While high school coming-of-age movies tend to seem overdone in the film industry, Netflix’s new, highly anticipated original movie, “Do Revenge”, puts an entertaining and thrilling twist on this archetype. Released on September 16, 2022, “Do Revenge” features a variety of actors from popular teen television shows. Camila Mendes, who stars in “Riverdale”, Maya Hawke, who is known for her role in “Stranger Things”, Austin Abrams, who acts in “Euphoria”, Alisha Boe from “13 Reasons Why”, and Jonathan Daviss from “Outer Banks” all appear in this film. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson directs the movie while paying homage to the many teenage-centric comedy predecessors.

Mendes stars as Drea, the popular student with big dreams of going to Yale. Drea’s high status crumbles when her boyfriend Max, played by Abrams, leaks a private video of her. This scandal causes Drea to lose her friends, but eventually, she meets Eleanor, who Hawke portrays. Drea and Eleanor quickly bond, and Eleanor even opens up about the time she was outed as a lesbian at summer camp to empathize with Drea about feeling like an outcast. Bonding over their mutual feeling of betrayal, the pair decides to team up and seek revenge on those who wronged them.

Robinson masterfully balances humor and friendship with valuable lessons and drama. Audiences have the pleasure of seeing the unlikely companionship of Drea and Eleanor progress, connecting over their similar trauma through many twists and turns. Their friendship instills the idea in viewers that it is harmful to hold on to negativity from the past. Robinson teaches that one needs to let go of former pain and forgive to find happiness.

“Do Revenge” uses fashion to evoke nostalgia and provide a pleasing aesthetic to audiences. This film’s costume designer, Alana Morshead, includes pastel colors, plaid patterns, bold jewelry, and fun patterns, communicating a lighthearted tone and channeling popular fashion trends throughout the 90s and 2000s. Many of Drea’s outfits are reminiscent of the fashion in “Clueless” and “Mean Girls.”

To progress the storytelling, Robinson worked with Music Supervisor, Rob Lowry, to carefully choose the perfect songs. “Do Revenge” includes songs by artists that are currently well-known in the music industry, such as “For The Girls” by Hayley Kiyoko, “Brutal” by Olivia Rodrigo, and “Happier Than Ever” by Billie Eilish to connect with younger audiences and allow the movie to feel fresh. However, to also incorporate some of the 90s and 2000s influence that is present in the fashion, Lowry added “Praise You” by Fatboy Slim, “Celebrity Skin” by Hole, and “How’s It’s Going To Be” by Third Eye Blind.

“Do Revenge” triggers immense nostalgia through its references to iconic films, fashion, and music while keeping the film new and youthful through the cast and soundtrack. Robinson’s unique take on this classic film genre classifies this movie as a must-watch.