Kung-Fu revenge flick.
If you’ve not watched anything by or starring Nathan Hill before, I say go into the film knowing that it doesn’t take itself too seriously, you’re here to have fun and be entertained, and you’ll love his style. It can come across as cheesy, and you might be shouting at how god-awful some bits are, but what I will always respect is how the cast is confident and committed to the craft.
This is why the acting is compelling, (probably the best I’ve seen from Hill’s films). Hill does a nice job at portraying a grief-stricken man out for revenge. Mary Annegeline is a strong actress, and gives a solid performance, and their sex scene is something else. Tritia DeViSha plays Ishtar, the film’s chief antagonist, and through her acting can be quite intimidating. I’m all for a female baddie - I just wish they’d given her more direction and a stronger character arc to make her truly menacing.
The fight scenes can be quite awkward and at times, laughable, but then they bring intensity and suspense to the film. There are some slow sections where you’re waiting for something to happen, so the film could have done with adding more fight scenes. More action, and less talking about how shaken his life is.
There are some great shots, and use of colour, which make the film pop. The costumes/wardrobe is also very eye-catching and impressive. Lucky wears a jacket similar to the one worn by Ryan Gosling’s character in Drive - it’s just a shame we don’t get him driving off in that fancy car.
The script could have used some work and maybe a little more research. They’re stepping into Asian territories, and whilst there are references, they’re classic stereotypical tropes which might feel outdated and offensive. Even in the title, “Gweilo” is a Cantonese word often used for foreigners. The dialogue could have been better - it needs a stronger script to really get into the mind of Lucky.
Over-all, Revenge of the Gwelio is a fun, at times stupid, decently acted action film. It’s something you can watch with your friends on a Saturday night whilst drinking and playing games. Especially if you enjoy cheesy, almost bad, but entertaining films.
Revenge of the Gwelio is available to watch on Prime Video or Plex
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